🎣 Trolling Line Choices: Cheap Nylon, Premium, or IGFA?
Hey guys,
I wanted to kick off a thread about monofilament for trolling offshore. The market's full of options—cheap bulk spools, high-dollar "premium" stuff, and IGFA-rated lines that are built for tournaments and record chasing.
So the question is: how much does it really matter which one we spool up with?
🔹 Cheap nylon
Dirt cheap, fine for backing or filling big reels.
The downside: diameters aren't always accurate, breaking strength is all over the place, and it gets cooked by sun and salt pretty fast.
For light trolling or a backup reel, sure. But if I'm hooked up on a serious fish, I'm not putting my trust in bargain mono.
🔹 Premium mono
Tighter quality control, diameters are spot-on, and the actual breaking strength is closer to what's printed on the spool.
A lot of the better stuff has UV protection or coatings that boost abrasion resistance and make it run smoother through guides.
For offshore trolling, this feels like the sweet spot—you pay more, but you get reliability when the reel's screaming and the fight drags on.
🔹 IGFA-rated
Totally different deal: these are built to break at or below the class printed on the spool, to stay legal under International Game Fish Association rules.
That means a 30 lb IGFA line might pop at 29–30 lbs, while a "normal" 30 lb mono might actually hold 35–40.
Perfect if you're chasing records or fishing sanctioned tournaments.
But for everyday fishing, you're paying more to actually have less margin for error.
💡 My take for trolling:
Cheap stuff: good for filler or small-time use.
Premium: the go-to choice for most trolling applications.
IGFA: only worth it if you're chasing records or fishing comps—otherwise it's a handicap.
That's how I see it, but I'm curious what everyone else thinks.
👉 What are you guys running on your trolling setups?
Do you stick with premium for peace of mind, or have you had good luck with budget lines? Anyone here spool up IGFA on the regular?
I think you did a good high level overview. And unless you are fishing for records, the expense of IGFA line is probably not warranted. And cheap stuff - well, it's cheap for a reason. Not saying its bad, but - many times you do get what you pay for. But let's talk about Premium Mono (or even Floro for that matter). Fishing lines do have a "shelf life". And sometimes folks forget there is a step between manufacturer and retailer. I almost NEVER order line online anymore unless its though someone I know/the Ohana. Why? No idea what it has been through or how it's been stored. Sitting by a window in the sun? Who knows. Most times...maybe OK? But I'm not into "maybe" (been burned on that one!) Dirt cheap pricing? WEll, it's gotta be cheap for a reason??? I'm not saying spending $$$ is a guarantee, but the best one is having a relationship with who you are buying from. - john
I only use IGFA when fishing to a line class in a competition. Otherwise, premium mono. Prefer high-vis for trolling sets so it's easier to see what's going on out the back of the boat.
(Also my friend did you use an AI to write your post? I understand because English is not your main language but this post feels very very different to your normal style)
Quote from: boon on September 05, 2025, 04:02:22 AMI only use IGFA when fishing to a line class in a competition. Otherwise, premium mono. Prefer high-vis for trolling sets so it's easier to see what's going on out the back of the boat.
(Also my friend did you use an AI to write your post? I understand because English is not your main language but this post feels very very different to your normal style)
No, I only use Google Translate, but instead of writing on impulse, I try to structure my threads better, since I have 3 days off from work and I really enjoy writing about fishing. My technique is simple: I write the entire structure of the text in my native language, carefully considering the topic. I translate with Google Translate
Quote from: MexicanGulf on September 05, 2025, 04:37:47 AMQuote from: boon on September 05, 2025, 04:02:22 AMI only use IGFA when fishing to a line class in a competition. Otherwise, premium mono. Prefer high-vis for trolling sets so it's easier to see what's going on out the back of the boat.
(Also my friend did you use an AI to write your post? I understand because English is not your main language but this post feels very very different to your normal style)
No, I only use Google Translate, but instead of writing on impulse, I try to structure my threads better, since I have 3 days off from work and I really enjoy writing about fishing. My technique is simple: I write the entire structure of the text in my native language, carefully considering the topic. I translate with Google Translate
An absolute telltale with current models is nearly excessive use of what's called an "emdash" (--). Regular writers almost never use them, and checking your previous posts shows you have literally never, in your entire posting history here, used one. The post above uses no less than four emdashes.
You've also never used random emoji before, and this post has a total of 6. Also a strong ChatGPT indicator.
Unless Google Translate has suddenly started making heavy use of generative AI, this tastes like AI.
Quote from: boon on September 05, 2025, 04:56:53 AMQuote from: MexicanGulf on September 05, 2025, 04:37:47 AMQuote from: boon on September 05, 2025, 04:02:22 AMI only use IGFA when fishing to a line class in a competition. Otherwise, premium mono. Prefer high-vis for trolling sets so it's easier to see what's going on out the back of the boat.
(Also my friend did you use an AI to write your post? I understand because English is not your main language but this post feels very very different to your normal style)
No, I only use Google Translate, but instead of writing on impulse, I try to structure my threads better, since I have 3 days off from work and I really enjoy writing about fishing. My technique is simple: I write the entire structure of the text in my native language, carefully considering the topic. I translate with Google Translate
An absolute telltale with current models is nearly excessive use of what's called an "emdash" (--). Regular writers almost never use them, and checking your previous posts shows you have literally never, in your entire posting history here, used one. The post above uses no less than four emdashes.
You've also never used random emoji before, and this post has a total of 6. Also a strong ChatGPT indicator.
Unless Google Translate has suddenly started making heavy use of generative AI, this tastes like AI.
I have a Chinese leonovo tablet for about $400, I don't think it has all this capabilities 😆
Buying line is probably smallest investment when putting together an outfit. But when you think about it, the line is the most important component. Act accordingly.
Yout translations are good.
In the big picture line is a small investemen and I would never buy cheep mono.
My reels are filled with spectra (more $ but longer lasting) and 15' to 30'quality mono or flurocarbon topshots.
Leader is important low dia. fluorocarbon like seagaur and then mono like hi catch or ande for trolling. if you want to save money over time top shot with mono then braided line like power pro or cheaper bass pro braid just to fill the spool.
I prefer JB or Izor spectra. I also have some Berkley.
My mono preferance are Berkley Big Game, Yozuri and Izor. Fluro preferances are Seguar, Blackwater, Soft Steel (I think it is made by the company that made Blackwater) and Yozuri Pink. I have some Pro Chalenger that I like too.
Quote from: Keta on September 05, 2025, 04:51:54 PMI prefer JB or Izor spectra. I also have some Berkley.
My mono preferance are Berkley Big Game, Yozuri and Izor. Fluro preferances are Seguar, Blackwater, Soft Steel (I think it is made by the company that made Blackwater) and Yozuri Pink. I have some Pro Chalenger that I like too.
I am very curious about the Izor brand, unfortunately it is not sold in Europe.