Finding the Right Carp Fishing Line for Your Style
For decades, anglers have been divided on the question of whether braided or monofilament line is better for carp fishing. Based on our many years of experience on the water, we’d like to offer you a few pointers — but the final decision should always be tailored to your specific fishing approach.
To help you evaluate your choice, here are some key factors:
- The line should sink very well in general to avoid spooking the carp and to prevent unwanted encounters with other anglers or water sports enthusiasts.
- Monofilament lines typically sink well. When purchasing braided lines, ensure they are designed to sink. Most braided lines developed for carp anglers sink reasonably well. In contrast, braided lines made for predator or catfish fishing tend to float quite a bit.
- A carp fishing line should offer a good balance of tensile strength and abrasion resistance. If tensile strength alone were the criteria, a standard 0.28mm monofilament line would suffice for most cases. However, since the line often comes into contact with wood, rocks, and shells, it should be as thin as possible, and only as thick as necessary.
- If your rig is meant to be cast over long distances, you should go for thinner diameters. With monofilament lines, that typically means 0.28mm to 0.33mm. For braided lines, we recommend diameters between 0.18mm to 0.22mm.
- If you’re fishing from a boat, you can use thicker lines. Since casting distance isn’t an issue, we prefer to use monofilaments from 0.35mm to 0.40mm and braided lines from 0.26mm to 0.30mm. The benefit is clear: thicker lines sink better due to their weight and are significantly more resistant to abrasion.
- If you frequently fish at distances over 150 meters, we now recommend using only braided main lines. Because braided lines have virtually no stretch, you have a more direct connection to the fish and can feel every movement of your rig.
Summary: Monofilament or Braided Line for Carp Fishing?
Quick Conclusion: The advantages of monofilament lines include affordability, abrasion resistance, and some beneficial stretch. A braided carp line, on the other hand, is thinner at equivalent strength, has no stretch, and is more resistant to UV rays.
Buying Affordable Carp Lines – Our Best Value Picks
Affordable monofilament lines for carp fishing start at around €2.00 per 100 meters. You’ll find about 50 different line types in various diameters in our shop — either by the meter or already spooled in 1000-meter lengths.
However, cheap lines often have a high stretch and a tendency to twist, which means they should be replaced more frequently — up to 2–3 times per year.
Premium Carp Lines – Our Top High-End Models
Premium lines from top manufacturers like Stroft, Fox, Korda, Nash & Co. are rarely available for less than €5 per 100 meters. They often impress with specific features, such as ultra-low stretch or exceptional abrasion resistance. The benefits of these lines include broader versatility and longer durability compared to budget models.
Especially if you're fishing in difficult waters with lots of obstacles or need long casting distances, premium lines are the way to go — perfectly matched to your setup, including your rod and premium bite alarm.