Monofilament Line

• Monofilament line is probably the most common variety of fishing line. It is cheap, flexible, of small diameter and reliable. However, monofilament line is weakened when tied in a knot and is very susceptible to heat and ultraviolet light. To minimize these drawbacks, monofilament line should be changed at least once a year.
  
  

Braided Line

• Braided Dacron line does not stretch and retains its strength when knotted. It also holds up well over time. However, braided line can abrade easily and has a lower strength to diameter ratio than monofilament line.
  
  

Wire Line

• Wire line does not stretch and has a very high strength to diameter ratio. However, wire line cannot be cast effectively and requires special equipment to use. Furthermore, anglers must handle wire line very carefully to avoid cuts and injuries.
  
  

Fly Line

• Fly line is large diameter line that consists of a core material that is covered with a polymer coat. This heavy line permits a fly fisherman to cast the line in a manner that pulls an almost weightless fly out to the fish. Because of its large diameter, a fly line must be attached to a smaller diameter leader in order to entice fish to strike the fly.
  
  

Leader Line

• The leader is used in fly fishing and when fishing for sharp-toothed species of fish. Fly fishing leader is generally composed of braided or single-strand monofilament and provides a visual buffer between the fly and the fly line. Leader is used when fishing for sharp tooth fish species. It is usually made of braided or single-strand wire and prevents the fish from severing the fishing line with its teeth.