When searching for the best fishing line for crappie, crappie anglers have three main choices: monofilament lines, braided fishing lines, and fluorocarbon fishing lines.
One might not think that using the best fishing line for crappie is important, but many crappie anglers will tell you a different story…
- Low visibility
- Casts beautifully
- Super thin diameter
- Invisible to fish
- Great knot strength
- Thin and abrasion resistant
- Thin diameter
- Super strong
- Low memory
Crappie fishing might not be as technical as say trying to catch a super spooky and intelligent species like permit but they are still suspicious fish that don’t want to get caught.
By using the right fishing line for crappie you’ll be far more successful as they will be more inclined to take your bait if they haven’t seen your fishing line. So what is the best fishing line for crappie? That is what we are here to find out.
Join me as we run through the best lines on the market and discuss each one in detail so you can choose the right fishing line for crappie for you.
The Best From The Reviews
Top Pick
Berkley NanoFil Uni-Filament Fishing Line
This is a great fishing line for crappie. It is super smooth meaning it runs out of your reel and through your rod with ease providing a great casting distance and making long casts with accuracy is easy.
Berkley NanoFil Uni-Filament Fishing Line
This fishing line also has a ton of strength and abrasion resistance so you know it’s going to last and it has minimal stretch so you can feel the small bites of crappie.
To top it all off, the small line diameter means you can fill up your spinning tackle with a lot more line than thicker options.
Best Value
Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
The Sunline Super FC Sniper fluorocarbon fishing lines also come with minimal memory to reduce tangles, it casts well, it’s easy to tie with and the knots it makes are strong too.
Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
These fluorocarbon fishing lines are built with a triple resin coating that gives them a ton of abrasion resistance meaning they can handle rocks and heavy cover. The fishing line also comes with minimal stretch so you can feel every bite while fishing crappie.
Editor’s Choice
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braid
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braided line is very abrasion resistant while also having a thin diameter meaning you can use it around sharp bottoms and heavy cover. It comes in both light braid and weight fishing lines, the light being best for crappie fishing.
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braid
This braided line is made from seven dyneema fibers and one GORE Performance Fiber which come together to make a braided line that is both stronger and smoother than most.
Our Best Fishing Lines For Crappie
Top Pick
Berkley NanoFil Uni-Filament Fishing Line
This is a good fishing line for crappie. It is super smooth meaning it runs out of your reel and through your rod with ease providing a great casting distance and making long casts with accuracy is easy.
Berkley NanoFil Uni-Filament Fishing Line
Of the many fishing lines we are going to look at, the Berkley NanoFil Uni-Filament Line is different from all the others. This is not a monofilament fishing line, not a braided fishing line, nor a fluorocarbon line either, so what is it?
This fishing line is made from a single strand of dyneema so it’s similar to a braided line except the fibers are fused together instead of being braided, to create a Uni filament line.
This makes this particular line a great fishing line for crappie. It is super smooth, meaning it runs out of your reel and through your rod efficiently providing long distances cast with accuracy.
This fishing line also has a ton of strength and abrasion resistance so you know it’s going to last and it has minimal stretch so you can feel the small bites of crappie. To top it all off, the smaller line diameter means you can fill up your spinning tackle with a lot more line than thicker options.
One strange thing about this fishing line is that it has a changeable memory, so if you bend it, it will stay bent, but you can then straighten it out. This means you can straighten it out with ease.
The downsides to this fishing line are that it is quite expensive and it’s a high vis line since it is white so it will work well as a main line but you’ll need to add a fluorocarbon leader at the end.
Specs
- Breaking Strain(s): 2 – 17 lbs
- Color: White
- Diameter: 0.002 inches (2 lbs)
- Yards: 150
Pros
- Very strong
- Easy for tying knots
- Super small diameter
- Changeable line memory
- Good abrasion resistance
- Provides longer casting distances
- Extremely sensitive with minimal line stretch
Cons
- Quite expensive
- A high visibility line
Best Value
Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
The Sunline Super FC Sniper fluorocarbon fishing lines also come with minimal memory to reduce tangles, it casts well, it’s easy to tie with and the knots it makes are strong too.
Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Another best fishing line for crappie, especially if you’re shopping on a budget, is the Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon Fishing Line.
These fluorocarbon lines are built with a triple resin coating that gives them a ton of abrasion resistance meaning they can handle rocks and heavy cover. The fishing line also comes with minimal stretch so you can feel every bite while fishing crappie.
Being a fluorocarbon line this fishing line has low visibility and is invisible under water so no fish are going to see the line and refuse your bait when you fish crappie.
The Sunline Super FC Sniper fluorocarbon fishing lines also come with minimal memory to reduce tangles, it casts well, it’s easy to tie with and the knots it makes are strong too.
The only thing to be aware of is this fishing line is a little stiff so it might not give light or small lures the best action.
Otherwise, this is the best fishing line for crappie if you want to use fluorocarbon lines and are on a budget.
Specs
- Breaking Strain(s): 5 – 25 lbs
- Color: Clear
- Diameter: 0.285 mm
- Yards: 200 – 1200 yard
Pros
- Very affordable
- Great knot strength
- Invisible line underwater
- Very low stretch for sensitivity
- Triple resin coating for durability
- Easy to handle and tie knots with
- Almost zero memory for reduced tangles
- Great abrasion resistance for heavy cover
Cons
- It is quite a stiff fishing line
Editor’s Choice
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braid
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braided line is very abrasion resistant while also having a thin diameter meaning you can use it around sharp bottoms and heavy cover. It comes in both light and heavy line weights, the light being best for crappie fishing.
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braid
Another contender for the best fishing line to catch crappie, and the line I would choose, is the Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braid. This is the best braided fishing line around in my eyes and here is why.
This braided line is made from seven dyneema fibers and one GORE Performance Fiber which come together to make a braided line that is both stronger and smoother than most.
Sufix 832 Advanced Superline Braided line is very abrasion resistant while also having a thin diameter meaning you can use it around sharp bottoms and heavy cover. It comes in both light and heavier weight fishing lines, the lighter line being best for crappie fishing.
The braided line also comes with zero stretch so you can feel every bite and once you hook a fish, guide it away from any cover that it might snag you in.
Another thing that makes this the best braided line around is that it holds its color, as many braided lines don’t, plus it casts beautifully. The braided line is smooth, has almost no memory, and is perfect for filling up spinning reels.
The only negative is that this line is quite expensive but it is worth the extra cost and it lasts longer than other braided lines.
Pros
- Casts nicely
- Incredibly strong
- Great knot strength
- Super thin diameter
- Great bite sensitivity
- Very abrasion resistant
- No stretch for fight control
Cons
- A little expensive
Seaguar Invizx Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Being fluoro, this fishing line is completely invisible under water and therefore no crappie is going to see it next to your bait or lure. As well as being low vis it is also touch and can handle abrasion plus it delivers great knot strength.
Seaguar Invizx Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Seaguar Invizx Fluorocarbon Fishing Line is another solid contender for the best fishing line for crappie as it is a quality fluorocarbon line that crappie can not see.
You can choose to use this fishing line as a main line on a spinning reel or as leader lines with braided fishing lines or nylon monofilament fishing lines on your spinning reel.
Being fluoro, this fishing line is completely invisible under water and therefore no crappie is going to see it next to your live bait or lure. As well as being low vis it is also touch and can handle abrasion plus it delivers great knot strength.
It can handle being fished around sharp bottoms and cover plus it’s close to no stretch means you can control fish during the fight. It’s also easy to tie knots with and you can handle it with ease too.
One issue with this fishing line is that it can break randomly especially in the light fishing lines but this may be due to a bad batch as not every angler has this experience. Otherwise it is a great line.
Specs
- Color: Clear
- Breaking Strain(s): 12 lbs
- Diameter: 0.285 mm (12 lbs)
- Yards: 200 yards
Pros
- Super affordable
- Nice thin diameter
- Solid knot strength
- Great for lure fishing
- Nice to tie knots with
- Great abrasion resistant
- Good for filling spinning reels
- Low memory for less tangles
- Works well as a leader material
Cons
- Can break randomly
SpiderWire Stealth Braid Fishing Line
These braided fishing lines are made from quality Dyneema that are woven tight to ensure durability. This provides excellent resistance to abrasion, minimal stretch, close to no memory and a low diameter. All the key features that make a braided line good.
SpiderWire Stealth Braid Fishing Line
The SpiderWire Stealth Braid Fishing Line is a very popular fishing line and is the best fishing line for crappie for many anglers, and for good reason.
These braided fishing lines are made from quality Dyneema they are woven tight to ensure durability. This provides excellent resistance to abrasion, minimal stretch, close to no memory and a low diameter. All the key features that make a braided line great.
You can fish these braided lines around sharp bottoms and heavy cover as they can handle it and you can control the fish in the flight thanks to the zero stretch.
The thinness of the line also ensures less visibility and it’s smooth to cast with, you’ll find great distances when compared to using monofilament fishing line or fluoro.
This braided fishing line is also more affordable than most other braided lines while retaining its quality but it does lose its color quickly.
Specs
- Breaking Strain(s): 6 – 80 lbs
- Color: 8 to choose from
- Diameter: 0.013 inches (12 lbs)
- Yards: 125
Pros
- Affordable
- Casts well
- Thin diameter
- Good to set hooks with
- Easy to control fish with
- Strong and handles abrasion
- No stretch and lots of sensitivity
Cons
- Loses color quickly
Stren Original Monofilament Fishing Line
This mono line is a clear line for less visibility in the water but it is not invisible like fluoro, so fish can see it if they look, including crappie. It might be a little thick but this does ensure it lasts, handles abrasion, and it even has a UV coating so it lasts.
Stren Original Monofilament Fishing Line
The first and only monofilament line featured that would work well as a fishing line for crappie is Stren Original Monofilament Line. This is a nylon fishing line that is built to deliver everything that a mono line possibly can.
This mono line is a clear line for less visibility in the water but it is not invisible like fluoro, so fish can see it if they look, including crappie. It might be a little thick but this does ensure it lasts, handles abrasion, and it even has a UV coating so it lasts.
To top it all off, this is also very affordable and has minimal memory for less tangles that aren’t your fault. It’s a great monofilament line to use as a main line but I’d still recommend adding fluoro as your leader.
Specs
- Breaking Strain(s): 4 – 20 lbs
- Color: 4 to choose from
- Diameter: 0.013 inches (12 lbs)
- Yards: 100 – 2400
Pros
- Easy to handle
- Ties knots well
- Very affordable
- UV coating for durability
- Strong and handles abrasion
- Little memory for less tangles
Cons
- Not as thin as braid
- More visible than fluoro
Seaguar Red Label
Seaguar Red Label is a good leader fishing line for crappie as it is 100% fluorocarbon but you shouldn’t use it as your main fishing lines on your reel or you’ll end up with a lot of tangles.
Seaguar Red Label
Seaguar Red Label is a good leader fishing line for crappie as it is 100% fluorocarbon but you shouldn’t use it as your main fishing line on your reel or you’ll end up with a lot of tangles.
This line has a ton of memory which is why having it on a reel is a bad idea as it will tangle but it does catch fish when used as a leader. It’s invisible under water, super strong, easy to tie with, and it handles abrasion too.
Being so affordable, it’s tempting to use it on your reel but just tie some onto your favorite mono line as a leader so you don’t lose fishing time untangling your reel. It is the best fishing line around when used just as a leader.
Specs
- Breaking Strain(s): 4 – 20 lbs
- Color: Clear
- Diameter: 0.12 inches (12 lbs)
- Yards: 200 – 1000
Pros
- Thin diameter
- Great as a leader
- Easy to tie knots with
- Invisible under the water
- Handles impact and abrasion well
Cons
- Lots of memory
- Bad as a main line
What is the best line for crappie fishing?
The best fishing line for crappie is the line that catches you the most fish in any given situation.
Each situation may require a different line for example if they are feeding near the surface, monofilament fishing lines may work best as they float whereas braid, fluoro, and copolymer line sink.
What is the best type of line for crappie fishing?
But generally speaking, using a combination of lines is best. You can choose between putting braid or monofilament fishing lines on your reel and then adding fluoro leader which the fish can’t see and extending the leader the clearer the water is.
What Pound Line Is Best For Crappie Fishing?
Crappie are a line shy fish so you should use the lightest line possible. If there aren’t any sharp objects in the water you can get away with 4 lb line. But, as a standard 6 lbs is a good way to go as crappie will struggle to see it and it can handle sharp structures too.
What Is The Best Size Line For Crappie Fishing?
Since we have covered the pound test above, when we talk about the size of the line we mean diameter.
As we already know, crappie don’t like seeing fishing line so the thinner the diameter the better but you need to balance this with strength as hooking a crappie and having the line break isn’t a good thing either.
Can Crappie See Fishing Line?
Considering everything we have just run through it is pretty obvious that yes, crappie can see fishing lines but not all fishing lines. They can see braided and monofilament fishing lines since these lines are not invisible under water, but fluorocarbon lines are.
This is why it is key to always use a fluorocarbon leader on the end of your chosen main line as the crappie will not be able to see a fluorocarbon line especially if it is clear, thin, and around 4-6 lb test.
Does Line Color Affect Crappie?
Yes, absolutely. Since crappie are line shy and line color affects visibility you don’t want to use a colored line near to the end of your bait. If you do use a colored leader the crappie will avoid your bait all day long so be sure to use a clear leader line to attract crappie. The video below might help give you a better idea.
But, you can use any color main line you want in my opinion, depending on the fishing conditions. Some anglers prefer a bright main line as they can see where they have cast and where their line is. Others believe in going into full stealth mode so that they don’t disturb the fishery as the line will cover other fish that don’t require spooking.
What Color Fishing Line Is Best For Crappie?
Your leader has to be clear when fishing for crappie as if they see your line they won’t eat your bait. So clear fluorocarbon is a must as your leader but the color of your main line doesn’t matter so much as this is not the line the fish will see.
Lining Out
Thanks for reading my article. I hope you enjoyed it and have found the right fishing line for your crappie fishing needs. Remember, it is about picking the right line for the situation between braid and mono line while always using a fluoro leader.
Please share this article around with your fishing buddies and leave us a comment or two below. Also, you might like to check out some of our other articles too, we cover everything from rods to reels, how to rig and more.
Tight lines!
