Best Fishing Lines for Jigs (Bass, Crappie, Walleye, etc.)

Jigs 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 jigs perform.

The best fishing line for jig fishing is fluorocarbon due to its sensitivity and low stretch, allowing for better detection of bites and better hook sets.

This article will break down the best fishing lines and strengths for all types of jigs, including finesse, grass, flipping, football, swim jigs, and crappie and walleye.

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

Jig Fishing Lines: Big Picture Overview

There are different fishing lines for jig fishing, such as braid, mono, and fluorocarbon. Braid is strong and sensitive but can be visible to fish and may not have enough stretch. Mono has good stretch and is easy to cast, but it can be hard to feel bites and can have memory.

Fluorocarbon is invisible underwater and has good sensitivity but can be stiff and difficult to cast. Choosing the right line for the fishing conditions and the type of fish you’re trying to catch is important.

Monofilament Fishing Line

Regarding jig fishing, monofilament line has some advantages and disadvantages. The good thing about monofilament is that it has some stretch, which can help prevent the hook from tearing out of the fish’s mouth. However, it is also more visible in the water than other lines, making it harder to get bites.

To choose the right monofilament line for jig fishing, it’s essential to consider the pound test, which refers to the strength of the line. A good rule of thumb is to use a line approximately equal to the weight of the jig you are using. For example, if you are using a 1/4 ounce jig, a 6-8 pound test line would be appropriate.

Some popular brands of monofilament line for jig fishing include Berkley Trilene and Stren. As for color, clear or low-visibility green are good choices to minimize visibility in the water.

Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Fluorocarbon line is a good option for jig fishing because it is invisible in the water and can help catch more fish. However, it can also be more expensive and less stretchy than other types of line. To select the right fluorocarbon line, it is important to consider the pound test needed for the size of fish being targeted, as well as the brand and model of the line.

Some good options include Seaguar Red Label, Berkley Vanish, and P-Line Floroclear. Color is also important; a clear or green color can be effective for jig fishing.

Braid Fishing Line

When fishing with jigs, using braid fishing line can be a good option because it has a small diameter, making it less visible to fish, and it has no stretch, which helps with setting the hook. However, braid is also very visible in clear water and can be difficult to handle when tying knots.

When selecting braid, it’s important to choose a pound test appropriate for the size of fish you’re targeting, and a color that matches the water conditions. Popular brands of braid include PowerPro, SpiderWire, and Sufix.

To learn which fishing lines to pick for swimbaits, check out this complete guide. You may also be interested in an article on the best fishing lines for crankbaits.

Types of Jigs: Line Recommendations

Swim Jigs

When it comes to swim jigs, the best fishing line to use is fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon is less visible to fish and has a low stretch, which allows you to feel the bites better. Sunline Assassin FC is a great option for fluorocarbon line to use for swim jigs.

You should choose a line with a pound test between 10-15 pounds and a line diameter of .011-.014 inches. The best color to use is clear, less visible to fish.

Flipping Jigs

For flipping jigs, braided fishing line is a good choice because it is strong and sensitive. I would recommend using a 50 to 65-pound test braided line for flipping jigs. The line should be dark like black or green to avoid spooking fish.

Some good braided line options for flipping jigs are PowerPro, SpiderWire, and Sufix. Tying a good knot like a Palomar or Uni knot ensures the line doesn’t break when setting the hook.

Football Jigs

When using football jigs, choosing the right fishing line is important. Fluorocarbon line is a good choice because it’s strong, sensitive, and less visible in the water. Seaguar InvizX is a good brand because it’s a high-quality fluorocarbon line.

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

You should use a line around 12-15 pound test, which is strong enough to handle bigger fish but still sensitive enough to feel when a fish bites. A green or clear color is a good choice for this type of fishing. Make sure to match the size of the line to the weight of the jig you’re using.

Finesse Bass Jigs

When you’re fishing with finesse jigs, you need a thin and sensitive line to detect bites. Fluorocarbon line is a great choice because it is invisible underwater and has low stretch so that you can feel even the lightest bites.

One good brand to consider is Seaguar InvizX, which comes in a clear color and a range of pound tests. You should use a 6-8 pound test line for finesse jigs, depending on the size of the jig and the fish you’re targeting. With a sensitive line, you can feel even the slightest bump or nibble on your jig, which helps you catch more fish.

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

Crappie Jigs

The best fishing line for crappie jigs is monofilament line because it is easy to handle and has stretch to help prevent the hook from pulling out of the crappie’s mouth. A good brand to buy is Berkley Trilene XL in 4-8 pound test, which is strong enough to handle larger crappie but still light enough not to spook them.

To buy Berkley Trilene XL from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.

A clear or low-visibility green color is recommended. Make sure to match the size of the line with the size of the jig being used.

Walleye Jigs

For catching walleye with jigs, you need a strong line that is not too visible in the water. Fluorocarbon line is the best choice because it is strong and nearly invisible. You should look for high-quality fluorocarbon lines like Seaguar InvizX or Berkley Vanish.

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

A pound test between 6-10 is usually sufficient for most walleye jigs. The line’s color doesn’t matter much, but clear or green are good options. Ensure to spool the line properly and check for any nicks or abrasions that could weaken the line.

Fishing Line Battle

Fluorocarbon vs. Braid

Fluorocarbon is good for jig fishing because it is clear and sinks, making it less visible to fish. But it can be brittle and more expensive than other lines. Braid is good because it is strong and sensitive, so you can feel when a fish bites.

But it is more visible to fish and can be difficult to tie knots with. So, it’s important to choose the line that works best for the specific fishing situation.

Fluorocarbon vs. Monofilament

Fluorocarbon and monofilament are both good for jig fishing, but they differ. Fluorocarbon is great for clear water because it is nearly invisible underwater but can be stiff and hard to manage.

Monofilament is good for beginners because it is easy to use and cast, but it can be seen more easily by fish. Fluorocarbon also sinks faster than monofilament, which can be good for fishing deeper waters. But monofilament stretches more, which can help fight big fish.

Braid vs. Monofilament

Monofilament is good because it is easy to cast and it stretches, which can help you catch fish. But sometimes, it can break easily, especially if you are fishing in heavy cover. Braid is also good because it is strong and doesn’t stretch, so you can feel the fish bite better.

However, it can be harder to cast and might not be as good in clear water because it is easy to see. So it’s important to consider what kind of fishing you are doing and what conditions you are fishing in to decide which line to use.

Environmental Factors

Clear Water vs. Dirty Water

If you’re fishing with jigs in clear water, you want to use a fluorocarbon line that is light and thin. This will help the fish not see the line and increase your chances of catching something. If you’re fishing in muddy or stained water, you want to use a braided line that is heavier and has a thicker diameter.

This will help you feel the jig and detect bites better since visibility in the water is limited. Choosing the right line for the conditions you’re fishing in is important so you can catch more fish.

Clear Skies vs. Cloudy & Overcast

In clear skies, it’s best to use a low-visibility line like fluorocarbon because fish can see better in these conditions. For cloudy overcast days, it’s best to use a high-visibility line like braid or monofilament to help you see your line better.

Braid also helps you feel bites better. You want to match the line color to the water color, using green or blue for clearer waters and brown or gray for murkier waters. Make sure also to use the right pound test for your jig.

Are Leaders Needed for Jigs?

A leader is a separate fishing line attached to the end of your main line, and can be used when fishing with jigs. It can help prevent the fish from seeing the main line, which can be helpful when fishing in clear water or targeting spooky fish.

A good leader material to use is fluorocarbon, which is invisible underwater and has good strength. A double blood knot is a good knot to use when connecting your leader to your main line. However, using a leader isn’t always necessary and depends on the fishing situation.

Best Jigs Line for Night Fishing

For fishing with jigs at night, it’s best to use a highly visible line in low light conditions. A fluorescent or high-visibility line can be a good choice. Braid and fluorocarbon are also good options because they are sensitive and can detect light bites even in the dark.

The line pound test will depend on the size of the fish you’re targeting and the type of cover you’re fishing in. When fishing in clear water, use a lighter line; when fishing in heavy cover or around structure, use a heavier line.

A 10-20 pound test is a good range to start with. It’s important to ensure your knots are tied tightly and your line is well-managed to avoid tangles and lost fish in the dark.

Line Strength & Diameter

Line strength and diameter are important factors when choosing fishing line for jig fishing. Line strength determines how much weight a line can handle without breaking, while diameter affects how easily fish can see the line.

Generally, a thinner line diameter is better for jig fishing as it is less visible to fish but has a lower strength. The recommended line strength and diameter depend on the size of the jig being used, with smaller jigs requiring lighter line and larger jigs requiring heavier line. Choosing a line that matches the jig’s weight and size is important to ensure proper casting and control.