Benefits

• Monofilament line is great for many different kinds of fishing since it's strong, cheap and available in many different pound-tests. (Fishermen typically use 5-lb. test for trout fishing and 15-lb. test for steelhead.)
  
  

Function

• This type of fishing line works great for freshwater fishing in streams or lakes, but it's not for deep-sea fishing. It can absorb water which would loosen knots.
  
  

Varieties

• Monofilament comes in many different colors including clear, green and red. Some brands offer varieties with special uses such as "smooth casting."
  
  

Considerations

• This type of fishing line stretches, which helps it resist breakage. This also means you need to yank up hard to set the hook, but it will also be flexible while fighting the fish. Remember to take an extra spool in your fishing tackle for when you break a line.
  
  Remember any kind of fishing line damages the environment and hurts wildlife, so remove any extra line when you leave.
  
  

Maintenance

• Heat and water will damage monofilament fishing line after a couple years, and it will naturally age and then break while fighting a fish. It's a good idea to change your line every few years, and you'll also want to change it for different fishing locations and target fish.
  
  

Troubleshooting

• If your line frequently becomes tangled on the pole, you need a higher quality or heavier line. If the line comes off the reel in curls, it's time for a new line.