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In the market for a reliable fishing line to catch those stubborn catfish? Then you’ve come to the right place!
In this article, we’re reviewing the top 10 options on the market and sharing a buying guide to help you find the best fishing line for catfish depending on your fishing style and needs.
In a Hurry? Here’s Our Top Picks…
10 Best Fishing Lines for Catfish Reviews
1. Trilene Big Game Fishing Line by Berkley
Berkeley is one of the most established names in the fishing line industry. Their Trilene Big Game is the go-to choice for thousands of anglers looking to capture catfish because it’s incredibly strong and highly resistant to abrasions. Not to mention, it ties easily and comes in a wide range of weights.
This monofilament fishing line offers tremendous shock strength, so it can stand its ground in hard fights against larger fish whatever weight you choose. The heavier weights also make for an excellent braid shock leader.
Some folks aren’t huge fans of the slightly increased memory of the Trilene Big Game, but we say this is simply a characteristic of any monofilament line. We’d like for the high-visibility color to provide a bit more contrast, but the Solar Collector is pretty visible in low-light settings, which is more than you’d need for catfish.
Specs
- Type – Monofilament
- Material – Trilene
- Weights (pounds) – 8, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 130
- Colors – Clear, green, coastal brown, solar collector, steel blue
What We Like
- Superior material
- Very smooth through guides
- Ties easily
- Casts well
- Loads of sensitivity
What We Don’t Like
- Slightly more memory as with all monofilament type lines
2. Power Pro Spectra Fishing Line
The Power Pro is a super popular option among both freshwater and saltwater anglers. This is thanks to its extensive weights’ range, its unique technology, and amazing performance in tests. All of these give us a line with remarkable toughness and smoothness compared to average braided fishing lines.
When it comes to diameter, you can expect great tensile strength. However, the knots, shock strength, and abrasion resistance are a bit on the weaker side as with all braids.
That being said, there’s a fix for such issues if you use the Power Pro Spectra — just double the corresponding monofilament test. For example, spool on a 20-pound if you usually reach for a 10-pound mono.
This fishing line offers plenty of heavier weights, so you won’t have trouble finding whatever you need. While the knot strength will increase, keep using a monofilament line as a shock leader.
Specs
- Type – Braided
- Material – Spectra fiber
- Weights (pounds) – 3, 5, 8, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 65, 80, 100, 150, 200, 250
- Colors – Clear, white, moss green, vermillion red, high-vis yellow
What We Like
- A very strong option
- High spool capacity
- Good castability
- Impressive hi-vis colors
What We Don’t Like
- The decreased knot strength and abrasion resistance will have you using heavier line weight
3. FluoroKote Fishing Line by KastKing
If you’re concerned about visibility, then you should consider a fluorocarbon fishing line for catfish. One of the best options on the market you can opt for is the FluoroKote Fishing Line by KastKing.
Possessing a reduced refractive index, this line can be pretty difficult to distinguish from the water like no other line. Additionally, it provides less stretch coupled with more flexibility, resulting in superior sensitivity for detecting bites.
The manufacturer kept the diameter low to provide lots of strength and increase the spool’s capacity spool. We also like how the higher density of the KastKing FluoroKote makes it fall to the bottom faster, enabling you to reach larger cars that are holed up.
Specs
- Type – Fluorocarbon
- Material – Polyvinylidene Fluoride
- Weights (pounds) – 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 20, 25, 30
- Colors – Clear
What We Like
- Decreased visibility
- Reduced stretch
- High flexibility
- Sinks faster
What We Don’t Like
- Due to being somewhat stiff, overfilling your spool may cause the line to spring off
4. Original Fishing Line by Stren
Old is gold, especially when we’re talking about Stren’s Original Fishing Line. This monofilament type may not be as new or as high-tech as some of the other candidates on our list, but it’s still one of the most reliable options for catching catfish that are below the 60-pound tier.
We’re aware that it doesn’t come in weights that accommodate trophy anglers, but this doesn’t matter for the average user. Most folks after catfish are happy with a 20- or 30-pound test line on a decent rod.
Although sensitivity and casting aren’t a big deal if you’re seeking catfish, Stren’s Original offers a somewhat low memory compared to other monofilaments, which means it possesses good castability and sensitivity without sacrificing shock strength.
What’s more, this fishing line won’t disappoint if you’re worried about abrasion. It’s also a terrific leader for braid lines if you’re not dealing with significant heavyweights.
The Stren Original ties quite easily and provides hard knots. It comes in hi-vis Gold, a common color for catfishing.
Specs
- Type – Monofilament
- Material – Nylon
- Weights (pounds)– 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20
- Colors – Clear, clear/blue fluorescent, hi-vis gold, lo-vis green
What We Like
- Super resistant to abrasion
- Plenty of shock strength
- Ties swiftly and holds knots efficiently
- Comes in a great hi-vis color
What We Don’t Like
- Not heavy-weight tested
5. SuperPower Fishing Line by KastKing
A lot of anglers who are after catfish look for reliable mid-range braided fishing lines. If this sounds familiar, then you should consider the SuperPower Fishing Line by KastKing.
As a low-memory fishing line, you won’t encounter issues with tangling as with other types of lines. Not to mention, the diameter of this line is very small, allowing you to fit a generous length on the spool with minimal hassle.
If you’re wondering how much, we can vouch for at least 500 yards! Additionally, the KastKing SuperPower Fishing Line is equipped with an impressive coat that facilitates its slipping through your rod’s guides as well as tying a very tough knot.
Specs
- Type – Braided
- Material – Polyethylene
- Weights (pounds) – 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 30, 40, 50, 65, 80, 100, 120, 150
- Colors – Moss green, multicolor, low-vis grey, yellow, ocean blue
What We Like
- The fine diameter accommodates more line on the spool
- Improved casting distance
- Minimal tangling issues
- The finish provides solid knots
What We Don’t Like
- Although the high-visibility color works great, it’s prone to fading over time
6. Vanish Fishing Line by Berkley
Another fantastic option from the renowned Berkley brand is the Vanish Fishing Line. It’s a high-quality fluorocarbon line that works amazingly for catching catfish.
The line features an upgraded coating that helps anglers cast easier and for a longer distance. It’s also backed up with an enhanced formula that increases the line’s strength up to 20% more than other fluorocarbon candidates on the market.
The non-absorbing characteristic of this line offers impressive wet strength that resists underwater abrasion like a champ. Refracting light effectively, this line becomes almost invisible in the water (hence the name, vanish) thanks to the pure fluorocarbon construction.
Specs
- Type – Fluorocarbon
- Material – Polyvinylidene Fluoride
- Weights (pounds) – 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 80
- Colors – Clear
What We Like
- Premium quality
- Very low-visibility underwater
- Upgraded to provide 20% more strength
What We Don’t Like
- Tying knots can be a bit tricky
7. Cajun Smooth-Cast Fishing Line by Zebco
At first glance, any angler will notice that this fishing line doesn’t look like your average monofilament line. But this difference is what makes the Cajun Smooth-Cast Fishing Line by Zebco so unique and one of our all-time favorites for catfishing.
Even though it comes in a bright red color, this monofilament line turns straight up invisible when underwater. The mechanism behind this is all about color wavelengths — when the line is submerged in water, the red wavelengths get filtered out. This results in a color that perfectly matches the water’s color.
Besides the low visibility aspect, the Cajun Line is made of a specially-formulated nylon material that provides massive durability and rock-solid knots. It also supports smooth loading and casting, boosting your accuracy and casting distance.
Additionally, we appreciate that the stretch is at a sweet spot to let you pressure your catch without risking line breakage. Above all, the Cajun Smooth-Cast Fishing Line by Zebco is a wonderful choice for anglers on a budget.
Specs
- Type – Monofilament
- Material – Nylon
- Weights (pounds) – 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 20, 30, 30, 40, 50
- Colors – Raging red
What We Like
- Advanced color technology results in an invisible line underwater
- Outstanding durability and resistance to abrasions
- Ties strong knots
- Promotes better casting accuracy and distance
What We Don’t Like
- Could use less memory
8. Super Cast Fishing Line by HERCULES
Braided type fishing line can cost you more than other varieties, so if you’re on a budget, you want to stick to something that offers good value for your money. In other words, a brand that provides anglers with plenty of line for the money.
This is where HERCULES Super Cast comes in. Named after the infamous Greek hero and god, this braided line has remarkable durability and strength, yet it’s available at an affordable price point compared to high-end brands.
This braided fishing line for catfish doesn’t just excel in quantity, but quality as well. It consists of 8 strands woven tightly to ensure outstanding strength, durability, and resistance against abrasions.
The diamond weave of this line also promotes a smoother texture for easier and farther casting. Not to mention, the fine diameter and low memory design contribute to an improved reel capacity – perfect for a catfish spinning reel.
The Hercules Super Cast Fishing Line has pretty much no stretch, which results in unbelievable sensitivity that lets you feel when a fish bites right at your fingertips.
Specs
- Type – Braided
- Material – Fiber wire
- Weights (pounds) – 10, 15, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 150, 180, 200, 250, 300
- Colors – Green, pink, army green, black, red, white, fluorescent green, blue, grey, yellow, orange, multicolor, fluorescent yellow, camo, blue camo
What We Like
- Incredible strength
- Great value for money
- No stretch
- Remarkable sensitivity
What We Don’t Like
- The colors tend to lose their vividness after a while
9. Berkley Trilene Big Cat Fishing Line by Berkley
Next up, we have another wonderful option from the trusted brand Berkley called the Trilene Big Cat Fishing Line. Available in solar green color, this premium-quality line offers a lot of fighting strength to help you catch even the toughest trophy catfish.
Additionally, it’s sold at a very competitive price, which makes it an ideal option for anglers looking to add a solid all-around line to their catfishing gear without putting a dent in their wallets.
On a single spool, you can get up to 300 yards of easily manageable monofilament line that you can use for short or long casts with equally impressive performance. The superior shock strength allows for controlled stretch, boosting the line’s fighting power.
Made in the United States, the Trilene Big Cat Line is ideal for fishing at night thanks to its high-visibility color that fluorescences in daylight or black light. The line is also very resistant to abrasion, so don’t worry if you’re chasing catfish over rough areas and through sharp objects.
The Big Cat Line features a reduced diameter so you can cast farther and fit more on your spool. It’s also rather forgiving and ties solid knots easily.
Specs
- Type – Monofilament
- Material – Trilene
- Weights – 15, 20, 30, 40
- Colors – Solar green
What We Like
- Reliable strength and abrasion resistance
- Works for short or long casts
- Forgiving line
- Highly visible color perfect for night fishing
What We Don’t Like
- Could use more yards to accommodate bigger reels
10. Siege Fishing Line by Sufix
Last but not least, we’re looking at the Siege Fishing Line from the popular brand Sufix.
If you like the Stren Original fishing line for catfish but can’t get your hands on it, we consider Sufix Siege to be an excellent alternative for any angler wanting to score anything but record-setting fish.
This monofilament line is equipped with a special extrusion mechanism that improves your casting accuracy and distance. It’s wound to minimize memory, and not to mention, generously limp to make for easy handling and casting.
As such, it’s pretty easy to tie and holds its knots nicely. The material is also treated to produce up to 15 times more resistance against abrasion, so it can withstand abuse like no other.
Specs
- Type – Monofilament
- Material – Nylon
- Weights – 6, 8, 10, 17, 20
- Colors – Camo, neon tangerine
What We Like
- Suitable for casting long
- Exceptional abrasion resistance
- Sufficient shock strength
What We Don’t Like
- Lacks heavy-weight testing
What to Look for in the Best Fishing Line for Catfish
The following are the most important points to consider when trying to find the best fishing line for catfish:
Line Type
- Monofilament: this is the most popular type of line used for catfishing because it’s strong, stretchy, affordable, and has low visibility.
- Braided: this is also a good option because it almost has no stretch. However, it’s not forgiving tangling-wise and it’s pretty visible underwater.
- Fluorocarbon: this is the second most popular choice after monofilaments because it has very low visibility, has mediocre stretch, and is quite easy to work with. However, its biggest downside is being a bit on the stiff side, which makes tying knots a little tricky.
Tensile Strength
Catfishing requires a very strong line, it’s as simple as that. The exact tensile strength depends on the size of the fish you’re trying to catch. Fishing lines for catfish are available in a wide range of weights that correspond to their strength, going from as low as 3 pounds to as high as 300 pounds.
Shock Absorption
Monofilament lines are the best in this department. They also make for ideal leaders if you’re using a braided line.
Knot Strength
For catfishing, your line has to hold knots well. Monofilaments excel in this, as do fluorocarbons. Braided lines, on the other side, aren’t so impressive and will need some modification to make the knot stronger.
Wrap Up
Choosing the best fishing line for catfish can be a challenge. This is why we made sure that our list includes only the top-performing fishing lines on the market to guarantee you end up with a reliable product no matter what.
That being said, we recommend the Trilene Big Game Fishing Line by Berkley as today’s winner in the monofilament department thanks to its high-quality material, impressive sensitivity, and impressive resistance against abrasion. Not to mention, it casts well and ties easily.
However, if you’re looking for a fluorocarbon type fishing line for catfish that’s strong and sleek, then the FluoroKote Fishing Line by KastKing should be right up your alley.
Happy Hunting!
