The simple answer is: no, braided fishing line generally does not float. While some specialized braided lines might exhibit a slight tendency to stay on the surface under specific conditions, the vast majority will sink. This is due to the materials used and the construction of the line itself. Let's delve deeper into the reasons behind this and explore some related questions.
Why Doesn't Braided Fishing Line Float?
Braided fishing lines are typically constructed from high-strength fibers like Dyneema, Spectra, or polyethylene. These materials are denser than water. This density, combined with the tightly braided construction, results in a line that is heavier than the water it displaces, causing it to sink. The tighter the braid, the less likely it is to float.
What Affects the Buoyancy of Braided Line?
Several factors can influence how a braided line behaves in the water:
- Material: The specific type of fiber used in the braiding process directly impacts its density. Some materials might be slightly less dense than others, but the difference is usually minimal and not enough to cause the line to float.
- Diameter: Thicker braided lines generally sink faster than thinner lines due to their increased mass.
- Wetness: A dry braided line might exhibit slightly different buoyancy characteristics compared to a wet one. However, the overall effect is negligible.
- Line Coating: Some braided lines have coatings applied to improve abrasion resistance or reduce friction. These coatings can subtly affect buoyancy, but again, the impact is usually insignificant.
Does Braided Line Float on Top of the Water?
As mentioned before, no, standard braided line does not float on the surface. You'll typically find it sinking below the water's surface.
How Does Braided Line Compare to Monofilament in Terms of Buoyancy?
Monofilament fishing line is generally more buoyant than braided line. This is because monofilament is made from materials with lower density compared to the fibers used in braided lines. Many monofilament lines are designed to float, allowing them to sit on the surface of the water.
Can You Make Braided Line Float?
While you can't make standard braided line float in the same way as monofilament, you can mitigate its sinking tendency to some degree. Using a very thin diameter and employing specialized floats or bobbers can help keep your bait or lure near the surface even with braided line.
What are the Advantages of Using Sinking Braided Line?
The fact that braided line sinks is actually an advantage in many fishing situations:
- Sensitivity: Braided line's sensitivity allows anglers to feel subtle bites more effectively. This advantage isn't compromised by its sinking nature.
- Strength: Braided line's high strength-to-diameter ratio is crucial for battling strong fish. This is unaffected by its lack of buoyancy.
- Casting Distance: Braided line's low stretch allows for longer casts, a benefit that isn't negated by its sinking properties.
In conclusion, understanding the properties of braided fishing line, including its tendency to sink, is crucial for choosing the right line for your fishing needs and technique. While it doesn't float like monofilament, its other advantages make it a preferred choice for many anglers.
