Braided line is made for sheepshead

Over the past decade, braided line has gained strength in the marine marketplace, and many companies are developing new, improved braids.

Compared to traditional monofilament, braids have their own set of advantages for any angler, especially those chasing winter sheepshead around nearshore reefs.

While the braided line used today is made from synthetic fibers, it is far from a new technology. Braids made from cotton and linen were the first types of fishing line. It wasn’t until 1939 that fishermen began using anything different, as DuPont developed and began marketing monofilament or nylon lines that were less visible in the water. But mono’s low sensitivity, high stretch, memory and some other drawbacks allowed braided line to re-establish a foothold in the market.

With the exception of its lack of concealment in the water, braided line is almost the perfect line for the fisherman targeting sheepshead. It offers low memory, abrasion resistance, near zero stretch and most-important, high sensitivity which is critical to anglers feeling for that subtle bite. Additionally, the lack of stretch helps set the hook into their bony mouth.