Best Fishing Lines for Finesse Fishing (Complete Guide)
Finesse bass baits come in various styles, and knowing which fishing lines to choose can seem tricky. The perfect lure paired with the right line can greatly affect the bait’s performance.
A fluorocarbon leader on a main braid line is the best fishing line for finesse fishing because the braid is strong and sensitive. In contrast, the fluorocarbon leader is nearly invisible in the water and provides abrasion resistance.
This article will list the best fishing lines and strengths for finesse bass baits including ned rigs, senkos, dropshots, Carolina rigs, and shakey heads.
For a complete breakdown of fishing lines, check out this helpful guide. I will show you the strengths and weaknesses of monofilament, braid, and fluorocarbon and when they are best used.
Finesse Bait Fishing Lines
Braid Fishing Line
When it comes to finesse bass baits, braid can be a good option because it has low stretch and is sensitive, making it easier to detect bites. However, braid can also be visible in clear water and may spook the fish.
I recommend using a fluorocarbon leader with braid, as it is less visible and has better abrasion resistance. For braid, I suggest using 10-20 pound test and brands like PowerPro or SpiderWire. For fluorocarbon leaders, a 4-10 pound test and brands like Seaguar or Berkley are good options.
Color doesn’t matter for the main line, but a clear or natural color is best for the leader. Always tie the two lines together with a strong knot like the double uni knot.
Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
When it comes to using finesse bass baits, fluorocarbon line has some pros and cons. On the plus side, it is very strong and abrasion-resistant, which makes it a great choice for fishing in areas with lots of rocks or other hazards.
Additionally, it is virtually invisible underwater, which can help to entice more cautious fish to bite. However, fluorocarbon is also more expensive than other types of line and can be stiffer, making it more difficult to cast. A
Mono Fishing Line
Monofilament line is an excellent choice for finesse bass fishing because it has good stretch and can help you feel more bites.
However, it can be visible in clear water and may not hold up like other lines in heavy cover. I recommend a 6-8 pound test monofilament line like Berkley Trilene or Stren Original in clear or green color.
Types of Finesse Baits: Line Recommendations
Ned Rigs
When fishing with Ned rigs, fluorocarbon is the best type of line to use because it’s invisible underwater, tough, and sensitive. A recommended brand is Seaguar InvizX, and a good size is 6-8 pound test. For color, a clear or natural green color is ideal.
Fluorocarbon also allows for a better feel of the bait and bites, which is important when finesse fishing with Ned rigs. So, to sum it up, the best fishing line for Ned rigs is fluorocarbon, like Seaguar InvizX in 6-8 pound test and clear or natural green color.
To buy Seaguar InvizX from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.
Drop Shots
Dropshotting requires a line that is sensitive and low visibility. Fluorocarbon lines work well for dropshotting because they are sensitive, have low visibility, and are abrasion-resistant.
Sunline Assassin Fluorocarbon is a good option because it is specifically designed for finesse fishing and has excellent sensitivity. In terms of color, clear or green fluorocarbon lines are recommended for dropshotting.
As for the pound test, it’s best to use a line with a lower pound test, around 6-8 lb, to maximize sensitivity and maintain a natural presentation. Overall, fluorocarbon is a great choice for dropshotting because it is sensitive, has low visibility, and is abrasion-resistant.
Senko/Soft Stick Baits
For Senkos, the best fishing line to use is a fluorocarbon line in the 6-10 lb range. Fluorocarbon is virtually invisible in the water, which makes it perfect for fishing with finesse baits like Senkos. I recommend the Seaguar InvizX fluorocarbon line, as it has excellent sensitivity and low memory.
As for color, a clear or natural color is best for Senkos. The size of line you choose will depend on the size of the fish you’re targeting and the conditions you’re fishing in, but 6-10 lb should cover most situations.
To buy Seaguar InvizX from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.
Wacky Rigs
The best line type is fluorocarbon because it’s nearly invisible underwater, sinks well, and has low stretch to help you feel those subtle bites. The best brand to buy would be Seaguar or Sunline, and I recommend using a 6-8 pound test line for most wacky rig applications.
The color doesn’t matter much, but clear or green options are good. The line size should be matched to the rod you’re using to get the best casting and sensitivity, and remember to retie often, as fluorocarbon can get nicks and abrasions that weaken it over time.
Carolina Rigs
Regarding Carolina rigs, the best line type to use is fluorocarbon. This is because it is virtually invisible in the water and has a low stretch, which allows you to feel the slightest bites. For this application, I’d recommend Seaguar InvizX fluorocarbon in 12-15lb test.
As for color, clear or green are good options. The size needed depends on the weight of your rig and the size of the fish you’re targeting.
To buy Seaguar InvizX from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.
Shakey Head
For shaky head fishing, the best line to use is fluorocarbon. This is because fluorocarbon is nearly invisible in the water and has very little stretch, which allows you to detect even the slightest bites. A good brand to buy is Seaguar InvizX, a popular choice among bass anglers.
Regarding size, 6-8 lb. test is ideal for finesse techniques like shaky head fishing. As for color, clear or natural colors work well in most water conditions. It’s important to note that a sensitive rod is also important for detecting bites when fishing with a shaky head.
Click here to read about the top fishing lines for surf fishing and surf casting. You may also be interested in an article on the best lines for spinnerbaits that my team researched, tested, and compiled.
Fishing Line Battle
Fluorocarbon vs. Braid
Fluorocarbon is invisible underwater and has low stretch, making it perfect for finesse fishing. However, it’s also quite sensitive and may not be strong enough to handle bigger fish. On the other hand, the braid has virtually no stretch and can handle heavy cover, but it’s visible in the water and may spook the
fish. So, you might want to use a fluorocarbon leader with braid to get the best of both worlds. This way, you get the sensitivity of fluorocarbon and the strength of braid, while also ensuring the line is not visible to the fish.
Fluorocarbon vs. Monofilament
When it comes to finesse bass fishing, using fluorocarbon or mono line both have their ups and downs. Fluorocarbon has the advantage of being virtually invisible in the water and has a faster sink rate which can help get your bait down to the fish faster. However, it can be more expensive and less stretchy, leading to more lost fish if you don’t have a good drag system on your reel.
Conversely, Mono is more affordable and stretchier, which can help you avoid breaking your line if a fish makes a sudden run. However, it’s more visible to fish and doesn’t sink as fast as fluorocarbon.
Braid vs. Monofilament
When it comes to finesse bass fishing, monofilament and braid both have pros and cons. Monofilament is good because it is more stretchy, so it can be easier to hook the fish and is more forgiving if the fish is fighting hard.
However, braid is good because it is more sensitive, which can help you detect bites more easily. Additionally, braid has a smaller diameter than monofilament of the same pound test, making it easier to cast farther and more accurate.
Environmental Factors
Clear Water vs. Dirty Water
In clear water, it’s best to use fluorocarbon line because it’s almost invisible underwater and doesn’t scare the fish away. Fluorocarbon is tough and sensitive so you can feel even the slightest bites. But if the water is muddy or stained, it’s better to use braided line because it’s stronger and can cut through the water to reach the fish.
Plus, braided line is more visible to the fish so they can better see your bait. When it comes to pound test, it depends on the size of the fish you’re trying to catch, but most people use 6-8 lb test for finesse fishing. Some good brands to check out are Seaguar, Sunline, and PowerPro.
Clear Skies vs. Cloudy & Overcast
When fishing for finesse bass in clear skies, it’s best to use fluorocarbon fishing line with a low diameter, around 4-8 pounds test. This is because the clear water can make the fish warier, and fluorocarbon is harder for them to see.
However, in overcast or cloudy conditions, you may want to switch to a braided line with a slightly higher test strength of around 10-15 pounds. This is because the cloudy conditions can make it harder for the fish to see the line, and the higher test strength of braided line can help you reel in the fish more quickly.
As for color, a clear or green line is usually best for clear water, while a darker or high-visibility line can be used in cloudy conditions to make it easier for you to see the line.
Are Leaders Needed for Finesse Baits?
Using a leader for finesse baits can be helpful in some scenarios, especially when fishing in clear water or when the fish are picky. The leader material should match the main line in strength and diameter, and fluorocarbon is a good option for its low visibility in the water.
A double blood knot can be a good connection knot for tying the leader to the main line, but it’s important to ensure the knot is tied properly to avoid any weak spots or breaking.
Best Line for Night Fishing
When it comes to night fishing with finesse baits, it’s important to use a line that’s easy to see in low-light conditions. I recommend using a high-visibility line like fluorescent monofilament or braid.
Fluorocarbon can also be a good option as it tends to be less visible in the water. As for pound test, a lighter line between 4-8lb is ideal for finesse baits. And don’t forget to tie on a leader with a good connection knot like the double uni knot.
Line Strength & Diameter
When fishing with finesse baits, line strength, and diameter are important factors to consider. The strength of the line refers to its ability to withstand the weight of a fish while the diameter refers to how thick the line is.
Generally, the thinner the line diameter, the more sensitive it is, allowing you to feel even the slightest bites. However, thinner lines may not be as strong and break more easily. For finesse fishing, it’s recommended to use a line with a lower pound test and thinner diameter, usually between 4-10 lb test.
