The Best Fishing Line for Walleye: A Complete Guide
When it comes to catching walleye, having the right fishing line can make all the difference. Walleye are a popular game fish known for their delicious taste and exciting fight when hooked. But with so many options on the market, choosing the best fishing line for walleye can be overwhelming. Remember, there are different types of lines to use for walleye fishing for different techniques and water conditions. In this guide, we’ll explore the different types of fishing lines and help you determine which one is the most suitable for your walleye fishing adventures.
Mono Fishing Line for Walleye
Monofilament fishing line, commonly known as “mono,” is a popular choice among anglers targeting walleye. This type of line is made from a single strand of extruded plastic material, making it strong, abrasion-resistant, and relatively inexpensive. This line is best to use for trolling crankbaits in open water and river fishing.
Advantages of Mono Fishing Line
- Stretchy and Shock-Absorbent: Mono line has a good amount of stretch, which helps absorb the shock from a hard-striking fish like walleye. This stretch can prevent the line from breaking and keep the fish hooked.
- Knot Strength: Mono line forms strong knots that hold well, reducing the risk of losing a fish due to a knot failure.
- Affordability: Mono line is generally less expensive than other types of fishing lines, making it an economical choice for anglers on a budget.
Disadvantages of Mono Fishing Line
- Memory: Mono line tends to coil and develop memory, which can cause tangles and line management issues.
- Visibility: Some anglers believe that mono line is more visible to fish in clear water conditions, potentially spooking wary walleye.
Recommended Mono Fishing Line for Walleye
| Line Strength (lb-test) | Water Clarity | Fishing Technique |
| 6-8 lb | Clear | Finesse presentations (drop-shot, split-shot, etc.) |
| 8-10 lb | Stained | Live bait rigging, jigging |
| 10-12 lb | Clear (trolling), Murky | Crankbaits, spinner rigs, Jigs |
Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Fluorocarbon fishing line is a popular choice among walleye anglers due to its low visibility in water and increased sensitivity compared to mono. This type of line is made from a fluoropolymer material that is denser than water, causing it to sink. You can use a fluorocarbon line directly on the spinning reel spool or use a connector knot to braid.
Advantages of Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
- Low Visibility: Fluorocarbon has a refractive index similar to water, making it nearly invisible underwater and less likely to spook wary walleye.
- Increased Sensitivity: Fluorocarbon’s density and lack of stretch make it more sensitive, allowing anglers to better detect subtle bites from walleye.
- Abrasion Resistance: Fluorocarbon is highly resistant to abrasion, making it ideal for fishing around rocky structures or heavy cover where walleye often lurk.
Disadvantages of Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
- Stiffness: Fluorocarbon line is stiffer than mono, which can make it more challenging to manage and cast.
- Knot Strength: Knots in fluorocarbon line can weaken over time, potentially leading to line failure if not checked and re-tied regularly.
- Cost: Fluorocarbon line is generally more expensive than mono, which may be a consideration for budget-conscious anglers.
Recommended Fluorocarbon Fishing Line for Walleye
Berkely makes a great fluorocarbon line called Vanish. This line can be tied to a braided main line or used directly on the spool. This type of line is most popular with jig fishermen and finesse fishermen. This line works great with forward-facing sonar (FFS).
Braided Fishing Line
Braided fishing line, also known as “super lines,” is a popular choice for walleye anglers who demand strength, sensitivity, and minimal stretch. This type of line is made by weaving ultra-thin strands of synthetic materials, such as Spectra or Dyneema, into a tightly braided line. While fishing for walleye, braided line is most commonly used on dipsy divers, jet divers, and deep crankbaits.
Advantages of Braided Fishing Line
- Incredible Strength: Braided lines are incredibly strong for their diameter, allowing anglers to use lighter line weights while maintaining sufficient strength to handle powerful walleye.
- No Stretch: Braided lines have virtually no stretch, providing improved sensitivity and solid hooksets when a walleye strikes.
- Thin Diameter: The thin diameter of braided lines allows for longer casts and better lure presentation.
Disadvantages of Braided Fishing Line
- Visibility: Braided lines can be more visible in clear water conditions, potentially spooking wary walleye.
- Wind Knots: Braided lines are prone to wind knots, which can be frustrating and lead to line failure if not properly managed.
- Cost: Braided lines are typically more expensive than mono or fluorocarbon lines, which may be a consideration for some anglers.
Recommended Braided Fishing Line for Walleye
Kastking and Power Pro make excellent braided lines for walleye trolling. Most walleye fishermen are using 30-40 lb. line when trolling. This line has no stretch and is best used with divers when trolling. You can use a braided line with crankbaits but a fluorocarbon leader should be used on the lure end.
Choosing the Right Line
When selecting the best fishing line for walleye, consider the following factors:
Water Clarity
The clarity of the water you’re fishing in can play a significant role in determining the visibility of your line to the fish. In clear water conditions, a low-visibility line like fluorocarbon may be preferable, while in stained or murky water, the visibility of the line is less of a concern. Water clarity and the type of fishing line used when trolling don’t matter so much. It does matter when you are casting to open water walleye or river fishing.
Fishing Technique
Different fishing techniques may require different line strengths and properties. For example, finesse presentations like drop-shotting or split-shotting may call for a lighter, more sensitive line, while techniques like crankbait fishing or trolling may require a stronger, more abrasion-resistant line. When casting to individual walleye, use a fluorocarbon fishing line. This will aid in fish hookups. When trolling a mono main line or braided line can be used depending on which technique you are using.
Cover and Structure
If you’re fishing around heavy cover or rocky structure, a more abrasion-resistant line like fluorocarbon or braided line may be a better choice to prevent line breakage.
Personal Preference
At the end of the day, personal preference plays a significant role in choosing the right fishing line for walleye. Some anglers may prefer the stretch and forgiveness of mono, while others may prioritize the sensitivity and strength of braided lines. Experimenting with different types of lines can help you determine what works best for your fishing style and conditions.
Choosing the best fishing line for walleye can be a matter of personal preference, but understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type of line can help you make an informed decision. Whether you prefer the stretch and affordability of mono, the low visibility and sensitivity of fluorocarbon, or the strength and minimal stretch of braided lines, the right choice can enhance your walleye fishing experience and increase your chances of success on the water.