Best Fishing Lines for Crankbaits (Complete Guide)

Crankbaits come in various styles, and knowing which fishing lines to choose can seem tricky. The perfect lure paired with the right line can make a huge difference in how the crankbait swims.

The best fishing line for crankbaits is fluorocarbon because it is invisible underwater and has low stretch, allowing for better sensitivity and hook sets.

In this article, we will break down the best fishing lines and strengths for all types of crankbaits from squarebills and floating to lipless and deep-divers.

Learn the differences between monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided fishing lines.

Crankbait Lines: Big Picture Overview

There are three kinds of fishing line you can use when you go crankbait fishing: monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided. Monofilament is the most common and is easy to use because it is flexible and soaks up shocks.

Fluorocarbon is hard to see underwater but can be difficult to handle. Braided is very strong, but it can be too visible and slippery. It depends on what kind of fishing you want to do.

Monofilament Fishing Line

Monofilament fishing line is great for crankbait fishing because it’s easy to handle and flexible. It’s not too expensive, either. But sometimes, it stretches too much when catching a big fish, which can be hard.

When choosing your line, remember to pick a color that matches the water you’re fishing in and choose a thickness for the size of fish you’re trying to catch. Some good brands are Berkley Trilene XL, Stren Original, and P-Line CXX.

If you’re trying to catch big fish, you need a thicker, stronger line, but it might not be as sensitive. A good idea is to use 10- to 12-pound test line for small fish and 14- to 17-pound test line for big fish.

The line’s color is also important, depending on the water you’re fishing in. Clear or green line is good for clear water, and darker colors like brown or smoke are better for murky water.

Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Fluorocarbon fishing line is a popular choice for crankbait fishing due to its strength, sensitivity, and low visibility in the water. Its main benefit is that it is almost invisible in the water, making it difficult for fish to detect. This can be especially useful when fishing in clear water or for easily spooked fish.

Fluorocarbon line is also very strong and abrasion-resistant, making it a good choice for fishing around rocks or other structures. Fluorocarbon also sinks great making it ideal for deeper diving crankbaits.

However, fluorocarbon line can be more expensive than other fishing lines, and it tends to be stiffer, making it harder to cast long distances. It also sinks faster than monofilament, making it more difficult to fish shallow water. Additionally, fluorocarbon line is more prone to getting tangled or forming knots, which can frustrate anglers.

When selecting fluorocarbon line for crankbait fishing, anglers should consider the line’s diameter and pound test. A good rule of thumb is to use 10- to 12-pound test line for smaller fish and 14- to 17-pound test line for larger fish.

The color of the line is also important, and anglers should choose a color that matches the water they’re fishing in. Clear or natural colors are good for clear water, while green or brown colors work well in murky water.

Some popular brands of fluorocarbon line for crankbait fishing include Seaguar InvizX, Berkley Vanish, and Sunline Super FC Sniper. These brands offer good-quality fluorocarbon line in various pound tests and colors.

To buy Seaguar InvizX from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.

Braid Fishing Line

Braid fishing line has many benefits for crankbait fishing. It is strong, durable, and has no stretch, which means you can feel every movement of the lure and easily set the hook. It also has a thin diameter, allowing you to cast farther and more accurately.

However, it is visible in the water, which can spook fish, and it is more expensive than other types of fishing line. Braid also floats making it a poor option for gaining depth on your retrieves.

When selecting braid fishing line for crankbait fishing, anglers should consider the pound test and color. A higher pound test can handle larger fish, but it is less sensitive than lower pound test line. A good choice for crankbait fishing is 20- to 30-pound test line.

The color of the line is also important, and anglers should choose a color that matches the water they’re fishing in. Green or moss-colored braid is a good choice for fishing in vegetation, while white or gray is better for clear water.

Some good brands of braid fishing line for crankbait fishing include PowerPro, Spiderwire, and Sufix. These brands offer quality braid fishing line in various pound tests and colors.

The right choice of braid fishing line for crankbait fishing will depend on the angler’s specific needs and fishing conditions.

To learn which are the best fishing lines for jigs, check out this complete guide.

Types of Crankbaits: Line Recommendations

Lipless Crankbaits

When choosing the best fishing line for lipless crankbaits, it’s important to consider the line type, color, and size needed. A braided line is often recommended for lipless crankbaits due to its sensitivity and low stretch, which allows for a better feel and hook-setting ability. Good braided line options include PowerPro and Spiderwire, with a 30- to 40-pound test suitable for most applications.

Another option for lipless crankbaits is a fluorocarbon line, which is less visible in the water than braided line and sinks more quickly. Good options for fluorocarbon line include Seaguar Red Label and Sunline Super FC Sniper, with a 12- to 15-pound test being suitable for most applications.

To buy Seaguar Red Label from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.

When it comes to color, it’s important to match the line color to the water conditions. A clear or low-visibility green color is best for clear water, while a darker color like black or brown is better for murky water. The size of the line needed will depend on the size of the fish being targeted, but a good starting point is 12- to 15-pound test.

Squarebills

The best fishing line for squarebill crankbaits is monofilament. This line type is flexible, easy to handle, and can absorb shocks. It is also less visible and sinks more slowly in the water. When choosing monofilament line, anglers should consider the line’s diameter and pound test, using 10- to 12-pound test line for smaller fish and 14- to 17-pound test line for larger fish.

The color of the line should also match the water, with clear or green being good for clear water and darker colors like brown or smoke being better for murky water. Popular brands of monofilament line include Berkley Trilene XL, Stren Original, and P-Line CXX.

Deep Diving Crankbaits

When fishing with deep diving crankbaits, fluorocarbon is the best type of line to use due to its sensitivity and ability to sink quickly. Fluorocarbon also has a low stretch, which can transmit bites more effectively.

A good fluorocarbon line to consider is Seaguar InvizX, which comes in various pound tests and is known for its strength and sensitivity. The line’s color is important, and anglers should choose a color that matches the water they’re fishing in.

To buy Seaguar InvizX from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.

Clear or green fluorocarbon is a good choice for clear water, while darker colors like brown or smoke are better for murky water. A good rule of thumb for the pound test is to use 10- to 14-pound test line for deep diving crankbaits, but the exact size will depend on the specific crankbait being used and the size of fish being targeted.

Medium-Diving Crankbaits

A fluorocarbon line is a good choice for medium diving crankbaits because it is sensitive and has low underwater visibility. I recommend Seaguar InvizX Fluorocarbon because it is strong and abrasion-resistant, which helps prevent the line from breaking or getting damaged.

To buy Seaguar InvizX from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.

The recommended pound test is between 10-12 lbs, and I suggest using a clear or low-vis green color that matches the water you’re fishing in. When selecting the line size, consider the size of the fish you’re targeting and the depth you plan on fishing at. A thinner diameter line can reach greater depths but may not be as strong as a thicker line.

Sinking Crankbaits or Blade Baits

When fishing with sinking crankbaits and blade baits, fluorocarbon line is a good option due to its high sensitivity and low visibility in the water.

A fluorocarbon line with a pound test of 10-12 is ideal for most situations. A good option to consider is Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon in the 10-12 pound test range.

To buy Seaguar Red Label from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.

As for color, clear or green fluorocarbon line is a good choice for clear water, while darker colors like brown or smoke are better for murky water. With a sensitive fluorocarbon line, anglers can detect bites more easily and have better control over the lure, resulting in more successful catches.

Jointed Crankbaits

When using jointed crankbaits, it’s best to use monofilament or fluorocarbon line. Monofilament line has more stretch, which can help absorb the shock of a fish hitting the bait. Fluorocarbon line is more sensitive, making it easier to feel bites.

A 12- to 17-pound test line is recommended for jointed crankbaits, depending on the size of the fish you are targeting. When choosing a color, it’s important to consider the water conditions. Clear or green monofilament is a good choice for clear water, while darker colors like brown or smoke are better for murky water.

Floating Crankbaits

When it comes to floating crankbaits, a monofilament line is often the best choice because it floats and won’t weigh down the bait. An 8 to 12-pound test monofilament line is ideal for most floating crankbaits.

You’ll want a clear or translucent color so the line won’t be visible to the fish. Berkley Trilene XL Smooth Casting Monofilament Line is a great choice, as it is strong and sensitive enough to feel the fish bite. It is also affordable and widely available at many fishing stores.

Fishing Line Battle

Fluorocarbon vs. Braid

Fluorocarbon is a low-visibility line that sinks faster than other lines, making it a good choice for deep-diving crankbaits. The line is also known for its high sensitivity, allowing anglers to feel even the lightest bites.

However, fluorocarbon has some drawbacks. It has a stiffer and less flexible construction than other lines, making it difficult to cast and work with. Additionally, fluorocarbon can be more prone to line twists and memory, which can cause tangles and knots.

On the other hand, braid is a strong and flexible line that can handle heavy cover and rough terrain, making it ideal for fishing in heavy vegetation or around underwater structures. The line is also known for its high sensitivity, making it easier to detect strikes.

However, braid can be visible in clear water, which can spook fish. It also tends to float on the water’s surface, which can reduce the diving depth of crankbaits.

When selecting the right line for crankbait fishing, anglers should consider the specific fishing conditions and the characteristics of the crankbaits they use. For example, deep-diving crankbaits require a line that sinks quickly, while floating crankbaits need a line that stays on the surface.

Fluorocarbon vs. Monofilament

Fluorocarbon and monofilament both have their benefits and drawbacks for crankbait fishing. Fluorocarbon is more sensitive than monofilament, so it is better at transmitting bites and detecting changes in the bottom.

However, it is more expensive and difficult to manage due to its low stretch. On the other hand, monofilament is more forgiving and easier to manage, making it a better option for beginners. It is also cheaper than fluorocarbon. However, it is less sensitive and can be harder to detect bites.

When choosing between fluorocarbon and monofilament, it’s important to consider the specific fishing conditions and personal preferences. For example, fluorocarbon may be the better choice in clear water with light fishing pressure.

However, monofilament may be the way to go in murky water with heavy fishing pressure. Some popular brands of fluorocarbon line include Seaguar, Sunline, and Berkley. For monofilament, brands like Berkley Trilene, Stren, and Sufix are reliable options.

Braid vs. Monofilament

Monofilament and braid are two popular types of fishing lines that anglers use for crankbait fishing. Monofilament is a type of fishing line that is made from a single strand of nylon. It has a lot of stretch and is great for beginners. Braid, conversely, is made from several strands of synthetic fiber and is very strong and durable.

When it comes to crankbait fishing, the main advantage of monofilament is its stretch, which helps to absorb the shock of a fish striking the lure. This makes it less likely for the fish to shake the lure loose and increases the chances of hooking and landing the fish.

Monofilament is also less visible in the water, which can be advantageous when fishing in clear water or targeting wary fish. Braid, on the other hand, is much stronger and more sensitive than monofilament.

This makes it great for fishing in deep water or targeting big fish. Braid also has little stretch, meaning you can feel even the slightest bites.

However, the lack of stretch can make it easier for the fish to shake the lure loose if you don’t have the right hook set. Monofilament is a good choice for beginners or fishing in clear water, while braid is better for deep water or big fish.

Environmental Factors

Clear Water vs. Dirty Water

When fishing in clear water, it’s best to use a fluorocarbon or monofilament line, which are less visible underwater. Fluorocarbon is even harder for fish to see but can be expensive. Monofilament is more affordable and works well in most situations.

On the other hand, when fishing in muddy or stained water, it’s better to use a braided line because it’s more visible to the angler and won’t break as easily. Braid also has no stretch, allowing better sensitivity to detect bites.

Clear Skies vs. Cloudy & Overcast

When the sky is clear, it’s best to use fluorocarbon or monofilament fishing lines because they are less visible in the water and won’t spook the fish. Fluorocarbon has less stretch, so you can feel the bites better and set the hook faster.

Conversely, monofilament has more stretch, which can help prevent the fish from breaking the line. When it’s cloudy or overcast, it’s best to use a braided line because it is more visible in the water and can help you detect bites easier. Braided lines also have no stretch, so you can set the hook quickly and have better control over the fish.

Are Leaders Needed for Crankbaits?

When we’re fishing with crankbaits, sometimes it’s a good idea to use a leader. This can be helpful in a few different situations, like when the water is clear, and the fish are skittish. The leader is a separate piece of line that we attach to the end of our main line, and it can be made of materials like fluorocarbon or monofilament.

A double blood knot is a good connection knot for tying the leader to the main line. This knot is strong and reliable, so we’re less likely to lose our bait or the fish.

Best Crankbait Line for Night Fishing

When fishing at night with crankbaits, it is important to choose a fishing line that is highly visible in low-light conditions. Fluorocarbon line is a good option since it has low visibility in clear water during the day, but it can be difficult to see at night.

Monofilament line is a better option for night fishing since it is more visible in low-light conditions. A 12-15 pound test line is ideal for most situations. It is also a good idea to use black or UV light to help illuminate the line and make it easier to see.

Line Strength & Diameter

The strength and diameter of the line are related and both impact how well you can fish. Stronger lines are thicker, while weaker lines are thinner. Thicker lines are good for catching bigger fish because they can handle more weight. But thinner lines are better for casting further and feeling the lure better.

A good rule of thumb is to use a line with a strength rating that matches the weight of the fish you’re trying to catch. For example, if you’re fishing for bass, weighing up to 5 pounds, you should use a line with a strength rating of at least 8 pounds.

You also want to ensure the line diameter is not too thick, as this can make the lure move unnaturally in the water. A good starting point for line strength is around 8-12lb test for most crankbait fishing applications, with a diameter of around 0.010-0.015 inches.