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Choosing a Monofilament Fishing Line
By Justin Willmer
Inspired by the release of Platypus Pulse Mono, described by our line technicians as 'the best monofilament that Platypus has ever produced", I thought we should answer the common questions regarding why there are different types of monofilament lines, what are the benefits of each and what applications are they designed to suit. Platypus nylon monofilament lines are proudly Made in Australia and there are currently seven different models in the range, all of which have their own characteristics and following. So, which is the right monofilament for your fishing?
Line Characteristics
Monofilament lines are created to have specific characteristics, by utilising a set recipe of ingredients and a specific manufacturing process to instil these characteristics into each line. These characteristics include stretch, diameter, abrasion resistance, suppleness, line rating and colour.
Stretch - Depending on your application, stretch may be a positive or negative characteristics. More stretch is a positive when battling large predators on light line classes, with the stretch acting as a shock absorber and assisting to keep the hook in the fish, rather than tearing hooks out or breaking when the fish surges rapidly. On the other side of the coin, less stretch means more feel, more control and more positive hook sets, especially when fishing with large amounts of line out or when battling elements such as wave action.
Diameter - Ingredients and processes can also impact the diameter of the line for a set breaking strain, with finer diameters often preferred for finesse fishing, targeting spooky fish and when the goal is to fit more line on a reel. Some anglers opt for increased diameter lines for increased abrasion resistance when fishing structure and targeting toothy critters, however it is important to remember that increased diameter does not necessarily mean increased abrasion resistance, especially when lines are manufactured from lesser quality materials.
Abrasion Resistance - In relation to the previous point, quality materials allow for increased abrasion resistance, allowing Platypus to reduce line diameters while still maintaining excellent abrasion resistance. You don't need to fish with that cheap, bulk spool of line that handles like whipper snipper cord and coils off everywhere by itself, just to get increased abrasion resistance. We will talk more about diameter and abrasion resistance as we break down each Platypus line and the applications they suit.
Suppleness / Feel - We have probably all experienced the cheap rod and reel combo, loaded with poor quality line that almost wants to cast itself off the reel and all over the ground. This is a signature of lesser quality materials and processes. Platypus has a signature feel that sees it pack well onto the spool, while also casting and handling well when fishing, from our premium mono through to the entry level. Platypus entry level lines may not utilise the highest-level materials for the finest diameters and level of performance found in the premium lines, however it's important that these entry level lines perform effectively, rather than working against the angler.
Line Rating - Line breaking strains will also be developed around the other characteristics of the line, to suit specific applications. A line that is designed for finesse fishing applications may be available in lighter breaking strains only, while a workhorse line that is designed for fishing around heavy structure for large predators may be available in higher breaking strains. You will also find that some lines are rated in pounds, while others are rated in kilograms, based on the IGFA line record categories. You will also find that spool length options vary across different lines, based on the techniques and environments that they are primarily designed to suit.
Colour - Another element that is important to some anglers in colour and this can be for a variety of reasons. Colour selection can be based on blending in with the environment that you fish or making the line stand out so that it is easily seen and managed, such as on a game boat. Anglers also fish different line colours on different rods to make line management simpler, especially when dealing with tangles between rods, while others utilise different line colours to signify different breaking strain rod setups.
These are just some of the characteristics that may come into consideration when selecting a nylon monofilament fishing line. So how are these different characteristics represented in different Platypus fishing lines and which is the right one for my fishing?
Platypus Line Types
Pulse Premium Mono
There have been many developments in rods, reels and tackle in recent years, so the aim with Platypus Pulse was to utilise new developments in materials to create a line that steps monofilament up in the same way... to develop the ultimate light sportfishing mono. The challenge was to reduce diameter, while maintaining that signature Platypus feel, along with excellent abrasion resistance and knot strength. After months of R&D our two in-house line technicians, with over 65 years combined line design, development and manufacturing experience achieved this. In fact, in their words "Pulse Premium Monofilament is the best monofilament line that we have ever created. It has been an awesome project to be a part of and we can't wait to see what Aussie anglers catch on this quality, Australian Made product".
Available in 4lb to 50lb breaking strains, Pulse is ideal for anglers that want cutting edge performance, including fine diameters for long casts and packing plenty on reels, along with engineered stretch, a smooth slick finish and excellent knot strength and abrasion resistance. Plenty of time and testing was even spent on the unique Ghost Clear colour, designed to reflect its environment much like the scales of a fish, allowing it to blend effectively into a wide range of environments. You will pay a little more for Pulse Mono, however you can be confident that you are fishing a cutting edge, Australian Made monofilament, that the team consider to be the best Platypus mono yet.
A great line for anglers that want fine diameter, without sacrificing abrasion resistance and knot strength and a game changer for anglers fishing finesse techniques.
Pre-Test
This iconic line can be found on game fishing boats around Australia and around the world, designed for anglers chasing big fish on designated IGFA line classes. Proving itself with over 500 IGFA and ANSA sportfishing records, Pre-Test is engineered with a higher percentage of stretch to handle long battles with big fish on light line, keeping hooks in fish and reducing the chance of breakage from powerful surges and high-speed changes in direction.
Built to stand up to the rigours of a variety of sportfishing environments, Pre-Test has excellent abrasion resistance and knot strength. It is available in Clear and Hi-Vis Yellow for visibility and line management, in spool lengths up to 1000m for big reels and big battles.
A go-to line for game fishos and anglers chasing line class records. Platypus Pre-Test is tested 3 times every 1000m to ensure that it breaks under the set line class.
Super 100
To celebrate 100 Years of Platypus, established in 1898 and to this day still an Australian Owned and Operated Family Business, the team were set the challenge to create the best line Platypus had made to that point and the ultra-high tenacity Platypus Super 100 was born. At the time it blew anglers away in terms of feel, diameter and clarity, making it an instant favourite among anglers chasing cutting edge gear, while still maintaining its place today as a favourite in the range.
The clarity of the line has made it a go-to for anglers fishing clear water situations, especially when targeting finicky species, with the feel, diameter, engineered stretch, abrasion resistance and knot strength other key factors. A translucent brown was also released in some lighter breaking strains at the request of anglers fishing fresh, tannin and dirty waters, who were seeking the other characteristics found in Super 100.
Super 100 remains a go-to for anglers fishing clear water situations, targeting finicky feeders and fishing finesse applications. With Pulse Mono raising the bar it will be interesting to see how many Super 100 anglers gravitate toward this new benchmark in monofilament lines, with the same 4lb to 50lb breaking strains covered.
Platinum
Platinum steps up the breaking strains, covering 4lb to 80lb and spool lengths up to 1000m. This line has almost a cult following, combining many attributes of the great sportfishing lines, with its workhorse build and affordability. Anglers fishing harsh environments, such as the beach, rocks and offshore have embraced this line, however it has found a place in most fishing scenarios due to its abrasion resistance to diameter ratio, knot strength, durable feel and its word of mouth following thanks to endless epic captures.
This is a great allround line for fishing tough environments, evident in the number of beach, rock and offshore reels that you will find spooled with Platypus Platinum.
Lo-Stretch
The name of this line is a giveaway to one of its key characteristics, reduced stretch. A key feature of braided lines is the near zero stretch, however there are many anglers that seek the advantages of low stretch, that don't want to deal with the cost, new knots, care in handling, reduced abrasion resistance and other characteristics associated with braided lines. Platypus took this on board and developed a recipe and process that creates the lowest possible stretch in a monofilament line, while still maintaining the feel, knot strength and abrasion resistance expected from Platypus lines.
Low stretch means more feel, more control and more effective hook sets, especially when dealing with the elements of the ocean, such as depth, current, wind and surf. Anglers fishing the surf can maintain better contact with their baits, feel bites more effectively and set hooks solid. Likewise offshore anglers have more feel in deep water, more control and better hook setting capabilities. There are even lure anglers, that don't want to fish braided lines, taking advantage of the low stretch characteristics of this nylon monofilament line.
This popularity across a wide variety of scenarios has seen Platypus create three colours in Lo-Stretch, Blue, Pink and ultra-visible Orange, in breaking strains to 37kg and spool lengths to 1200m. These many line options, combined with its unique characteristics has seen Lo-Stretch stand solid beside Platinum as a popular and proven workhorse in the range.
A great option for anglers seeking a quality monofilament line with reduced stretch.
Envy
Another new addition to the range, Envy utilises new developments in materials to step up what is considered possible in an entry level monofilament line. You shouldn't find yourself in a battle with the line when you head out fishing and especially when you start your fishing journey, however unfortunately that's what we find with many cheap lines that are stiff and wiry, inconsistent in terms of breaking strain and have poor knot strength, leading to poor casting distance, difficult line management and lost fish.
Available in 6lb to 40lb, in 300m spools, Envy covers most general fresh and saltwater applications, allowing anglers to scrap the line that isn't performing on the entry level combo or spool up the new reel with a line that won't break the bank, while still offering good feel, knot strength and abrasion resistance. The Aqua Green colour is popular and blends into a wide range of environments.
A great line for the beginner and an affordable option for families fitting out for fishing or those that are focussed on the lowest price to access a quality monofilament fishing line.
Classic
Classic is a favourite for anglers chasing a no-nonsense, affordable monofilament that they know they can trust in terms of Australian Made Platypus quality. Unbeatable value, with outstanding reliability and durability. Good feel, knot strength and abrasion resistance, in a classic Blue or Green colour, in breaking strains from 4lb to 100lb and spool lengths to 500m. Brown is also another colour option in 4lb - 30lb for fresh, tannin and dirty water applications.
Classic offers a quality, affordable and reliable monofilament option for beginners and anglers that like that classic monofilament feel, with plenty of options in terms of breaking strain and colour, to cover a wide variety of fishing applications.
So, what are you looking for in a monofilament for your next reel, favourite target species, fishing location or technique? Is it simply a quality, affordable, Australian Made option, or is it a more technical decision based around colour, stretch, abrasion resistance, breaking strain or spool length options, diameter or the latest in cutting edge materials? Whatever the deciding factor may be, we hope this article gives you a better understanding of why there are a variety of monofilament lines in the Platypus Australia range. All the best with your fishing journey from the team at Platypus.
See you on the water...
Justin Willmer
A bit about Platypus...
Platypus would like to thank anglers around the world for supporting this Australian Owned and Operated Family Business, manufacturing fishing lines in Australia since 1898, making it Australia's longest running fishing tackle business.
Platypus fishing lines was started by George Ross McPherson in 1898. George was a Scottish rope maker by trade and saw the opportunity to make fishing line in Australia. In those days fishing line was made from twisted linen fibres and was a small diameter rope. Within a few years the popularity and reputation of Platypus saw the business expanding. The name Platypus, was apparently chosen to signify the unique Australian nature of the product and just like the animal, being as good or useful on land (as a string or fine rope) as it was in the water (for catching fish).
Throughout the next century Platypus was passed through the family, before being acquired by Australian owned and operated family business, Tackle Tactics, 121 years after it began, where it is still owned, operated and manufactured in Australia. Platypus has always prided itself on innovation; producing Australia's first extruded nylon fishing lines in the 1960's. Realising the advantages of gel spun polyethylene braided lines, Platypus pioneered many braided lines in Australia and still operates a braiding plant in Australia today.
Recognised in the plastics industry as an authority on nylon monofilament extrusion, Platypus produces many products other than fishing line, including hi-tech fibres for mining and medical applications. The diversity of our products often allows concepts and materials used in one application to be used to create better fishing lines. We are constantly reviewing our manufacturing processes, raw materials and additives to offer the best available fishing lines to you.
Still manufacturing in Brisbane, Australia over 120 years later, Platypus Lines continues to develop a comprehensive and evolving range of fishing lines for Australian anglers and conditions.
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