While most anglers probably use 2-6lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon line for panfish, it’s also ok to use braided fishing line in many circumstances. Indeed, braid can be one of the best types of fishing line for panfish such as sunfish, yellow perch, or bream, and can be a cost-effective alternative to monofilament and fluorocarbon. If you want to use braid, I’d argue that your run of the mill Power Pro is the best braid for panfish. Here’s why.
Why You Should Consider Using Braid for Panfish
I wouldn’t make the argument that braid is the “best” line for fishing specifically for panfish, but there are some good reasons to consider it. Chiefly, ease of use, enhanced line strength, and durability.
Ease of Use
So long as you properly set up your reels to prevent line slippage, braid is easy to use. In the past, many reels (and especially spinning reels) struggled with braid. This is because the line would slip on the reel and cut into itself. The way to solve this is to use some monofilament as backing rather than tying the braid directly to the reel. However, nowadays many reel manufacturers place a few strips of rubber on their reels to prevent this issue. Such types have no need for backing.
Once you get past the potential need for backing, braid is foolproof. It has no memory to create giant, loopy tangles on you, and nearly never creates wind knots for this reason. You can tie it directly to any type of lure as it is good middle ground between fluorocarbon that sinks, and monofilament that floats.
Enhanced Line Strength
Braided fishing line has greater strength per diameter than other types of line. While braid may be considered overkill for panfish, it does have one significant advantage over monofilament and fluorocarbon: if something big and exciting comes along unexpectedly, you still have a great chance of landing it!
How many times have you gone out on a fishing trip only to have “something” big break your line? While it makes for a great fishing story, it’s not a great feeling! With braided line, you can pull in as many panfish as you want while still having a chance of landing something substantial, should it bite.
Durability
While professional anglers like to change their fishing line frequently, I’ll confess that I often leave braid on for season after season. I only feel the need to change it when my spool is running low and I’m losing casting distance. This isn’t to say that I won’t retie frequently, because I will. Braid can get scuffed up along rocks and other cover. If I see it fray, I will cut 3-4′ and retie as needed.
All the same, I tend to hesitate with leaving other types of line on season over season. Fluorocarbon especially needs a change after the winter as its high memory just begs for trouble after too long. Braid on the other hand has absolutely no memory at all, so you can leave it on indefinitely. The only thing you may want to do is run a magic marker down it should it start to fade, if desired.
The Best Braid for Panfish
In my opinion the best braid for panfish is PowerPro in 15-20lb test. While I’ve tried some other products, such as their SuperSlick series, I have most confidence in the original. The SuperSlick is a bit too thin for my liking and I’ve found that the fibers catch on everything.
While you could use a lighter pound test, there isn’t much point when using braid, as its diameter is smaller than comparative mono or fluorocarbon. Frankly, I’ve found that the smaller the pound test with braid, the more difficult it becomes to utilize. The only time I’d consider using a smaller pound test is if I was fishing with an ultra light rod. If you’re not careful, you could break it using too strong of line. I wrote a post specifically about if braided fishing line would damage your rod, if you’re concerned.
Using a Leader
Braid’s visibility can be a concern in very clear water. If this is where you’re fishing, consider using a leader. The leader can either be fluorocarbon or monofilament. You also may wish to consider using fluorocarbon if you’re fishing near rocks, jetties, or docks. Fluorocarbon can be more abrasion resistant than braid, which comes in handy.
I like to tie my leaders on using a double unit knot. I wrote a post about how to make a fishing leader that you may find helpful. This video by Fishthatwontquit also does a good job of explaining how to do so.
Alternatives to Using Braid for Panfish
If you don’t wish to use braid, most folks would agree that monofilament or fluorocarbon in the 2-6lb test range is your best bet when fishing for panfish. I personally like Berkely Trilene XL for monofilament, and Seaguar Invizx for fluorocarbon.
Trilene XL is tried and true, as I’ve used it since I was a child. It is easy to tie, strong, inexpensive, and does the trick. It’s my favorite fishing line for all of my kids’ rods for these reasons.
Fluorocarbon can be difficult to deal with because of its high memory. Seaguar Invizx has substantially less memory which makes it easier to handle. I’ve had no issues with this brand and have caught some extremely large fish on low pound tests. I personally use this on my drop shot rod as well as all my cranking sticks.
Conclusions
While it certainly isn’t the first line most folks would think to use, braid is fine when fishing for panfish. In murky waters, most won’t even notice it, and if its visibility is a concern, you can use a leader. Its strong enough to easily handle any yellow perch or crappie, and also can handle the occasional bass or pike that hits your worm. So long as you aren’t using an ultralight rod that could be damaged by it, it might be just the ticket for your next fishing trip.
Thanks,
John Paxton
