Best Fishing Lines for Pike (Complete Guide)

Pike have very good vision and are one of the strongest fighting freshwater fish you can hook into. Selecting the right fishing lines can be vital to your success.

The best fishing line for pike fishing is a braided line such as PowerPro Spectra Fiber Braided Fishing Line or Spiderwire Stealth Braided Fishing Line in 30-50 pound test.

In this article, I will summarize the recommended options for pike, including braids, monofilaments, fluorocarbons, and wire lines.

Can Pike See Fishing Line?

Pike have relatively good eyesight and can see fishing line if it’s visible in the water. Fluorocarbon lines are less visible to pike because they are nearly invisible underwater, while braided and monofilament lines can be more visible. It’s important to choose a fishing line that matches the water clarity and depth and to use a leader if necessary to make the line less visible to the fish.

Check out this link here to view my complete pike fishing gear recommendation list, including rods, reels, baits, gear, etc. I have field tested a lot of pike gear and these are my recommendations.

Pike Fishing Lines: Big Picture Overview

When it comes to pike fishing, there are several fishing line options to choose from. Let’s take a closer look at the most common types and their benefits:

Monofilament Line: This type of line is popular for pike fishing because it’s affordable, easy to handle, and has a good level of stretch that can help prevent hooks from slipping out. However, it’s not as abrasion-resistant as other options and can make it harder to feel bites.

Fluorocarbon Line: Fluorocarbon lines are ideal for clear water conditions as they’re virtually invisible when submerged. They’re highly abrasion-resistant, making them a great choice for rocky areas. However, they can be pricier than monofilament and stiffer, which can make casting a bit more challenging.

Braided Line: Braided lines are highly durable and don’t stretch much, making them great for setting the hook and detecting bites. However, they’re more expensive than other options and can be challenging to handle, especially when tying knots.

Wire Line: Wire lines are the strongest and most abrasion-resistant option, making them perfect for fishing in rocky or challenging areas. However, they’re stiff and difficult to manage, which can make casting more challenging.

Monofilament Fishing Line

This type of line is affordable and easy to handle, plus it has a decent amount of stretch which can help absorb shock and prevent hooks from slipping out. However, monofilament is not as abrasion-resistant as other lines, and it can be harder to feel bites due to its stretchy nature.

When selecting the right monofilament line for pike fishing, it’s important to consider the pound test, color, and brand/model. You’ll want to choose a line that has a high enough pound test to handle the weight of a pike, while also being sensitive enough to feel bites.

As for color, you might want to go for a clear or low-visibility option since pike can be wary of brightly colored lines. As for brand/model, some popular options for pike fishing include Berkley Trilene XL and Stren Original.

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

Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

When it comes to fluorocarbon fishing line for pike fishing, the main benefits are its near-invisibility and high abrasion resistance. However, fluorocarbon lines can be stiffer and more expensive than other fishing lines.

When selecting a fluorocarbon line for pike fishing, it’s essential to consider the pound test, which should be between 15-25 lb, depending on the pike you’re targeting. Some recommended brands and models for fluorocarbon lines include Seaguar Invizx, Sunline Super FC Sniper, and P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon.

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

As for color, a clear or transparent line is best for clear water conditions, while a green line can help camouflage the line in weedy or murky waters.

Braid Fishing Line

Using braid fishing line for pike fishing has several benefits, including its strength, sensitivity, and low stretch, which makes it easier to detect bites and set the hook. However, it can be challenging to handle and tie knots, and it can be more expensive than other types of fishing line.

When selecting a braid fishing line for pike fishing, consider the pound test based on the size of the fish you’re targeting and the conditions you’ll be fishing in. Some popular brands of braid fishing line for pike fishing include PowerPro, Sufix, and Berkley. As for color, a dark green or black line can help it blend in with the water and make it less visible to the fish. I personally recommend SpiderWire Stealth for pike fishing.

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

Wire Fishing Line

Wire fishing lines are a great option for pike fishing because they are strong and abrasion-resistant, which can help prevent the pike from biting through the line. However, they can be stiff and challenging, making casting more difficult.

When selecting a wire fishing line for pike fishing, it’s important to choose one that is strong and has high abrasion resistance. One great option is the American Fishing Wire Surflon Micro Supreme, which comes in various pound tests and is known for its strength and durability. Color is less important for wire fishing lines, but a neutral color like clear or brown can help keep the line invisible in the water.

Are Leaders Needed for Pike?

Using a leader is highly recommended for pike fishing as they have sharp teeth that can easily cut through your main line. Leaders provide an extra layer of protection and can help prevent losing your catch.

A good leader material for pike fishing is fluorocarbon, with a pound test of 30-50lbs and 12-18 inches long. Some popular brands include Seaguar, Sunline, and Berkley. Clear or natural colors are the best options for leaders to avoid spooking fish.

Best Pike Line for Night Fishing

For night fishing pike, a good option is a braided line with a high-pound test to handle the strength of the fish. Dark colors like black or dark green can help avoid spooking the fish. Good options include PowerPro Spectra, Sufix 832 Advanced Superline, and Spiderwire Stealth.

Pike Ice Fishing Lines

The best ice fishing lines for pike fishing are typically braided lines with a pound test between 30-50lbs, such as Sufix 832 or PowerPro. The colors of the line should be high-visibility, like neon green, yellow, or orange, to see bites better in low-light conditions.

Line Strength & Diameter

Line strength and diameter can significantly affect your pike fishing success. A thicker line has more strength but may be visible to fish and could spook them. A thinner line can be less visible but may not have enough strength to handle a big fish.

When choosing the right line strength and diameter, consider the size of the fish you target, the fishing conditions, and the lure you use. It’s also essential to check the recommended line weight for your fishing rod. Choosing a good quality line from a reputable brand, such as Berkley Trilene or Spiderwire, can ensure a reliable line for pike fishing.

For a complete breakdown of the best lines for crappie, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best lines for carp, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best lines for striped bass, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best lines for crankbaits, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best lines for jigs, check out this guide. For a complete breakdown of the best lines for swimbaits, check out this guide. For a complete break down of the best fishing lines for soft plastics, check out this guide. For a complete break down of the best fishing lines for surf casting, check out this guide.