Best Crappie Line: What Are Your Options?

Dan Dannenmueller prefers the stretch of a monofilament or copolymer line.
He says bait movements are better and the line is easy to manage. (Photo: Tim Huffman)

What’s My (Best) Line?

by Tim Huffman

Look in the fishing line section at a sporting goods store. You’ll see different see huge racks filled with different brands, sizes and types of line – all with fancy scientific terminology and big claims for success. It is a mind-boggling array of options that can send any angler – especially beginners, into a quandary.

To help you sort out the confusion, experts sat down with CrappieNOW to discuss the three major line groups and why each one has an application for crappie fishing.

Monofilament & Copolymer Lines

Today’s monofilaments and copolymers are in the nylon line group. The basic difference between the two is, monofilament is one single strand while copolymers are two strands of varying material wrapped or merged together. A copolymer has the advantage of combining characteristics of two lines into one line.

Brad Chappell uses fluorocarbon line. He likes the sinking line to get jigs down quicker and the low stretch for quickly getting a fish into the boat. (Photo: Tim Huffman) [Best Crappie Line] — **Brad Chappell uses fluorocarbon line. He likes the sinking line to get jigs down quicker and the low stretch for quickly getting a fish into the boat. (Photo: Tim Huffman)**

“I’ve used all types and brands of lines,” said Dan Dannenmueller, CrappieNOW publisher and two-time Crappie Master’s Angler of the Year. “I like either monofilament or copolymer line for my spider rigging, for pulling planer boards and single-pole jigging. But I often use Gamma Polyflex, a copolymer line in 10-pound-test. It performs better than any other brands I’ve tried. It is strong yet supple. It catches crappie but I’ve also caught 15-pound stripers and catfish on it.”

“Lines are all about being as limp as possible for the strength, so monofilaments are easy to use for fishing. I’ve tried fluorocarbon (supposedly the most invisible line under water) but it sinks. I want my baits to have more action than what I get with sinking line. Baits need good movement.

“I usually go to 8-pound-test for leaders when spider rigging and occasionally 6-pound in clear waters. I use 6-pound test when casting and other light stuff like when using a 1/32-ounce jig.

“Two things are extremely important when using monofilament. First, retie your baits often. Catching fish and rubbing against cover weakens the line. Also, knots weaken. Regularly remove two feet of line and retie the hook or jig. Secondly, it’s critical to wet the knot when cinching it down to reduce friction and prevent line damage.”

Monofilament/Copolymer advantages: low cost, stretch for shock absorption, great handling, good casting, limp, available in clear or high-vis colors. Disadvantages: requires a stronger hookset due to the stretch; not as long-lasting as fluoro or braid.

Fluorocarbon

Guide Brad Chappell says fluorocarbon isn’t for all techniques, but it’s great for single pole pitching and jigging.

“(Garmin) Livescope has changed a lot of things, including the line on my long pole. I use fluorocarbon because it has very little stretch, is basically invisible in the water and it sinks. I want the bait to go down as quickly as possible when LiveScoping. Fluoro has low stretch like braid without the problem of the line wrapping around the tip of the pole all the time. The near-zero stretch transfers the bite well, it lets me use a hard hookset, and I can yank a fish out in a hurry. I’m not stuck on a particular brand, but I do like 15-pound test because it’s a good all-around performer.

“…the most versatile line and one great for crappie fishing is a copolymer.”

“The only downside for me is I don’t use it when temperatures go down below 40 degrees because it snaps. My buddies have had the same problem.”

Fluorocarbon advantages: Sinks quickly and is good for deep presentations; low visibility for fewer spooked fish; low stretch for sensitivity and good hooksets; abrasion resistant; and is versatile.

Disadvantages: Cost, but it lasts longer than mono; knots must be tied with care, and you must wet the knot; the fast fall rate isn’t good for slow presentations or shallow water; some lines can become stiff/brittle in cold weather and water.

Braided Line

Sam Heaton says there's nothing more enjoyable or simple than jigging visible cover with a long pole. He recommends a routine checking of the line and knot to increase chances of landing a big one. (Photo: Tim Huffman) — Sam Heaton says there’s nothing more enjoyable or simple than jigging visible cover with a long pole. He recommends a routine checking of the line and knot to increase chances of landing a big one. (Photo: Tim Huffman)

Fishermen use braid on single poles for its limpness, sensitivity, and power. A few crankbait trollers use it because its tiny diameter with less line drag allows baits to go deeper.

“The first time I used Spiderwire braid was many years ago when Spiderwire first came out,” said professional crappie fisherman Sam Heaton. “I knew it would change fishing because I could feel the bites so much better than I could on monofilament.

“Today there are many great braids on the market, the lines are so much smoother, and they are easier to use. I use Sufix because it works for me. Braids are great because there is almost no water drag, a fisherman will feel bites and it lasts a long time. It doesn’t have memory so it will come off your reel easier without looping. Bottom line is you’ll catch more fish with braided line.”

Braid advantages: The strength-per-diameter is many times better than mono or fluoro; no stretch so it’s a sensitive line; hooksets are solid; comes in a variety of colors to match conditions; it will outlast mono and fluoro.

Disadvantages: No shock absorber when fighting a fish; will wrap around things including rod tips; expensive, but very long lasting.

Techniques vs. Line Type

When choosing an all-purpose line, nothing is better than a monofilament-based line that can be used for any technique. There are many quality lines, with Gamma Polyflex being one of the top picks. (Photo: Tim Huffman)

Vertical jigging or live imaging: mono, fluoro or braid. Mono is easiest to handle. Fluoro and braid are non-stretch and more sensitive.

Casting a free-fall jig. Mono and fluoro. Mono doesn’t sink so is the best all-around choice. Fluoro is good but is quick to sink. Braid is okay but it’s best with a leader.

Casting with a slip float. Mono is the top pick because the line doesn’t sink between the rod and float.

Long line trolling jigs. Mono is best because it allows baits to be kept shallow or deep.

Crankbait trolling. Mono is good for long lining or planer boards. Some trollers like braid because the small diameter allows baits to run deeper.

Power trolling can be done with mono or fluoro, but it must be a heavy 15- or 20-pound test. An option is braided line with monofilament leaders.

Slow trolling or spider rigging can be done with any type of line, but mono is the most popular choice.

Final Tip

Dale Black, owner of Gamma Line, simplifies selection. “There are so many lines out there it can make picking very difficult, but it doesn’t have to be difficult for the average fisherman. Different lines do different things, but the most versatile line and one great for crappie fishing is a copolymer. It’s not as strong or abrasive resistant as fluorocarbon or braid, but it allows you to do so much more with just one type of line. You can use it for any presentation.”

Tim Huffman is CrappieNOW co-founder and senior writer. Check out his crappie fishing books on Amazon or a list of the Top 50 Lakes at www.monstercrappie.com