by Steve Byrne
What To Look For
Buy in bulk to save.
Look for a line that is durable enough to withstand the saltwater environment, without sacrificing the performance you expect from your fishing line. There are monofilament lines that are tough yet supple enough for a light touch when casting. Once you find a line that suits your needs, buy it in large spools to reduce your cost.
Common Pitfalls
While the best deals in fishing line are often found online, buying a large quantity of line you have never used is a mistake. An 1,800-yard spool of 30-pound-test might look like a great deal, but if you get it and find it's not abrasion-resistant, you probably just wasted $35. Try before you buy in bulk.
Where To Buy
Expect to pay more for superlines.
Often, the best deals for fishing line are found online, but your local tackle shop has closed the price gap that existed when they first hit the market in 2000. Cabela's and Bass Pro Shops offer a variety of lines from the major manufacturers. Vicious Fishing offers their line directly to the consumer through their website. After checking the Internet, compare prices at your local bait & tackle shop. When you add in shipping costs, the price is competitive.
Cost
A quarter-pound spool of monofilament sells for $10 to $15, and a 1 lb. spool sells for $35 to $50. More sophisticated lines like Fireline, Spiderwire and Power Pro cost as much as $120 for a 1 lb. spool.
Comparison Shopping
Vicious Line Conditioner
Here is a comparison of some popular 30-pound-test lines as of 2009:
Vicious Ultimate 0.5-lb. spool $25 -- 1,000 yards
Berkley Big game Hi-Test 0.5-lb. spool $35 -- 865 yards
Berkley Trilene 1.0-lb. spool $50 -- 1,800 yards
Ande Premium 1.0-lb. spool $36 - 1,600 yards
Sufix 2.2-lb. spool $67 - 3,915 yards
Accessories
Line conditioner can extend the life of your fishing line and increase casting distance. Expect to pay about $10 for a 4-oz. bottle.
Insider Tips
Stick with monofilament line for ease of use. While braided superlines perform well, when your line gets tangled, your fishing trip is done. Mono is forgiving, and priced right for the typical angler.
