Braided or Nylon Line - the Differences - Carp Angling in the Netherlands

Braided Line or Nylon: which is the Best Choice?

The choice between braided line and nylon has been a topic of discussion among anglers for years. Both types of lines have specific characteristics and advantages. Below, we’ve clearly listed the main points.

Advantages of braided line

Highly abrasion-resistant
No stretch, giving you direct contact with the fish
High breaking strength, even with thin diameters
Long lifespan
Supple and less prone to kinking

Advantages of nylon line

Lots of stretch, causing less damage to the fish’s mouth during strike or retrieval
Nearly invisible underwater
More economical to purchase
Generally sits better on the bottom
Suitable for many different knot methods

Which line is technically better?

Technically, braided line often performs better at greater distances from about 60 meters due to direct contact and higher breaking strength. When lifting the rod during a run, you don’t need to actively strike, which suits braided lines well.

However, many carp anglers still strike hard out of reflex in practice. Due to the lack of stretch in braided line, this can lead to damage or tearing of the fish’s mouth. Therefore, braided line is particularly suitable when you have good control over striking and retrieval.

Many carp anglers continue to prefer nylon because it’s more forgiving and often better for the fish’s welfare.

Our advice

When using braided line, always use a leader of at least 5 meters.

Do you have any tips or comments about this topic? Let us know!

Bert Altena

Since childhood, I have been found by the water. Around the age of 12, I learned carp fishing. What makes carp fishing enjoyable for me is the relaxation and preparation for the carp session, combined with a way of fishing that constantly requires innovation to surprise the carp again!