Monofilament line, often referred to as mono, remains the most popular choice among anglers in Australia and has been used for decades. Its popularity stems from its affordability compared to braided lines and a range of characteristics that make it ideal for various fishing applications. While multifilament or braided fishing lines, constructed from multiple strands of fibers, offer their own set of advantages, mono continues to be the go-to for many anglers.

Most nylon lines are soft and supple, making them easy to handle and suitable for most reel types. This flexibility allows for smooth casting and retrieval, ensuring a more enjoyable fishing experience whether you're casting into the surf off Bondi Beach or fishing from a riverbank in the Murray-Darling Basin. The softness of monofilament lines also makes them less prone to backlash and tangling, a common issue for beginners learning the ropes of fishing.

The way a line maintains loops once wound onto a spool is called memory. While too much memory can be a drawback, a moderate amount provides some stiffness, making monofilament lines better for entry-level anglers. This stiffness reduces knots and tangles, unlike braided lines, which have virtually no memory or stiffness and can become a tangled nightmare if not handled correctly. For example, when fishing in the rocky outcrops of Sydney Harbour, monofilament's reduced memory helps avoid those frustrating knots and bird nests.

Monofilament lines have a degree of stretch, making them more forgiving than braided lines. This stretch allows fish to swallow baits more easily and acts as a shock absorber when fighting fish, reducing the likelihood of hooks pulling out. Imagine wrestling a barramundi in the Northern Territory; the stretch in your mono line helps keep that beauty hooked without the line snapping under pressure. This forgiving nature is particularly beneficial when targeting larger, more aggressive species that put up a strong fight.

Monofilament is more abrasion-resistant than braided lines, especially around oysters, rocks, and reefs. This feature is crucial when fishing in the Great Barrier Reef or any other area with abrasive underwater structures. The line’s ability to withstand these harsh conditions ensures you don’t lose your catch due to a frayed line. This durability makes monofilament a reliable choice for anglers fishing in rough and rocky terrains, where the line is constantly exposed to wear and tear.

A high resistance to breaking due to nicks in the line ensures your line withstands harsh conditions, such as rubbing against rocks, stumps, and other underwater structures. This feature is particularly beneficial when fishing in areas like the rugged coastline of Western Australia. The abrasion-resistant quality of mono lines provides peace of mind when fishing in rough environments, knowing that your line can handle the pressure.

Most line breaks occur at the knot. Lines with high knot strength have less loss of strength at the knot, crucial when tying secure knots in demanding fishing conditions. This strength advantage allows for more reliable hook sets and reduces the risk of losing your catch. High knot strength is essential for ensuring that your knots hold firm during intense fights with large fish.

Monofilament is supple and hangs limp off the spool without tension and coiling. This feature allows for smoother casting and passing through the rod guides, increasing casting distance by up to 30%. Perfect for those long casts off the pier at St Kilda. The limp nature of mono lines reduces the risk of tangles and backlash, making it an ideal choice for anglers of all skill levels.

Enhanced tensile strength provides high shock or impact resistance, allowing anglers to use smaller diameter lines without losing strength or control. This feature is advantageous when targeting aggressive species like Kingfish off the coast of New South Wales. High impact resistance ensures that your line can withstand sudden jolts and pulls without breaking, giving you confidence when battling powerful fish.

Low stretch monofilament offers better feel and control, improving bite detection and hook sets. Ideal for deep-water fishing, where the increased feel allows for more precise lure control and quicker reaction times to bites. Low stretch lines are perfect for anglers who need to feel every movement and nibble, enhancing their ability to set the hook at the right moment.

Quality monofilament lines with low memory reduce the likelihood of tangles and bird nests, making them easier to handle, especially for beginners. This characteristic ensures smoother and more enjoyable fishing trips. Low spool memory is particularly important for spinning reels, where high memory lines can cause frustrating tangles and coiling.

Monofilament line almost disappears underwater due to its mirror effect, reflecting its surroundings and blending in. Fluorocarbon lines take this a step further, with light refraction qualities similar to water, making them virtually invisible and ideal for targeting skittish fish in clear waters. The invisibility of mono lines increases the chances of fooling wary fish, especially in clear and shallow waters.

While monofilament lines offer a range of benefits and are suitable for many fishing situations, there are scenarios where they may not be the best choice. For instance, when targeting large, powerful game fish such as tuna or swordfish off Merimbula, anglers might prefer using braided or multifilament lines due to their superior strength and thinner diameter.

Another scenario where monofilament may not be the best option is when fishing in heavy cover or thick vegetation. In places like the mangroves of Northern Queensland or the dense weed beds of Lake Eildon, the higher abrasion resistance and thinner diameter of braided lines can be advantageous. These environments can quickly fray and weaken monofilament lines, increasing the risk of break-offs.

For deep-water fishing, such as targeting snapper or grouper off the coast of Western Australia, the sensitivity and minimal stretch of braided lines can provide better bite detection and more precise control. The deep waters require a line that can effectively transmit even the slightest nibble to the angler's hands, something that braided lines excel at due to their low stretch properties.

Fishing for species like bream or flathead in clear, shallow waters, such as those found in the estuaries of New South Wales, may benefit from the increased sensitivity of braided lines. These fish can be easily spooked, and the low visibility of thin-diameter braided lines, combined with their high sensitivity, can improve your chances of a successful catch.

Whether you’re a casual angler enjoying a weekend at Lake Eildon or a seasoned fisherman tackling the deep waters of the Coral Sea, choosing the right fishing line can significantly impact your success and enjoyment. Monofilament lines offer a balance of affordability, versatility, and ease of use, making them a staple for anglers across Australia. However, in certain situations, such as targeting large game fish or fishing in heavy cover, braided lines may offer superior performance.

By understanding the specific features and benefits of different types of monofilament and braided lines, you can tailor your fishing setup to match your needs and the challenges of your chosen fishing locations. Remember, the right fishing line can make all the difference between a good day of fishing and a great one. So, next time you’re out there casting a line, remember that the right monofilament can make all the difference between a good day of fishing and a great one. Tight lines, mate!