Recommended Line and Leaders

Freshwater line - Daiwa Samurai Braid
This is the primary line I use for freshwater fishing.  It is very thin, very strong, and casts and handles beautifully.  Its small diameter lets me get more line on my reel.  It is also less stiff than other braids.  If you are used to PowerPro you will like this better in every way.  I like the green color. 

Freshwater leader - P-Line Flourocarbon
I fish braided line for almost everything, and in freshwater I nearly always use a leader so as not to spook fish.  I use the Pena Knot to connect the braid and the leader.  Flourocarbon has very low visibility in water and has better abrasion resistance than monofilament line.

Saltwater line - Izorline Braid
This is my favorite line for saltwater.  It has never failed me even on some extreme fish.  It's a little rougher than some braids, but it's more robust.  That said, you still need to use a leader because no braid has much abrasion resistance to fish teeth, kelp, rocks, the side of the boat, etc.  I like the white color.

Saltwater Leader - Yo Zuri Flourocarbon HD
This has been a reliable leader for me for years.  It is hard and has great abrasion resistance and low visibility.  That's really all you want in a leader.  The pink color does not reduce bites at all.  I use the Pena Knot to connect it to the braid.


If you were thinking of buying any of these lines anyway and learned anything useful from this site, please consider purchasing using the links below: