Fishing for Northern Pike can be a thrilling experience, but to make the most out of your time on the water, you need the right fishing line. The best fishing lines for Northern Pike should be strong enough to handle the weight and power of these fish yet sensitive enough to feel bites and provide a good hookset. This article will look at some of the best fishing line options for Northern Pike, including their strengths and weaknesses and some of the most popular brands in the market.
Types of Fishing Lines for Northern Pike When fishing for Northern Pike, there are three main fishing lines to consider: monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided. Each type has advantages and disadvantages; the choice will depend on your preference and the specific fishing conditions you will face.
Monofilament Line
Monofilament line is a single-strand line made from nylon, and it has been a popular choice among anglers for many years. The Monofilament line is inexpensive and easy to handle, making it an excellent option for beginners. It also has some stretch, which can be helpful when fighting a fish as it absorbs shock, reducing the likelihood of the line breaking.
However, one of the drawbacks of a monofilament line is its high visibility in the water, which can sometimes spook Northern Pike. Additionally, the monofilament line tends to degrade over time, so it must be replaced frequently.
Fluorocarbon Line
Fluorocarbon line is another popular choice for anglers targeting Northern Pike. This line type is made from a fluorocarbon polymer highly resistant to abrasion and UV damage. In addition, the Fluorocarbon line is virtually invisible in the water, which can help increase the number of bites you get.
Another advantage of the fluorocarbon line is its sensitivity, which makes it easier to detect bites and set the hook. However, the fluorocarbon line tends to be stiffer than the monofilament line, making casting more difficult, especially in windy conditions. The Fluorocarbon line also tends to be more expensive than the monofilament line.
Braided Line
Braided line is made from several strands of synthetic fibers woven together, resulting in a strong, durable line well-suited for catching Northern Pike. A braided line has little to no stretch, which can be beneficial when setting the hook and fighting a fish. It is also highly visible in the water, which can help you keep track of your line and detect bites.
One of the downsides of braided line is that it can be challenging to tie knots and can be prone to wind knots. Additionally, a braided line is not as abrasion-resistant as a fluorocarbon line, which means it can be more susceptible to damage from rocks or other sharp objects.
Top Fishing Line Brands for Northern Pike
Now that we have discussed the different types of fishing lines, let’s take a look at some of the top fishing line brands for Northern Pike.
Berkley Trilene XL Monofilament Line:
Berkley is a well-known brand in the fishing industry, and their Trilene XL monofilament line is a popular choice among anglers targeting Northern Pike. This line is known for its strength and versatility, making it suitable for various fishing conditions. In addition, it has a low memory, which means it won’t retain its shape after being spooled, and it has a high knot strength, which makes it easy to tie and less likely to break.
One of the drawbacks of Trilene XL is that it has relatively high visibility in the water, which can sometimes spook fish. However, this can be mitigated by using a fluorocarbon leader. Trilene XL is also known to degrade over time, which means it may need to be replaced more frequently than other fishing lines.
PowerPro Braided Line:
PowerPro is a well-respected brand in the fishing industry, and their braided line is a popular choice among anglers targeting Northern Pike. This line is made from Spectra fibers, which are strong and durable, making it ideal for catching larger fish. In addition, it has little to no stretch, which allows for greater sensitivity and better hooksets.
One of the downsides of the PowerPro braided line is that it can be difficult to tie knots, especially for beginners. It is also highly visible in the water, which can sometimes spook fish. However, using a fluorocarbon leader can help mitigate this issue.
Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon Leader:
Seaguar is a popular brand for fluorocarbon leaders, and their Blue Label leader is a top choice among anglers targeting Northern Pike. This leader is highly abrasion-resistant and ideal for fishing around rocks or other sharp objects. It is also virtually invisible in the water, which can help increase the number of bites you get.
One of the downsides of Seaguar Blue Label leader is that it can be expensive compared to other fishing lines. However, the benefits of using a high-quality fluorocarbon leader can outweigh the cost, especially when targeting larger and more elusive fish like Northern Pike.
Spiderwire Stealth Braided Line:
Spiderwire is a well-known brand in the fishing industry, and their Stealth braided line is a popular choice among anglers targeting Northern Pike. This line is made from Dyneema fibers, which are strong and durable, making it suitable for catching larger fish. In addition, it has a round profile, which allows for smoother casting and greater sensitivity.
One of the drawbacks of the Spiderwire Stealth braided line is that it can be prone to wind knots, especially if it is not spooled correctly. It is also highly visible in the water, which can sometimes spook fish. However, using a fluorocarbon leader can help mitigate this issue.
Sufix 832 Braided Line:
Sufix is a lesser-known brand in the fishing industry, but their 832 braided line is a top choice among anglers targeting Northern Pike. This line is made from a combination of Dyneema and Gore fibers, which makes it strong, durable, and highly resistant to abrasion. In addition, it has a round profile, which allows for smoother casting and greater sensitivity.
One of the downsides of the Sufix 832 braided line is that it can be expensive compared to other fishing lines. However, the benefits of using a high-quality braided line can outweigh the cost, especially when targeting larger and more elusive fish like Northern Pike.
Conclusion
Regarding fishing for Northern Pike, having the right fishing line can make all the difference. The best fishing lines for Northern Pike should be strong enough to handle the weight and power of these fish yet sensitive enough to feel bites and provide a good hookset. The choice between monofilament, fluorocarbon and braided lines will depend on personal preference and the specific fishing conditions you will be facing.
Some of the top fishing line brands for Northern Pike include Berkley Trilene XL monofilament line, PowerPro braided line, Seaguar Blue Label fluorocarbon leader, Spiderwire Stealth braided line, and Sufix 832 braided line. Each of these brands has advantages and disadvantages; the choice will ultimately depend on your specific needs and preferences.
No matter which fishing line you choose, it’s important to remember to spool your reel correctly and tie good knots.
