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Your fishing setup varies greatly depending on what and where you will be fishing. For example, you should use thick lines with medium rods if you are going after a massive catfish. But things are way different for trout. And this is the beauty of fishing; it is all about strategy.
Trout have an incredible sense of vision. They can easily see anything in front, above, and behind them! Therefore, you must make sure that everything that holds the bait with the water blends well with the water.
So, what is the best fishing line for trout? Many anglers will give you different answers based on their particular experience. Some people will say that monofilament is the best, while others will defend braid lines to death. For this reason, we bring you some of the best options for each type of line:
- Monofilament: Affordable and fairly visible
- Berkley Trilene XT Monofilament
- KastKing Monofilament
- Braid: Strong but easily visible
- SpiderWire Stealth
- Fluorocarbon: Invisible but expensive
- Seaguar STS Trout/Steelhead
- Stren Fluorocast
- Hybrid: Strong overall
- KastKing FluoroKote
However, there is a catch here that we’ll discuss in a moment. So please, keep scrolling with us for a minute or two as we will talk about each type of line and a few things that you should consider before making any purchase.
Catching Trout: More than a waiting game
The first thing you should know about trout is that they aren’t at the top of the food chain. Thus, they are instinctively wary of their surroundings. As a consequence, they won’t get near something that looks suspicious. Plus, their sharp eyes enable them to spot your line! The result: An extremely elusive fish.
So, to be able to land a trout, you must first deceive it. And what a better way to do it than with a line that mingles with the water? This is the cornerstone of your tactic for trout: A stealth approach with an invisible line.
With this idea in mind, let’s review some of the different lines and how you can use them for trout fishing.
Monofilament: The First Step of Any Angler
Shortly known as mono, it is the universal fishing line. You can use it for a wide range of applications, including trout fishing. Plus, it is quite easy to use.
Monofilament lines are the most flexible of all the options. Hence, it can stretch more than any other type of line, which makes knot tying a hassle-free process.
The downside? It is the less sensible line. Thus, you won’t be able to feel all the movements. And, trout are not known for their notorious bite. As a result, you are quite likely to miss a bite if you are not paying attention. Another drawback is that you can’t set the hook as strongly as with other lines.
Furthermore, monofilament lines have poor abrasion resistance, which means that you must constantly check for peeled sections. Lastly, mono has the highest memory. Thus, castability decreases over time.
So, why should you use monofilament for trout fishing? Well, first of all, it is the cheapest of all lines. So, even though you have to replace it more often than others, you will always have some spare monofilament to do so. Additionally, monofilament is not as visible as braid, and it comes in many different colors that you can match with the water. Lastly, you can use it with all types of rod and reel.
Here we present you a couple of monofilament lines for you.
- Berkley Trilene XT Monofilament
- BERKLEY TRILENE XT: Don't let fish off the hook....
- ENHANCED FIGHTING POWER COMBINATION: This...
- HIGH STRENGTH PER DIAMETER MONOFILAMENT FISHING...
Berkley is a no-brainer decision. It is a reputable brand. Plus, all their products are widely available.
According to Berkly, this extra though monofilament line is 45% more flexible than previous lines. And it has enhanced knot strength and abrasion resistance.
Berkley offers different combinations of strengths and spool lengths (up to 330 yards) for your convenience.
- KastKing Monofilament
- LOW MEMORY – KastKing mono is made with...
- ABRASION RESISTANT – You can now take on a good...
- SUPERIOR CLARITY PLUS COLORS – Rest assure that...
If Berkley is not available, the next best bet is this KastKing monofilament line. It comes in six different colors to choose from, depending on where you will be fishing. Keep in mind that they tend to fade away after some time. Therefore, we suggest going for ice clear.
The KastKing comes with two different spool sizes (300 and 600 yards), and up to 30 pounds of test strength.
Braid: Strength but No Stealth
Braided fishing lines are not the best option for trout fishing. The prime reason is that fish can easily spot it as it doesn’t blend well with the water. And, as we said before, trout have a keen sense of vision. As a result, you have fewer chances of landing them with a braid fishing line.
But not all hope is gone. Braid has some desirable features for trout fishing. For example, it is a superb conduit for vibrations. Additionally, it is the strongest of all lines and has the lowest diameter-to-power ratio. As a result, you will be able to spool more fishing line into the reel and retrieve it faster.
So, how can I still use braid lines without spooking trout? The answer is quite simple; with a leader. This is a small piece of line that you tie to your main line. The type of leader could be different depending on your needs. For example, if you are hunting a toothy fish, you should fix a wire one. But for trout, which is the matter of interest, you should pick either a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader.
The length of the leader changes according to the situation. In this case, we strongly suggest using a leader of at least 6 inches. This way, you will be able to disguise your line and fool that elusive trout.
Let’s review our two favorite lines.
- SpiderWire Stealth
- BERKLEY PROSPEC CHROME LEADER: Boasting the...
- TOURNAMENT CAPTAIN APPROVED: Don't settle for just...
- HIGH STRENGTH PER DIAMETER FLUOROCARBON FISHING...
The SpiderWire stealth is, without a doubt, one of the best braid fishing lines in the market. Its main advantage against the competition is that it blends well with blue or greenish waters. Still, we do recommend adding a fluorocarbon leader.
You can choose between seven different colors and many combinations of spool lengths and strengths. If you want our opinion, we think that translucent and moss green are the best colors.
Fluorocarbon: The Crown Jewel of Trout Fishing
The biggest advantage of fluorocarbon fishing lines is that they are virtually invisible. Therefore, you can make that stealth approach that we were talking about before.
Additionally, fluorocarbon has incredible resistance to abrasion, which means that you can use the same line for a long time. Plus, it has less stretch than monofilament. So, you will be able to feel even the slightest movement and set the hook properly. Still, lines with less stretch tend to break easily. Additionally, inexperienced hands will have a hard time tying knots with fluorocarbon fishing lines.
Another advantage is that fluorocarbon lines have less line memory. Thus, you can cast farther and smoother with them. And, the line is less likely to get tangled. Lastly, it is stronger than monofilament.
However, fluorocarbon lines have a major flaw: its price. Since it is so expensive, most anglers use fluorocarbon as a leader. Braid plus fluorocarbon leader is a powerful combination that many anglers use as an all-purpose setup.
Here you have our picks of the best fluorocarbon fishing lines for trout:
- Seaguar STS Trout/Steelhead
- Sts (Salmon, Trout And Steelhead) Is The First...
- Developed For Fishing Applications Where Strength,...
- Maximum Impact And Knot Strength With Fast Sinking...
Seaguar is a company that has a long history of making outstanding fluorocarbon fishing lines. And the STS is not an exception.
The name STS stands for salmon, trout, and steelhead. It is one of the few target-specific lines you can find in the market.
It is strong, invisible, and abrasion-resistant. Thus, it is perfect for trout fishing. Additionally, it holds knots well. So, you can use it as a leader with confidence. You have a wide range of test strengths to choose from. But all presentations come with only 100 yards of line.
- Stren Fluorocast
- A 100% fluorocarbon that casts and handles like...
- Excellent knot and shock strength
- Virtually invisible for more strikes
Stren Fluorocast is another suitable option for trout fishing. It is slightly cheaper than the previous option and comes in either a 100 o 200 yards presentation with different test strengths. Consequently, you can use this as your main line, which is especially helpful for beginners.
Like all fluorocarbon lines, this one is virtually invisible once it hits the water. And, even though it has no visible stretch, it is a little bit more flexible than other lines of this type.
Hybrid: For Those Looking for a Middle Ground
There is another fairly new type of fishing line known as hybrids. These are a mixture of fluorocarbon and monofilament. So, as you might have guessed. They have some of the distinctive features of each type.
For example, they are as flexible as monofilament. But the fluorocarbon coating makes the line more sensible and makes it hard for fish to spot it. And, it might not be as affordable as a full monofilament line. But it is not as expensive as a 100% fluorocarbon line either.
In conclusion, it is an upgrade from the classic monofilament line with some of the desirable features that fluorocarbon has. Thus, it is a great option to use it for trout fishing, either alone, or as a leader.
- KastKing FluoroKote
- Fluorocarbon Leader Line – KastKing FluoroKote...
- Exceptional Performance – The combination of the...
- Higher Abrasion Resistance - Low Stretch, high...
The KastKing Fluorokote is hands down, the best hybrid fishing line in the market.
It has a low stretch and allows you to feel most movements. Additionally, the fluorocarbon coating grants enough abrasion resistance to handle most situations. But the best thing is its price and the fact that it is virtually invisible! An all-round fishing line.
What is the Best Line Weight for Trout Fishing?
Also known as test strength, it shows how much weight the line can handle before snapping. Naturally, massive and aggressive fishes require heavier lines. Still, this doesn’t mean that you can’t land a large fish with a thin line. But it will be a lot harder for sure, and you must have superior rod skills to have such a chance.
So, to the matter at hand. What is the best fishing line weight for trout? This depends on the type of line. Go with 2 or 4 pounds if you are using mono. With fluorocarbon, you can go up to 10 pounds, which is more than enough for trout fishing.
You can use heavier lines, of course. But remember one thing, the heavier the line, the thicker it gets. Thus, it will be easier for the trout to spot it.
In case you prefer to use braid, you should match the weight of the line with that of the leader. You do nothing picking a heavier main line if your leader can handle the weight.
What is the Best Fishing Line for Stocked Trout?
Stocked trout spend most of their life in captivity. Thus, they feel more comfortable around strange stuff, which means you can get away using a more visible line.
A thicker monofilament or even braid fishing lines will do the trick here. Still, don’t overdo it.
Keep in mind that this won’t work if you are fishing wild trout. In this case, use a line that blends with the water. Preferably fluorocarbon or monofilament lines.
Which is the Best Ice Fishing Line for Trout?
Ice fishing is the harsher fishing any angler can practice. First, it is cold. Thus, your finger will get numb, making things harder.
Additionally, fishing from the ice involves no casting. Thus, the only thing that you must do is to drop the line and let it sink through the hole. So, any trout will have enough time, and space, to see the wait and what is holding it.
Lastly, as you are fishing through a hole, the line is likely to get in contact with the sharp edges of the ice. Thus, using a line that is resistant to abrasion is a smart move. Ice fishing is the harsher fishing any angler can practice. First, it is cold. Thus, your finger will get numb, making things harder. Furthermore, the line gets stiff, which makes it more fragile.
Additionally, fishing from the ice involves no casting. Thus, the only thing that you must do is to drop the line and let it sink through the hole. So, any trout will have enough time, and space, to see the wait and what is holding it.
Some brands even have special lines for ice fishing, such as the Berkley Trilene Micro Ice Fishing.
- BERKLEY TRILENE MICRO ICE: Don't let fish off the...
- PREMIUM ICE FISHING CHOICE: Win battles with big...
- HIGH STRENGTH PER DIAMETER MONOFILAMENT FISHING...
What is the Best Trolling Line for Trout?
Trolling requires additional strength on the line. So, if you are fishing for a 4-pound fish, you should use a line that can handle both the fish and the drag. In other words, go with a line with at least 10 pounds of breaking strength.
You can bump up the limits we previously set on the weight section. For example, you can comfortably use a 12-pound line while trolling for trout.
Some Things You Should Consider
Now you have several suitable options for trout fishing. Still, we didn’t provide you with the one line for any situation. And the reason is that there is no such thing as the perfect line. Each one has its pros and cons. Thus, everything depends on your needs.
Following that train of thoughts, we have developed some important points that you should take into consideration.
The Color Matters
If you have read through this point, you should know by now that trout can see the line. Thus, make sure that it blends well with the surroundings.
What do we mean with this? Well, it is quite simple. Don’t use yellow or pink lines if you are fishing on crystal clear water.
Additionally, if you are using mono, try to use clear, light blue, or greenish colors. Of course, which one you should use depends on the color of the water.
The line color doesn’t matter so much if you are trolling for trout, or targeting them within the weeds.
How Much Fishing Line Should I Spool in the Reel?
trout don’t require too much line. Still, we recommend checking the reel beforehand. There, you can see how much fishing line you can spool depending on its weight. So, spool the reel accordingly, and it should be more than enough for trout fishing.
Know Your Rig and Your Prey
trout get spooked easily, and that’s what makes trout fishing so challenging. So, to have any chance of getting one, you must make sure to approach them with care. This means, low-vis line, small hooks, long casting, and, of course, no sudden moves.
In the case of lines, we recommend using fluorocarbon lines such as Seaguar STS and Stren Fluorocast. Both of them are virtually invisible under the water, which is perfect to counterbalance the sharp eyes that trout have.
However, fluorocarbon lines are quite expensive. Additionally, some anglers like to target several fishes with the same line setup. So, for this case, we recommend using braid as the main line with a long fluorocarbon leader.
Alternatively, monofilament and hybrid lines are other options. The first option is cheaper but a little more visible than the second. Therefore, we recommend matching the line color to that of the water. In our opinion, both the Berkley Trilene XT and KastKing Monofilament are great monofilament fishing lines for trout.
In the case you would like to go for a hybrid fishing line, we blindly recommend the KastKing FluoroKote. It is the best hybrid fishing line, and you can use it as a cheaper solution to fluorocarbon lines.
