High Visibility Line
One of the most common questions I receive is, “Why high visibility line? With hundreds of options out there, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. I’m a big proponent of high-visibility (hi-vis) lines.
Here’s why!
Fishermen need to make thousands of decisions throughout the course of a fishing outing that ultimately determines whether fish are caught or not. What species will I chase, and what sort of cover or structure will that species relate to? Should I use live bait or artificial bait- what artificial bait should I use? Should I fish it slow or fast, deep or shallow? Questions like these are only the beginning.
Making these decisions and putting it all together for a successful day is why fishing never gets old. There are new variables we must consider every time we venture out.
One decision you must make when selecting a line is clear or high visibility. As you’ve probably noticed in my YouTube videos, I always spool my reels with a vibrant and highly visible Stren Hi-Vis Gold Mono. This line has been my trusted companion for years, and it’s the one I’ve built my confidence in. As an angler, having confidence in your approach is key to success.
I love hi-vis lines because they allow me to see when my bait hits the bottom, brushes over a clump of weeds, bumps into rocks, or when a fish strikes. The movements in the line as the lure interacts with mud, sand, rock, wood, and fish send you messages. It benefits one to learn how to read them.
Will the fish will be able to see the line?
In my experience, hi-vis lines do not deter the fish from biting. I’ve caught fish in clear water using lures tied directly to the hi-vis line. I’ve fished alongside other anglers using clear lines and saw no difference in catch rates. In hopes of improving my catch, I’ve switched from a hi-vis line to a clear line but saw no change.
I only use clear lines in clear waters when the bite is tough, and I need every advantage. In those cases, I tie a 3–4-foot leader of fluorocarbon line just above the bait. For instance, a fluorocarbon leader may be necessary in very clear water with ten feet of visibility.
But, can’t sensitive rods detect these subtle movements?
That’s true, but there are also subtle indicators your line gives, not felt through the most sensitive rods, that can give you an edge over the fish. When you combine the visual sensations the hi-vis line provides with the ticks and taps you feel in your sensitive rod, you’ll be fully aware of where your bait is, what it’s doing, and how the fish are reacting. Turning each cast into a vibrant visual experience will undoubtedly make you a better and more successful angler.
Another advantage of the hi-vis lines is that they make tying on baits and getting out tangles much easier. The ability to see the line well aids in these tasks and makes them just a little less tedious. Also, if you’re fishing out of a boat with another angler, being able to see each other’s line will keep you from crossing casts.
If you have never used hi-vis lines, I encourage you to do so on your next fishing adventure. Pay particular attention to the line’s movements while fishing and the visual indicators it can provide. They are subtle but extremely helpful and make fishing even more enjoyable.
Talk soon, Angler X
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