Trilene XL has been the leader in monofilament lines for several years. The XL stands for Extra Limp which translates into excellent castability and limpness. Limpness is a good thing for fishing line because the fisherman will be able to cast a lure longer and feel the lure for hits. If it is not limp, it will retain its memory around the spool and will not be taut to the lure. It will make many S patterns from your reel to the lure no matter how far away it is. That leaves a lot of slack line between you and the fish, and fisherman know that slack line should be avoided.

What is Monofilament?:
Monofilament is a single component line whereas braided fishing line is two or more wound together. Monofilament is made by pouring molten plastic through a hole and being stretched through a die. The size of the die determines the diameter of the line and the pound test. All of Berkley's Trilene monofilament is made in The United States.

Pound Test:
Pound test measures tensile strength of the monofilament by how many pounds of pressure it takes to break the line. You can test the strength of any line you have or purchase right at your home. Just tie a couple feet of line to something that can support increased amounts of weight. Increase the measured amount of weight hanging from your fishing line until it breaks. This is the best way to truly find what pound test your line really is. I have found Trilene XL and XT to be stronger than advertised. They claim to be 30% stronger than their leading competitor Stren.

Why I use Trilene XL:
I have used Trilene XL all of my fishing life. I have tried just about every line out there and every company. I can't seem to find a fishing line that is better, more affordable or stronger overall than Trilene XL and XT. Trilene XT is more durable and tougher than Trilene XL but the XL is easier casting and more sensitive. Therefore I use them both. When I am jigging or using a
Spinnerbait, I use XL on those rigs, but for my finesse, drop shots, Topwater ,and jerk baits, I use Trilene XL.
It is very strong with minimal stretch. It reacts quickly when I set the hook on a fish. I have never had a problem with knot strength and Trilene XL. One tip I will give anyone tying a knot with monofilament is to wet it down first before cinching it. Cinching down a knot created friction, friction creates heat, and heat weakens the knot and line. If the line is wet first, I do it in my mouth, it will retain its full strength.

Price and Availibility:
This is probably the best reason to go with Trilene XT or XL. Just about every small bait or tackle store carries it, Wal-Mart stocks every size and color, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's have a full selection of it, and most Mom-and-Pop tackle shops carry it as well. It is almost always available.

I change my line at least twice a year. There isn't a line out there that won't be harmed by the suns UV Rays. Just wear and tear is another good reason to change your line often. That can get expensive with some lines.
Over the past 10 years the price of lines have gone sky high. I have seen some 330 yard spools for upwards of $20! That is ridiculous! The MSRP for a 330 yard spool of Trilene goes as follows.
2-8 lb test $6.79
10-17 lb test $7.89
20 lb test $9.99

You can usually find it cheaper than that from the big box stores or giant sporting good chains, and it becomes cheaper the more yards you buy. They also make it in 1000 yard spools, 110 yard spools, 3000 yard spools, and your common 330 yard spool. Another good thing about it is that it doesn't sit on storeroom shelves very long because of its popularity so you aren't getting an old crusty line. They change the look of their box every so often too which is good for the fisherman, so he/she knows they are getting a new product.

Line Tips:
When not out fishing, store your line in a dark cool place out of the reach of the suns harmful rays. When fishing constantly check your line for nicks and abbrasions. You can do this by just running it through your fingers and if it doesnt feel very smooth, just strip some off until its smooth.

Colors:
Trilene XL comes in three different colors, Clear Clear Flourescent Blue, and Hi-Viz Green. The Hi-Viz Green is best for bodies of water that are murky, green, or dark. I try to match my line with the color of the water I am fishing. Lakes that have high algae counts or are prone to algae blooms are best suited for the Hi-Viz Green. I use the clear or blue on lakes and rivers with crystal clear water. I don't think it makes a huge difference but sometimes its just that little difference that counts. Sometimes in a tournament it could make the difference between first and second, or being in the money or out of it. When I know I will be throwing a spinnerbait or a Crankbait all day with a particular rod and reel combo, I will use the Hi-Viz Green. When you are not finessing the lure and are just cranking away, the green shows up a little better and is more visible to the fisherman.

Click on my other Fishing Reviews:
Lures:
Strike King Premier Spinnerbaits
Strike King Redeye Spinnerbait
Rebel Popper,Pop, Pop, Pop, SPLASH
Jitterbug, That Old Classic
Storm Wiggle Warts Lures
Gary Yamamoto's The Kreature, Ugly Kreature
Zoom Salty Chunk Trailer
Reels
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 4600C3
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur 6500 C3
Abu Garcia Cardinal 500 Series Spinning Reel
Shimano Curado CU-200B5
Shimano Curado CU-200B
Other:
Frabill Vinyl-Coated Minnow Trap
Frabill Sit-N-Fish Bait Container
Berkley Trilene XT
Evinrude 15 HP Four Stroke Outboard

Reviews on Bass Boats:
Nitro 929 CDX The Cadillac
Nitro NX 750, A Great Starter Bass Boat

Recommended: Yes