Best Feeder Fishing Line
The right feeder line decides how far you can cast, how quickly the line sinks out of the wind and how clearly a bite shows on the tip, so it's worth more thought than most anglers give it.
These are the best feeder fishing lines for UK waters, split into sinking feeder monos and zero-stretch feeder braids, and scored on strength, casting, presentation and value.
Let's get straight into the picks.
Our Top Feeder Fishing Lines at a Glance
| Product | Best for | Feeder line | Key points |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feeder Mono Mainlines | |||
| 8.6 Best Feeder Mono | Preston Extremity Feeder Mono 300m | Key points:
|
| 8.5 Best Budget | Korum Limitless Low Stretch Feeder Line 300m | Key points:
|
| 8.5 Roach to Method Carp | Preston Sinking Feeder Mono | Key points:
|
| 8.4 Ultra-Low-Stretch Mono | Guru Pulse Pro Line 300m | Key points:
|
| 8.4 Fast-Sinking Method Line | Drennan Feeder and Method Mono 100m | Key points:
|
| 8.4 Commercial Carp Feeder Line | Drennan Carp Feeder Mono 100m | Key points:
|
| 8.3 Low-Vis Bronze Tint | Nytro Sublime Sinking Feeder Mono 300m | Key points:
|
| Feeder Braids | |||
| 8.6 Best Feeder Braid | Drennan Acolyte Feeder Braid | Key points:
|
| 8.5 Nine-Strand, Zero Stretch | Guru Pulse 9 Braid 150m | Key points:
|
| 8.5 Eight-Strand Sinking PE | Preston Absolute Feeder Braid 150m | Key points:
|
| 8.4 Fast-Sinking Braid | Matrix Submerge Braid 150m | Key points:
|
| 8.3 PTFE-Core Sinking Braid | Nytro Sublime X8 Sinking Feederbraid 300m | Key points:
|
How We Test Feeder Fishing Line
Every line here is scored on the same four things, so a budget mono and a premium braid can be compared on equal terms. Strength and abrasion covers the breaking strain for the diameter, knot strength and how well the line stands up to rough ground, while casting and handling is about how smoothly it leaves the spool and how it behaves on a feeder reel. Presentation weighs the stretch, buoyancy and visibility, and value for money then sets all of that against the price. The overall score is the average of the four.
Feeder mono and feeder braid do different jobs, so we name a winner for each rather than one best overall. Mono's stretch cushions fish on light hooklengths at short and mid range, while braid's zero stretch shows bites at distance and casts on a thinner diameter, usually with a shock leader for a heavy feeder.
For float fishing, our best float fishing line guide covers the reel lines and rig lines, and our best feeder rods guide covers the rods to load them on.
Which Feeder Line Should You Buy?
| If you | Choose | Why | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Want one feeder mono for most work | Preston Extremity Feeder Mono | Low diameter and controlled stretch, 4lb to 15lb | Pick the strain for your venue |
| Fish at distance and want to see every bite | Drennan Acolyte Feeder Braid | Thin eight-carrier braid with zero stretch | Use a shock leader with heavy feeders |
| Fish the method for commercial carp | Drennan Feeder and Method Mono | Fast sinking and extra strong | 100m spools |
| Want a budget mono on a 300m spool | Korum Limitless Low Stretch Feeder Line | Japanese high-tensile mono with low stretch | 6lb to 12lb only |
| Want a braid that keeps sinking | Nytro Sublime X8 Sinking Feederbraid | PTFE-infused core for steady sinking | One of the dearer braids |
The Best Feeder Fishing Lines We Have Reviewed
The following feeder lines achieved the highest scores across our four scoring categories, which are Strength and Abrasion, Casting and Handling, Presentation, and Value For Money. The overall score is the average of these four.
Preston Extremity Feeder Mono 300m
Best Feeder Mono
How It Scored
High abrasion resistance and strains up to 15lb.
Low diameter and controlled stretch for distance casting.
Slim line beats drift, stretch cushions fine hooklengths.
Full 300m spool at a mid-range price.
Preston's Extremity is a distance feeder mono on 300m spools, running from 4lb at 0.18mm to 15lb at 0.33mm. It's built around a low diameter for each strain, as thinner line flies further and gives the wind less to catch.
Controlled stretch sits behind that, so the line should feel crisp on the cast but still cushion a fish under the tip. High abrasion resistance adds the toughness a feeder line needs when every retrieve drags it over gravel and mussels.
For me, it suits anglers fishing the feeder at range on big lakes and rivers who want one mono for everything. Next to the Korum Limitless it adds lighter and heavier strains and a sharper focus on distance.
To be fair, it isn't the cheapest way to fill a reel. For long-range feeder fishing, though, I think it's the best feeder mono here, and the one to spool up first.
Pros
- ✓Low diameter for the strain helps feeders cast further
- ✓Controlled stretch suits both casting and playing fish
- ✓High abrasion resistance stands up to rough, snaggy bottoms
- ✓Wide range from 4lb at 0.18mm to 15lb at 0.33mm
- ✓300m spool fills a feeder reel with line to spare
Cons
- ✕Costs more than the Korum Limitless, which also comes on 300m
- ✕Lighter strains need a shock leader when casting heavy feeders
Korum Limitless Low Stretch Feeder Line 300m
Best Budget
How It Scored
High-tensile mono, strong knots, abrasion resistant.
Low stretch and fast sinking, made for shock leaders.
Sharp bites, but nothing finer than 6lb.
300m spool of Japanese mono at budget money.
Korum's Limitless is a Japanese high-tensile mono with low stretch, sold on 300m spools. It comes in 6lb at 0.23mm, 8lb at 0.26mm, 10lb at 0.28mm and 12lb at 0.30mm, which covers most everyday feeder fishing.
It sinks fast and ties strong knots, and its abrasion resistance makes it at home on rivers and natural venues. Low stretch sharpens bites at range, and it's made to pair with a shock leader for long casts with heavy feeders.
Anglers on a budget who fish the feeder on rivers and big lakes should look at it first. Next to the Preston Extremity it gives up the 4lb and 15lb options and some casting focus, while the Preston Reflo goes finer for silverfish.
To be fair, there's nothing below 6lb for light skimmer work. For anyone watching the pennies, though, I think it's the best budget feeder mono here, with a full 300m on every spool.
Pros
- ✓300m of Japanese high-tensile mono for budget money
- ✓Low stretch sharpens bite detection when fishing at range
- ✓Fast-sinking line gets below the surface drift quickly
- ✓Strong knots and abrasion resistance suit rivers and natural venues
- ✓Four useful strains from 6lb at 0.23mm to 12lb
Cons
- ✕Nothing finer than 6lb, so not for delicate skimmer work
- ✕Low stretch gives less cushion with small hooks at close range
Preston Sinking Feeder Mono
Roach to Method Carp
How It Scored
Extra strong for diameter, with high knot strength.
Supple and slim for strain, fine at normal range.
Rapid line burial and neutral green camouflage.
Cheap per spool, but only 150m of line.
Preston's Reflo is a high-density sinking mono on 150m spools, in six diameters from 0.16mm to 0.28mm. That covers 3lb to 10lb, from roach and skimmers up to method feeder fishing for big match-sized carp.
It sinks super-fast and buries the line on the bottom, which steadies the feeder and sharpens bites. Neutral green, extra strength for the diameter and high tensile knot strength make a well-rounded spec for light and heavy work alike.
Commercial and still-water anglers who want one line from silverfish to carp will get the most from it. Next to the Korum Limitless it goes much finer, though the Korum gives you 300m, while the Guru Pulse Pro adds a 150m marker and ultra-low stretch.
To be fair, 150m won't fill a deep spool on its own. For an all-round sinking line on commercials, though, I think it's a superb choice that covers silverfish and carp alike.
Pros
- ✓High-density line sinks super-fast and beds down on the bottom
- ✓Six diameters covering 3lb to 10lb for silverfish and carp
- ✓Extra strong for its diameter with excellent abrasion resistance
- ✓High tensile knot strength and a supple feel
- ✓Neutral green colour blends into a variety of conditions
Cons
- ✕Only 150m per spool, so deeper reels need backing
- ✕Tops out at 10lb, light for big rivers and heavy feeders
Guru Pulse Pro Line 300m
Ultra-Low-Stretch Mono
How It Scored
Fine diameters with high strength and abrasion resistance.
Smooth through the rings, with a 150m marker.
Ultra-low stretch and a green tint for riverbeds.
Dearest feeder mono, though the spec backs it up.
Guru's Pulse Pro is an ultra-low-stretch mono mainline for match and feeder work, on 300m spools. It comes in 5.3lb at 0.18mm, 6.1lb at 0.20mm, 8.8lb at 0.24mm and 10.2lb at 0.27mm.
Those are fine diameters for the strain, which helps casting, and abrasion resistance stays high. A smooth feel on the cast and retrieve, a natural green tint and a marker sticker at 150m add to the appeal for match anglers.
For me, it's one for match anglers who fish at range and want every bite to register on the tip. Next to the Preston Reflo it adds ultra-low stretch and twice the length, while the Drennan Feeder and Method is one of the cheaper spools and goes up to 12lb.
To be fair, it's the priciest mono in the group, and low stretch gives little cushion on fine hooklengths. For serious match and feeder anglers, though, I think it's money well spent on a very direct line.
Pros
- ✓Ultra-low stretch gives sharp bite detection at range
- ✓Fine diameters, such as 10.2lb at 0.27mm, aid casting
- ✓High strength and abrasion resistance despite the slim build
- ✓Marker sticker at 150m makes splitting a spool easy
- ✓Natural green tint blends into riverbeds
Cons
- ✕Costs well over twice as much as the Korum Limitless
- ✕Low stretch gives little cushion with fine hooklengths
Drennan Feeder and Method Mono 100m
Fast-Sinking Method Line
How It Scored
Extra strong, tough, long lasting, up to 12lb.
Slick surface coating and fast sink for distance.
Pale brown suits many beds, finest strain 4lb.
Cheap 100m spools, with a 250m option.
Drennan's Feeder and Method Mono is a fast sinking, extra strong reel line on 100m spools, with a 250m spool too. Strains run 4lb, 5lb, 6lb, 8lb, 10lb and 12lb, from 0.18mm up to 0.30mm.
A slick surface coating helps it cast long distances, and the pale brown colour blends with many lake and river beds. It's tough and long lasting, so it should take regular use on busy commercials in its stride.
Method and feeder anglers who like a spool of each strain in the bag will get on well with it. Next to the Guru Pulse Pro it's one of the cheaper spools here and adds 4lb and 12lb, while the Drennan Carp Feeder swaps pale brown for dark brown and a focus on snags.
To be fair, 100m won't fill a deep spool by itself. For everyday method and feeder fishing, though, I think it's a dependable, fairly priced line.
Pros
- ✓Slick surface coating helps it cast long distances
- ✓Fast sink rate gets the line down out of the wind
- ✓Extra strong, tough and durable for regular method fishing
- ✓Six strains from 4lb at 0.18mm to 12lb at 0.30mm
- ✓Pale brown colour blends with many lake and river beds
Cons
- ✕100m spools won't fill a deep feeder spool alone
- ✕Pale brown won't match every bottom, especially dark or weedy swims
Drennan Carp Feeder Mono 100m
Commercial Carp Feeder Line
How It Scored
Exceptionally strong and abrasion-resistant for snaggy commercials.
Fast sinking, but slightly thicker for the strain.
Dark brown tint, sitting tight to the lakebed.
Cheap 100m spools, and 8lb and 10lb double as hooklengths.
Drennan's Carp Feeder Mono is a fast-sinking line for feeder and bottom-bait fishing on commercial carp venues. It comes on 100m spools in 5lb, 6lb, 8lb and 10lb, at 0.20mm, 0.23mm, 0.26mm and 0.29mm.
It's exceptionally strong and abrasion-resistant, built for gravel, snags and hard-fighting fish. The dark brown tint keeps the rig discreet, the line stays tight to the lakebed, and the 8lb and 10lb work as hooklength material.
Commercial anglers fishing the method and feeder close to islands and reeds will get the most from it. Next to the Drennan Feeder and Method it's darker and more snag-focused but stops at 10lb, while the Nytro Sublime goes up to 19lb on a 300m spool.
To be fair, it's a touch thicker for the strain than the distance lines, so it won't cast as far. For commercial carp on the feeder, though, I think it's a tough, discreet choice.
Pros
- ✓Exceptionally strong and abrasion-resistant for snaggy commercial carp venues
- ✓Sinks fast and stays tight to the lakebed
- ✓Dark brown tint keeps a bottom-bait setup discreet
- ✓The 8lb and 10lb double as hooklength material
- ✓Cheap 100m spools let you buy the exact strain
Cons
- ✕Slightly thicker for the strain than distance-focused feeder lines
- ✕Only 100m per spool, so bigger reels need two
Nytro Sublime Sinking Feeder Mono 300m
Low-Vis Bronze Tint
How It Scored
Strong and supple, but softer over rough ground.
Smooth casting, but stretch softens long-range feel.
Bronze tint fades underwater, and the line hugs the bottom.
300m, eight strains, and doubles as a shock leader.
Nytro's Sublime is a sinking feeder mono with a deep bronze tint that fades underwater. Each 300m spool comes in one of eight strains, from 4lb to 19lb, with diameters from 0.16mm to 0.33mm.
It's supple and strong, with abrasion resistance and high knot strength, and it works as a mainline or a shock leader. It casts smoothly and stretches well, which cushions light hooklengths as it hugs the bottom.
Anglers on clear or pressured venues, and braid users who want a leader line, will get the most from it. Next to the Drennan Carp Feeder it swaps dark brown for bronze and goes far heavier, up to 19lb, while the Drennan Acolyte braid trades that stretch for zero stretch at long range.
To be fair, the stretch makes it less direct at range than a low-stretch line. For stealthy feeder fishing, though, I think it's a smart, versatile buy, as one spool can cover mainline and leader.
Pros
- ✓Deep bronze tint fades underwater for low visibility
- ✓Eight strains from 4lb to 19lb cover light to heavy work
- ✓Works as a mainline or as a shock leader
- ✓Supple and smooth casting, with high knot strength
- ✓Sinks and hugs the bottom, while stretch cushions light hooklengths
Cons
- ✕Stretches well, so it feels less direct at long range
- ✕A softer, supple line, so watch for wear over sharp gravel
Drennan Acolyte Feeder Braid
Best Feeder Braid
How It Scored
8lb to 12lb, built for long-term durability.
Thin, round eight-carrier weave with a silky finish.
Zero stretch keeps you in contact at range.
One of the cheaper braids from a major brand.
Thin and tightly woven, the Drennan Acolyte Feeder Braid is an eight-carrier mainline for distance feeder and bomb work. It comes on 150m spools in 0.08mm, 0.10mm and 0.12mm, rated at 8lb, 10lb and 12lb.
A silky smooth finish and zero stretch keep you tight to the feeder at range. Fresh off the spool it's a touch stiff, then it softens with use, and its colour should hold for the long term.
Open-water feeder anglers moving over from mono should get on with it easily. Next to the Nytro Sublime Sinking Feeder Mono, it gives up stretch for much clearer bites at distance. The Guru Pulse 9 is rated far stronger at each diameter and has a matching shock leader, but it's a much bigger spend.
To be fair, the rated strains are modest for the diameter, so compare braids by thickness. For a smooth, thin braid at a fair price, though, I think it's the best feeder braid here.
Pros
- ✓Thin 0.08mm to 0.12mm diameters cut through wind and cast a long way
- ✓Tightly woven eight-carrier braid with a silky smooth finish
- ✓Zero stretch shows bites clearly at long range
- ✓Becomes more supple and flexible the more it's used
- ✓Built for long-term durability and colour retention
Cons
- ✕Slightly stiff straight off the spool until it beds in
- ✕Rated strains are modest next to some braids of the same diameter
Guru Pulse 9 Braid 150m
Nine-Strand, Zero Stretch
How It Scored
15.2lb to 23.8lb, plus a matching shockleader.
Round, coated, low-friction nine-strand construction.
Zero stretch, quick sinking and dark green finish.
Top-end price per spool, leader sold separately.
Eight tightly woven fibres wrap a central core on the Guru Pulse 9 Braid, giving a round, low-friction, zero-stretch mainline. The 150m spools come in 0.08mm, 0.10mm and 0.12mm, rated at 15.2lb, 18.3lb and 23.8lb.
Its dense, coated weave helps it sink quickly and take on little water, and the dark green finish stays discreet. For the longest casts, there's also a 0.20mm leader braid, sold on its own 100m spool.
Committed distance anglers who want the most strength from a thin line will like it most. Next to the Drennan Acolyte Feeder Braid, it's rated far stronger at each diameter, though it's one of the dearer braids here. The Preston Absolute Feeder Braid is closer in price and also sinks, though its rated strains are lower.
To be fair, it's the dearest 150m spool here, and the leader is extra. For long-range work with heavy feeders, though, I think it's a superb system.
Pros
- ✓High rated strains of 15.2lb to 23.8lb from 0.08mm to 0.12mm
- ✓Central core inside eight tightly woven fibres keeps it round
- ✓Coated, low-friction finish should flow smoothly through the rod rings
- ✓Dense weave sinks quickly and absorbs very little water
- ✓Matching 0.20mm braid shockleader made for long-distance feeder fishing
Cons
- ✕Sits at the top end of the price range for a 150m braid
- ✕The shockleader is a separate spool, which adds to the cost
Preston Absolute Feeder Braid 150m
Eight-Strand Sinking PE
How It Scored
13.2lb to 18.5lb with high knot strength.
Supple yet stiff fibres for tangle-free casting.
Treated PE fibres help the braid sink.
Mid-to-upper price for a well-specified 150m braid.
Preston's Absolute Feeder Braid is an eight-strand PE line for feeder and ledger fishing. Each 150m spool holds 0.08mm (13.2lb), 0.10mm (15.8lb) or 0.12mm (18.5lb) braid, and knot strength is high.
Treated PE fibres help it sink below the surface drift, and they strike a balance between suppleness and stiffness. That should mean effortless casting and line that stays tangle-free on the spool.
Feeder and ledger anglers facing wind and drift on big, open waters should look at it first. Against the Guru Pulse 9, it's rated lower at each diameter. The Matrix Submerge also sinks fast, though its rated strains are a little lower.
To be fair, it isn't one of the cheaper braids here, and the Drennan Acolyte Feeder Braid has a similar thin, eight-strand spec. For a braid that sinks out of the wind and stays tangle-free on the reel, though, I think it's a very sound choice.
Pros
- ✓Eight-strand PE construction is smooth and durable
- ✓Fibre treatment helps the braid sink out of the wind
- ✓Balance of suppleness and stiffness for easy, tangle-free casting
- ✓High knot strength on thin 0.08mm to 0.12mm diameters
- ✓Rated from 13.2lb to 18.5lb across three diameters
Cons
- ✕Costs more than the Drennan Acolyte Feeder Braid and Matrix Submerge
- ✕Very little stretch means less cushion for hooked fish at close range
Matrix Submerge Braid 150m
Fast-Sinking Braid
How It Scored
10lb to 17lb, with abrasion resistance.
Super smooth coating on accurate diameters.
Fast sinking with zero stretch for clear bites.
Fairly priced for a coated, sinking 150m spool.
Built to sink fast, the Matrix Submerge Braid is a zero-stretch feeder mainline with a super smooth outer coating. Its 150m spools cover 0.08mm at 10lb, 0.10mm at 13lb and 0.12mm at 17lb.
It's made to accurate diameters, and both its knot strength and its resistance to abrasion are high. That combination suits venues with gravel or mussels, where thin line can take a beating on the retrieve.
Windy, open waters are where it should shine, as the line gets under quickly and leaves the feeder undisturbed. Compared with the Preston Absolute Feeder Braid, it's rated a little lower at each diameter. The Nytro Sublime X8 adds a PTFE-infused core and a 300m spool for a bigger outlay.
To be fair, its rated strains trail the Guru Pulse 9 at every diameter. For a fast-sinking braid that copes with rough ground, though, I think it's a sound, fairly priced choice.
Pros
- ✓Fast-sinking braid gets under the surface and out of the wind
- ✓Zero stretch makes bites easier to see at range
- ✓Super smooth outer coating for a slick, easy-casting surface
- ✓High knot strength and abrasion resistance for rough bottoms
- ✓Accurate 0.08mm, 0.10mm and 0.12mm diameters rated 10lb to 17lb
Cons
- ✕Rated strains are lower than the Guru Pulse 9 at each diameter
- ✕No stretch to cushion hooked fish close to the bank
Nytro Sublime X8 Sinking Feederbraid 300m
PTFE-Core Sinking Braid
How It Scored
Knot strength and abrasion resistance, modest rated strains.
Round, eight-strand profile with precise diameters.
PTFE core keeps it sinking as coating fades.
Big outlay for 300m, though 150m exists.
The Sublime X8 Sinking Feederbraid from Nytro is a round, eight-strand mainline for precision feeder fishing. This 300m spool holds 0.08mm (8lb), 0.10mm (10lb) or 0.12mm (12lb) braid, and shorter 150m spools of the same line are sold too.
Inside sits a PTFE-infused core that holds its sinking performance even once the outer colour coating has faded, and it's fast sinking from new. High knot strength, abrasion resistance and zero stretch round off the spec.
With two or more feeder reels to fill, the long spool makes a lot of sense. Alongside the Matrix Submerge, it brings the PTFE core and twice the line, but it's rated lower at each diameter. The Drennan Acolyte Feeder Braid has near-identical ratings on a 150m spool.
To be fair, buying 300m in one go is a hefty outlay. For anglers who want lasting sinking performance across several reels, though, I think it's a smart investment.
Pros
- ✓PTFE-infused core keeps it sinking as the coating fades
- ✓Round eight-strand profile for smooth handling and accurate casting
- ✓High knot strength and abrasion resistance on a thin mainline
- ✓Zero stretch gives crisp, responsive bite indication at range
- ✓300m spool loads more than one reel, with 150m also available
Cons
- ✕The 300m spool is a big outlay up front
- ✕Rated strains of 8lb to 12lb are modest for the diameters
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best feeder fishing line?
It depends on the line type. For mono, the Preston Extremity Feeder Mono is our pick at 8.6, with a low diameter and controlled stretch from 4lb to 15lb. For braid, the Drennan Acolyte Feeder Braid also scores 8.6, a thin, zero-stretch eight-carrier braid for distance feeder fishing. On a budget, the Korum Limitless Low Stretch Feeder Line is our Best Budget pick.
Should I use mono or braid for feeder fishing?
Mono suits most short and mid-range feeder fishing, because its stretch cushions fish on light hooklengths. Braid has no stretch, so it shows bites at range and casts further on a thinner diameter, and it is usually paired with a mono shock leader when casting heavy feeders.
What breaking strain feeder line do I need?
Around 4lb to 6lb mono suits roach, skimmers and general feeder work, while 6lb to 8lb is a common choice for commercial carp and method feeder fishing. Go heavier for big carp, snags or a heavy feeder at range.
Why does feeder line need to sink?
A sinking line cuts below the surface quickly, so wind and surface drift don't drag it into a bow. That keeps you in direct contact with the feeder and makes bites show more clearly on the quivertip.
What is the best budget feeder line?
The Korum Limitless Low Stretch Feeder Line is our Best Budget pick at 8.5. It's a Japanese high-tensile mono with low stretch on a 300m spool, in 6lb to 12lb.
Final Thoughts
For feeder mono, the Preston Extremity Feeder Mono is the one to buy, and the Korum Limitless is the budget choice on a 300m spool.
If you fish at distance or want every bite to register, the Drennan Acolyte Feeder Braid is the pick, with the Guru Pulse 9 a premium alternative.
A Reminder of Our Top Feeder Fishing Lines
- Best Feeder Mono: Preston Extremity Feeder Mono 300m
- Best Budget: Korum Limitless Low Stretch Feeder Line 300m
- Roach to Method Carp: Preston Sinking Feeder Mono
- Ultra-Low-Stretch Mono: Guru Pulse Pro Line 300m
- Fast-Sinking Method Line: Drennan Feeder and Method Mono 100m
- Commercial Carp Feeder Line: Drennan Carp Feeder Mono 100m
- Low-Vis Bronze Tint: Nytro Sublime Sinking Feeder Mono 300m
- Best Feeder Braid: Drennan Acolyte Feeder Braid
- Nine-Strand, Zero Stretch: Guru Pulse 9 Braid 150m
- Eight-Strand Sinking PE: Preston Absolute Feeder Braid 150m
- Fast-Sinking Braid: Matrix Submerge Braid 150m
- PTFE-Core Sinking Braid: Nytro Sublime X8 Sinking Feederbraid 300m
Thanks for reading.
Tight Lines!