Copper Line
This relative newcomer to the trolling scene has made a big splash in recent years because of several tournament wins with the use of copper line. Copper line has two properties that make is popular in trolling applications. First, it has little to no stretch, meaning diving planers with go deeper with less line. Second, copper line is heavier than normal fishing lines because it is metal and sinks; this means your lure will run deeper without any diving aids. For example, when a 500-foot section of 30-pound copper is let out behind the boat, it will take the lure down more than 100 feet. The provides a stealthy approach, as the lure is far behind and well below the noise of the boat.
Lead Core Line
Lead core line is a low-stretch braided nylon line with a thin ribbon of lead in the center. This line developed a large following in the late '90s because of its quick sink rate and ability to present lures down and away from the boat in conjunction with a side planer. Most lead core lines are color coded every 10 feet and sink 1 foot for every 2 feet of line in the water. Once the line is let out to sink to the proper depth, the line is attached to a side planer, which takes the line and lure out away from the boat. This approach works well in clear water when the fish are wary of boat noise and commotion above.
Monofilament Line
The abrasion resistance that monofilament line offers makes it a popular choice when trolling with downriggers, because the releases can chew up other lines and cause premature breakage. Another important advantage of using monofilament line is its ability to blend in with the natural surroundings. Monofilament lines come in a colors such as clear, green or blue, which are less obtrusive to wary fish, such as king salmon. Monofilament is also easy to retie after a prolonged battle with a big fish and holds up well to the varied weather conditions anglers face when trolling on open waters.
