What Matters When Buying Braided Lines for Carp Anglers
When purchasing a braided line for carp fishing, it's essential to consider the conditions at the water. As a general rule, we recommend sinking braided mainlines to avoid contact with other anglers and water sports enthusiasts. Therefore, most lines are marketed with the label “sinking.”
If the rig is to be placed using a boat, neither the diameter nor the braid count is particularly relevant. This means that a relatively thick, 4-strand braided line is just as suitable for boat fishing as a more expensive 8-strand braided line. In this case, we recommend a diameter of 0.25mm to 0.30mm. The breaking strain of lines in these dimensions is more than sufficient.
If the rig is to be cast out, thinner lines are more suitable, as an 8-strand braid is noticeably smoother and softer. To achieve maximum casting distance, the braided mainline should have a true diameter of 0.18mm – 0.22mm.
Affordable Braided Carp Lines – Our Price-Performance Winners
Affordable, 4-strand braided lines for boat placement are already available from €9 per 100m. These lines, for example from Climax or Anaconda, are relatively rough and stiff, which is why the line is not or only conditionally suitable for casting rigs.
High-Quality Braided Carp Lines – Our Best High-End Models
High-quality braided carp lines are available from €15 per 100m. Several top brands such as Nash, Fox, Korda and others offer high-end lines.
Premium products are characterized by a tight 8-strand braid, an additional coating, and excellent sinking behavior. Since braided lines are more resistant to UV radiation and therefore last for several years, upgrading to a premium line pays off after a short time.
Breaking Strain/Diameter of Braided Carp Lines
As previously mentioned, the breaking strain of braided lines for carp fishing is not of great importance. Even a braided line with a 0.18mm diameter has more breaking strength than a standard 0.40mm monofilament line. Therefore, the focus should be on abrasion resistance and sinking properties.
As an all-round option, we would suggest a line diameter of 0.22mm – 0.25mm.