Buyer’s Guide: Choosing the Right Fishing Line for New Zealand Waters

Fishing in New Zealand’s unique environment—whether freshwater lakes or the coastal saltwater—requires the right fishing line. Here's a guide to help you decide:

Monofilament Fishing Lines

Best For: Freshwater fishing and general use in calmer saltwater conditions.

Strengths: Easy to handle and knot, stretches to absorb shocks from big catches, and affordable.

Recommendations:

• 15lb to 28lb (500m rolls): Perfect for trout, perch, and other small freshwater species.
• 70lb to 90lb (200m rolls): Ideal for larger species like snapper or kingfish in coastal waters.

Braided Fishing Lines

Best For: Saltwater fishing, deep-sea fishing, and targeting species requiring precision and strength.

Strengths: High sensitivity, minimal stretch, and thinner diameter for longer casts.

Recommendations:

• 18lb (100m or 500m): Great for smaller species and estuary fishing.
• 100lb (500m): Designed for tackling big fish like kingfish or deep-sea predators.

When to Choose Monofilament

Use mono lines when fishing in areas with rocks or structures as it’s more abrasion-resistant. Its stretch absorbs the energy of active fish, reducing breakage.

When to Choose Braided

Go for braided lines when targeting large species, fishing in strong currents, or needing extra line on your reel. Its sensitivity is unmatched, ideal for detecting bites in deep or murky waters.

Summary

For freshwater or small coastal species, monofilament lines are a versatile choice. For saltwater, deep-sea fishing, or chasing big game, braided lines provide the strength and sensitivity needed. Select the strength based on your target species and fishing conditions to get the best results.