In the world of fishing, there are four major types of fishing lines that anglers use, such as the monofilament, braided, fluorocarbon, and copolymer. They all have different combinations of breaking strength, castability, stretch, visibility, and knot strength. The Copolymer fishing line is relatively the new kid on the block.
So what is copolymer fishing line? Is it any good?
Well, copolymer fishing line is great for heavy fishing applications, since it is made out of more than one polymer, and these combinations of polymer make them stronger than the monofilament line, for example. Copolymer fishing lines usually consist of two different types of nylon which are combined to maximize strength and resistance.
If we were to compare the copolymer fishing line to all the other types of fishing lines, it would reside somewhere in the middle, with the newer models being well above the middle. So let us dwell into the copolymer fishing line, and see exactly why it is such a desirable fishing line, and how it holds up against other types of fishing lines.
Is Copolymer Fishing Line Any Good?
Copolymer fishing lines are great for fishing, though they might not be the best choice for beginners, since they are used for medium to heavy type of fish, which put up big fights. Since copolymer lines are made by stretching the materials into one straight line, it has its advantages, such as:
- Greater control over the stretch
- Strength
- Resistance
- Visibility
Take into consideration that manufacturers use multiple polymers which allow them to fine-tune the properties and features of the line, with all the important factors mentioned above, they can combine different materials in different ratios, for various unique results.
With that being said, copolymer fishing lines are probably the best type of line in various scenarios. These lines are much stronger, durable, than monofilament or fluorocarbon lines, and the combination of the two nylon polymers, overall reinforces the strength of the material, increasing its impact and abrasion resistance.
Copolymer fishing lines have a great stretch, especially when you look at the amount of strength it has. These types of lines are less than half the diameter of their monofilament brothers, and they retain their strength. They also have relatively good sensitivity, however, it isn’t a good choice for catching little fish, and it is comparatively thin when put next to a fluorocarbon or monofilament line, however, the strength is still there.
Since it is thin, it allows you to fit more of it in the same pool, but this also contributes to its fairly low visibility. Copolymer fishing line sinks pretty quickly, which is great for deeper fishing applications. With this line, you also receive premier water resistance capabilities.
What is the Best Copolymer Fishing Line?
The best copolymer fishing line, as of 2020, is the Sufix Tritanium Plus Fishing Line. This copolymer fishing line has been purposefully formulated for maximum durability, improved casting, and it is great for surface casting, flipping, and pitching into dense cover.
Many consider it’s lack of line memory as its best trait. This line stays straight, reducing the likelihood of snarls and tangles due to its manageability.
It’s knot strength is also something to boost about, and it is available in several pound tests and colors. The product comes in either chartreuse or dark green. Another great copolymer fishing line is the KastKing Fluorokote Copolymer Fishing Line.
This one is almost invisible, having high levels of tensile strength, good know strength, and offers great casting as well. Some other great copolymer fishing lines are P-Line C21 Copolymer Filler Spool, the PowerFluoro Fishing Line, or the McCoy Premium, among others.
Take into consideration that the best fishing line is the one that you are most accustomed to, your technique, experience, and the type of fish you are aiming for.
What is the Difference Between Copolymer and Fluorocarbon?
The copolymer fishing line is stronger, durable, thinner, and it is more visible when submerged than fluorocarbon lines. It some cases, it is also more sensitive, and it has lower memory than fluorocarbon as well.
Fluorocarbon, on the other hand, is stiffer and stretches less, and it is generally used in more clear waters. They are made up of organic compounds which consist of fluorine, chlorine, and carbon.
Copolymer vs. Monofilament
Copolymer and monofilament fishing lines have comparable yet contrasting features and characteristics. Copolymer fishing lines are stronger, durable, thinner, have better sinking abilities, it has lower memory than monofilament line, it is more sensitive and less visible in certain cases.
Copolymer fishing lines are overall better than monofilament lines, however, they are more expensive. Another thing is that they are stronger at the same diameter.
This means that more copolymer can fit onto a spool, which allows you to cast longer distances, and they do not retain spool memory as the monofilament lines do. This greatly reduces the risk of unspooling, or tangling during casting, which is something we all want to avoid.
Does Copolymer Line Sink or Float?
Copolymer fishing lines sink quite fast, much faster than monofilament. This is both a good thing and a bad thing in certain situations.
Since they sink quickly, they are a good choice for deepwater crank baiting and a bad choice for surface fishing and bobbers. The copolymer fishing line should be used only for deep-sea fishing, bottom fishing, and suspender rigs.
Conclusion
Copolymer fishing lines are among the best fishing lines that are out there. Most fishermen place them towards the middle and the top of the water. They are great for fishing medium to heavyweight fish. Due to their sensitivity, they might not be a good choice for catching little fish.
This inevitably makes copolymer fishing lines a doubtful choice for beginners, as they must learn to enjoy the smaller things in life beforehand. If you feel you can handle it and don’t want to settle for the smaller fish, you might try out a copolymer fishing line, and see how it goes.
