Fishing Line & Leaders

Line is the cheapest part of a trolling program and the part that fails first when it's neglected. Monofilament is still the trolling default for crankbaits: it stretches, which forgives the shock when a fish hits a moving bait, and its diameter is predictable for dive-curve math. Braid's thin diameter gets baits deeper on the same line length and telegraphs every wobble and hit — our Dockside braid vs. mono guide compares the two for trolling.

Fluorocarbon leaders disappear in clear water and resist the abrasion of zebra mussels and rocky structure; run them ahead of braid for casting and jigging, and as crankbait leaders in clear Great Lakes water. Wire leaders and heavy fluoro cover the toothy bycatch — pike and muskie bite through standard line without slowing down.

Sufix lines and VMC leaders anchor this category. Replace trolling line on a schedule, not when it breaks: UV and board clips wear it invisibly, and a fresh spool costs less than one lost crankbait.