Best Fishing Lines for Soft Plastics (Complete Guide)
Soft plastics 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 soft plastics perform.
The best fishing lines for soft plastics are fluorocarbon or braid, which offer good sensitivity, strength, and casting distance.
This article will list the best fishing lines and strengths for soft plastics, including worms, grubs, senkos, flukes, and soft swimbaits.
I wrote a very detailed breakdown of the monofilment, braid, and fluorocarbon fishing line. In this helpful guide, you will learn when to select each line, which line is the strongest, and which line types apply to fish application. Additionally, you be armed with the knowledge of which fishing line is best.
Soft Plastics Fishing Lines: Big Picture Overview
Mono fishing line is great for beginners because it’s easy to handle and tie knots. It’s also cheap and has some stretch, which can help prevent the line from breaking. However, mono is not as sensitive as other types of line, and it can be visible to fish.
The braid fishing line is very strong and sensitive so you can feel even the smallest bites. It also has no stretch, making setting the hook easier. However, it can be visible to fish, and it’s more expensive than mono or fluorocarbon.
Fluorocarbon fishing line is very sensitive and virtually invisible underwater. It’s also more abrasion-resistant than mono or braid. However, it’s not as strong as other types of line and can be expensive.
Braid Fishing Line
If you’re using soft plastic bait for fishing, the braid fishing line has some good and not-so-good things about it. Braid line is good because it’s very strong and sensitive, so you can feel when a fish bites and it won’t break easily.
It’s also thin, casts farther, and isn’t easily damaged. But braid line can be bad because fish can see it well, which might make them not bite. It’s also hard to tie knots with it, and it can be hard to reel in big fish that run away fast.
To pick the right braid line for soft plastic fishing, look for one made just for soft plastic bait, like Power Pro Super 8 Slick or Spiderwire Ultracast. Choose a color that matches the water, like green or blue for clear water and yellow for murky water.
The pound test you choose should depend on the size of the fish you’re trying to catch and where you’re fishing. If you’re fishing for normal fish, a 15- to 20-pound test line should work okay, but if you’re fishing for big fish or in a lot of cover, you might need a stronger line.
Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Using fluorocarbon fishing line for soft plastic fishing has its pros and cons. The good thing is that it’s hard to see underwater, which can make fish more likely to bite. Plus, it’s sensitive, meaning you can feel even the smallest nibbles. However, it’s not as strong as other types of line and can cost more.
When picking a fluorocarbon line for soft plastic fishing, you should go for one designed for this type of fishing, like Seaguar InvizX or Berkley Vanish.
The color of the line should match the water you’re fishing in. For clear water, use a clear line; for murky water, use a darker line. The pound test you choose depends on the size of the fish you want to catch and the type of environment you’re fishing in.
A 10-12 pound test line will usually work, but if you’re after bigger fish or fishing in thick cover, you might want a stronger line, like a 15-20 pound test. Seaguar InvizX in clear or Berkley Vanish in clear or low-visibility green are great options.
Mono Fishing Line
When you use mono fishing line for soft plastic fishing, there are good and bad things to consider. Mono line is good because it’s easy to tie knots with and it stretches, so it can help prevent the line from breaking when a fish bites or fights. But it’s not as strong or sensitive as braid line, and it can get damaged by the sun and weather.
If you want to pick the right mono line for soft plastic fishing, you should choose one that’s made just for it, like Berkley Trilene or Stren Original. The color you choose depends on the water you’re fishing in, with clear water usually needing a clear line and murky water needing a darker line.
The pound test you choose should depend on how big the fish are and what kind of cover you’re fishing in. For regular fishing, a 10- to 12-pound test line should be okay, but if you’re going after bigger fish or fishing in heavy cover, you might need a stronger line like a 15- to 20-pound test. A good brand/model to consider is the Berkley Trilene XL in clear or low-visibility green.
To learn which fishing lines to pick for jerkbaits, check out this complete guide. You may also be interested in an article on the best fishing lines for swimbaits.
Types of Soft Plastics: Line Recommendations
Plastic Worms
For fishing with plastic worms, you should use monofilament line because it’s stretchy and can help keep the hook in the worm. Fluorocarbon line is another good choice because it’s almost invisible in the water and can trick fish.
Beginners should use monofilament line because it’s easier to use, but experienced anglers can use fluorocarbon line because it’s more sensitive. Berkley Trilene XL and Stren Original are good monofilament lines, and Seaguar InvizX and Sunline Super FC Sniper are good fluorocarbon lines.
To buy Seaguar InvizX from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.
The line color should be clear or green to avoid scaring the fish, but in murky or stained water, a darker line can help. Use a 10-12 pound test line for most plastic worms, but use a stronger line for bigger fish.
Soft Swimbaits
If you’re fishing with soft swimbaits, use fluorocarbon line because it’s almost invisible in the water, has low stretch, and is sensitive. This helps the bait swim like a real fish and lets you feel more bites. Seaguar InvizX, Sunline Super FC Sniper, and P-Line Halo are some good fluorocarbon lines to buy.
To buy Seaguar InvizX from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.
Use clear or low-visibility colors like green or blue for the line so the fish won’t get scared. For most soft swimbaits, use 10-20 pound test line, but if you’re going after bigger fish or fishing in heavy cover, use a stronger line. Experiment with different lines and colors to see what works best for you.
Senkos
For fishing with Senkos, fluorocarbon line is the way to go because it’s less visible and has less stretch than monofilament, making it easier to feel the fish bite and set the hook. Seaguar InvizX and Sunline Super FC Sniper are popular brands for fluorocarbon line.
To buy Seaguar InvizX from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.
You can choose different sizes and colors, but clear or low-visibility colors like green or blue work best to avoid scaring the fish. A 6- to 10-pound test line is usually enough for most Senkos, but if you’re fishing in heavy cover or for bigger fish, you might need a stronger line.
Flukes & Other Soft Jerkbaits
When fishing with flukes and other plastic jerkbaits, fluorocarbon line is the best choice because it’s less visible and has less stretch than monofilament, making it easier to feel the fish bite and set the hook. Seaguar InvizX and Sunline Super FC Sniper are great brands for fluorocarbon line.
To buy Seaguar InvizX from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.
You can pick different colors and sizes, but it’s best to use clear or low-visibility colors like green or blue to avoid scaring the fish. A 10- to 12-pound test line is usually enough for most jerkbaits, but you might need a stronger line if you’re fishing for bigger fish or in heavy cover.
Tubes
Monofilament or fluorocarbon line is the way to go for fishing with crappie and bass tubes. Monofilament line is stretchy, so it can help keep the hook in the tube and prevent it from tearing. Fluorocarbon line is another good option, and both line types come in different sizes and colors.
Some popular brands for monofilament line are Berkley Trilene XL and Stren Original, while Seaguar InvizX and Sunline Super FC Sniper are popular brands for fluorocarbon line. Use clear or low-visibility colors like green or blue for the line so the fish won’t get scared.
To buy Seaguar InvizX from Amazon, click here to check out the product page and read customer reviews.
A 4- to 8-pound test line is usually enough, but if you’re going after bigger fish or fishing in heavy cover, use a stronger line. Try out different lines and colors to see what works best for you.
Plastic Grubs
For plastic grubs, monofilament line is a good choice because it’s stretchy and helps keep the hook in the grub. You can also use fluorocarbon line like Seaguar InvizX or Sunline Super FC Sniper. Both lines come in different sizes and colors, but clear or low-visibility colors like green or blue are best.
Use a 4- to 8-pound test line for most plastic grubs, but if you’re targeting bigger fish or fishing in heavy cover, use a stronger line. Try different lines and colors to find out what works best for you.
Fishing Line Battle
Fluorocarbon vs. Braid
Braid and fluorocarbon are two types of fishing lines for soft plastics fishing. Braid has the advantage of being very strong and sensitive so that you can feel even the slightest bite from a fish. However, it can be easily seen in clear water and prone to wind knots.
Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible in water, good for clear water fishing. However, it can be less sensitive than braid and more expensive.
Fluorocarbon vs. Monofilament
When fishing with soft plastic baits, monofilament line can be good because it’s easy to cast and has some stretch, which can help with hook sets. However, it’s not as invisible in the water as fluorocarbon, which can make a difference when fish are finicky.
Fluorocarbon is also more sensitive and has less stretch, which can help with feeling bites and setting hooks. But it can be more expensive than mono and harder to work with because it’s stiffer.
Braid vs. Monofilament
Monofilament line is stretchy and good for absorbing shock, which can be helpful when using treble hooks. However, it can be difficult to feel bites and can have memory which makes it hard to cast.
Braid is strong and sensitive, which makes it easier to feel bites, but it has no stretch and can be more visible in clear water. It can also be more difficult to tie knots with braid.
Environmental Factors
Clear Water vs. Dirty Water
When fishing with soft plastics, the best line depends on the water conditions. In clear water, fluorocarbon line is the way to go. This type of line is nearly invisible underwater, which can increase your chances of catching fish.
In muddy or stained water, braid line is better. The bright color of braid line makes it more visible, which can help you detect bites. When choosing line, check the pound test, which refers to the line’s strength.
For clear water, 6-8 pound test fluorocarbon line is recommended. For muddy or stained water, 20-30 pound test braid line is recommended.
Clear Skies vs. Cloudy & Overcast
When it comes to fishing with soft plastics, the type of fishing line you choose can make a big difference in your success. If the weather is clear and the sun is shining, it’s best to use a clear fluorocarbon line. This will make your line almost invisible to the fish and help you get more bites.
But if the sky is cloudy and overcast, you’ll want to use a darker colored line like green or brown. This will help your line blend in with the water and surroundings, making it less noticeable to the fish.
Are Leaders Needed for Soft Plastics?
Using a leader for soft plastics is recommended because it can help prevent the line from breaking when fishing in heavy cover or around sharp rocks. Fluorocarbon is a good choice for leader material because it’s invisible underwater and has good abrasion resistance.
A double blood knot is a good connection for tying your leader to your main line because it’s strong and doesn’t create a bulky knot.
Best Line for Night Fishing
When fishing with soft plastics at night, it’s important to use a fishing line that is highly visible in low-light conditions. Monofilament lines in high-visibility colors such as fluorescent green or yellow are great for night fishing with soft plastics.
Fluorocarbon lines can also be used but are less visible in low-light conditions. Braided lines are not recommended for night fishing with soft plastics because they are too difficult to see.
It’s important to use a line that is strong enough to handle the size of the fish you are targeting, while also being sensitive enough to detect bites in the dark.
Line Strength & Diameter
Line strength and line diameter are important considerations when fishing with soft plastics. Line strength refers to the amount of weight a fishing line can handle before breaking, while line diameter refers to the thickness of the line. Generally, a higher line strength means a thicker line diameter.
Thicker lines can be easier to cast, but can be more visible to fish in clear water. A thinner line diameter can be more difficult to cast, but can be less visible to fish.
When fishing with soft plastics, it is recommended to use a line strength between 6-12 pounds. A thinner line diameter is preferred for clearer water conditions, while a thicker line diameter may be better for stained or murky water.
