Braid or Nylon: which line to choose for lure fishing?

Braid or Nylon? We often see this question come up on forums when it comes to lure fishing. Unfortunately, we realize that the answers offered are often contradictory. So we wanted to do the exercise so that you can direct your choice between a braid or a nylon.

Braid or Nylon? The truth lies elsewhere

As a preamble to any advice, know that the choice of your line will first and foremost be determined by your type of fishing, the type of lure you use or the fish you target. So there is no general truth. These are more fisherman's preferences, or even received ideas. This is why a person wishing to distinguish between nylon or braid often leaves with more questions than when he arrived.

Our fishery diversity often means that we have to make compromises when it comes to choosing our line, and a good number of fishermen opt for a one-size-fits-all configuration. Consequently, this choice is very often unsuitable for all fishing techniques.

To help you find your way around, we wanted to enlighten you on the main principles to follow when using braid, nylon or fluorocarbon.

When to fish with nylon?

By virtue of its properties, nylon is above all a thread:

Floating
Very elastic and therefore with good tensile strength
Visible above and underwater
Flexible
Little resistant to abrasion and cutting.

If nylon is to be used, it would therefore be better to:

On light surface peaches (Popper, stickbait,…).
For fishing techniques where visibility is important and / or elasticity can be interesting
For fishing with large flank lures (cranckbait, long bill minnow) to dampen vibrations

Conversely, nylon is to be avoided:

For fishing in obstacles (dead trees, rocks, cover ...) due to abrasion
When fishing at long distances. Elasticity prevents feeling the fingerboard and does not ensure a good shoeing
For very tactile deep water fishing such as vertical fishing

When to fish with braid?

By virtue of its properties, the braid is above all a thread:

With excellent mechanical resistance. At equal diameters, it is much stronger than fluorocarbon or nylon.
Visible out of the water and underwater
Which floats
Has no elasticity
With low resistance to abrasion and cutting
With excellent transmission of the key in zero tension when relaxed.

The braid is therefore to be preferred:

Main line for long distance fishing
In vertical or deep fishing.
With very large lures
For strong surface fishing to be able to quickly extract a fish

Conversely, the braid is to be avoided:

For relaxed fishing
With long bib lures to avoid vibration problems
Without leader for stealth, obstacle or pike fishing.

When to fish with fluorocarbon?

Due to its properties, fluorocarbon is above all a thread:

Flowing
"Invisible in water" thanks to its light reflection coefficient identical to that of water
Abrasion resistant
With low elasticity
Stiffer than nylon

Fluorocarbon is therefore to be preferred:

For stealth fishing
In the obstacles
For tactile fishing because it allows to transmit the touch even when fishing relaxed
For large bib lures (Cranckbait, long bill minnow), WIREBAIT (Spinnerbait, Chatterbait) and other vibration lures
Bottom of the line to ensure discretion, abrasion resistance and cut resistance

Conversely, the use of a fluorocarbon is to be avoided:

Main line for surface fishing
As a main line for vertical fishing, at great depth or at great distance because of its elasticity.

Want to learn more about using braid or nylon?

Our fishing guides are also on hand to advise you on your choice of braid, nylon or fluorocarbon. In their company, you'll be able to practise several lure fishing techniques, casting or spinning, with nylon or braid. So don't hesitate to get in touch. There's nothing like practice to help you make your choice.