Sunfish, such as the bluegill, redear, pumpkin seed and many others are great fun to catch. For a lot of Americans, it’s likely to be one of the first fish they hook into.
Sunfish are aggressive, and not typically line shy. So the line you use isn’t usually that important. However, if you are fishing a spot that gets a lot of pressure, then having a good line can definitely help.
Quick Look
- 2-4 lb. Test
- Best: Fluorocarbon
- Also Good: Monofilament
- Leader: Same as main line
Why Fluoro Fishing Line For Sunfish?
Sunfish aren’t extremely line shy, so line choice isn’t that important. However, If you are having trouble catching them, try using fluorocarbon fishing line. Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater.
Fluorocarbon fishing line does cost more, but you really don’t need very much to fill a micro reel. If you are concerned about the cost, then you’ll be fine with mono.
You could also just use fluoro for the leader, but for me it’s not worth the extra effort of using a leader for sunfish.
What lb. Test For Sunfish?
Sunfish fight very well for their size. However, they don’t grow to be very big. It is best to use fishing line rated to 2 or 4 lb. test. These lighter lines will give more action to your jig, and be less visible to the fish.
Leader Material For Sunfish
If you are using a 2-4 lb. test main line, then you can just use the same material for your leader. However, if your main line is over 6 lb. test, then consider using a lighter leader material. 4 lb. fluorocarbon fishing line works very well.
When I fish for sunfish, I use either a 2 or 4 lb. test main line. This way I don’t have to bother with tying on leaders. I simply tie my hook to the end of the main line, then clip my bobber on above it.
Fishing for sunfish should not require any complex rigging. Keep it simple and have fun.
What About Mono For Sunfish?
Monofilament fishing line works great for catching sunfish. It’s cheap, and the fish usually don’t get spooked my the line. Just try to keep it in the 2 to 4 lb. test range.
I could have put mono as the number one choice for sunfish, but fluoro does have the slight advantage of being almost invisible.
Since I usually use the same rod and reel for trout that I do for sunfish, I prefer to spool up with fluoro. So for me, fluoro gets the top pick because of it’s versatility.
Can You Use Braid For Sunfish?
You can use braided fishing line for sunfish, but it doesn’t have any advantages over fluoro or mono. If you have braid as your main line, then tie on a fluoro or mono leader.
The main advantages of braid fishing line, are that it has zero stretch, is very sensitive, and extremely strong. When fishing for sunfish, non of these qualities are necessary.
If you are just setting up a sunfish rod, then go with mono or fluoro.
If your only fishing pole has braid already on it, then go ahead and use it. But you should consider buying a small spool of fluoro or mono to use as a leader. It will be easier for tying knots, and be less visible to the fish.
