Fused Lines
Fused line has become very popular over the past few years. Fused line is made from the same fibers as braid line but the bundles of strands of the line are fused or glued together rather than woven. The individual fibers are extruded and fused together while still hot, and then they're coated with a gluelike material to hold them together. Using more or fewer strands of fiber determines the test of the lines.
With use, the coating will wear off fused lines, giving them a dull, rather than shiny, look. You may be able to see “fuzz” on the line as the fibers stick out. This doesn't weaken the line and it's still useful. Some say it's even better after it wears because it's more limp.
The Qualities of Fused Lines
Fused lines are very slick and thin for their strength. They have almost no stretch and don't break down when exposed to sunlight like some lines do. It's more abrasive resistant than monofilament lines but not as resistant to abrasion as braids. It's a little stiff when new but quickly becomes very limp with use.
For line watchers, fused lines are very good. They often come in bright colors that you can see and watch for bites. Although there are some colors that blend in with the water, fused lines are much more visible than some other kinds of line. Line-shy fish may avoid them and become very difficult to catch.
Like braids, fused lines have properties that can cause problems. They're very tough and thin and will cut your hand if you pull on them. And they'll slip on the reel spool because they're slick. Always use a backing of monofilament line under fused lines, or tape the line to the reel spool with black electricians tape after tying it on. Both methods will keep it from slipping on the spool.
The cost of fused lines has come down as they become more popular and are made by more companies. Fused lines cost a little more than monofilament lines but last much longer. They can be cost effective since you don't have to replace them as often.
Fused lines are so slick the knot can slip on them. Add extra wraps when tying an Improved Clinch knot or a Trilene knot. Palomar knots seem to work well with fused lines. Add a drop of super glue to the knot to make sure it holds without slipping. (See Chapter 8 for more about these knots.)
Applications for Fused Lines
Fused line is thin and flexible enough to work well on spinning reels that handle light baits better. The thin diameter and strength of fused line makes it good for fishing around vegetation because it will cut right through stems of lily pads and other plants and help you land the fish without balling them up in the grass or abrading the line.
And fused lines hold up well when rubbing against wood. This makes it very good for skipping baits under boat docks. Choose a fused line when you need a slick, strong line that doesn't have much stretch. Use it when fish are not line-shy since they can see it, and for fishing very light lures because it's so limp.
