FINS Fishing Line: A Comprehensive Overview
FINS Fishing Line is a premium American-made brand known for its innovative braided lines. Manufactured by BBS (Braided Fishing Line Systems) in Erlanger, Kentucky, FINS lines are highly regarded among saltwater and freshwater anglers for their durability, knot strength, castability, and performance in extreme environments. What makes FINS especially unique is its focus on specialized braiding technologies, offering a wide array of lines tailored for different fishing techniques and species.
1. Made in the USA
FINS is one of the few remaining fishing line brands that proudly manufactures all its products in the United States. This ensures quality control, precision, and consistent innovation. FINS’ state-of-the-art braiding facility uses advanced machinery and rigorous testing protocols to produce lines trusted by both recreational and professional anglers.
2. Types of FINS Fishing Line
FINS offers several distinct lines, each developed with a specific purpose or performance goal in mind. The most notable types include:
FINS 40G
* Profile: The flagship premium braid.
* Construction: 8-strand, super-smooth, round profile.
* Material: 100% Spectra fibers.
Features:
* Virtually silent through guides.
* Exceptional casting distance.
* High abrasion resistance and strength.
* Designed for serious saltwater and inshore applications.
Use Case: Ideal for both spinning and baitcasting setups, especially in clear water where stealth and casting distance are critical.
FINS Windtamer
* Profile: The most popular and versatile option.
* Construction: Braided with a tighter weave and a firmer body.
Features:
* Excellent for windy conditions.
* Great line control—reduces wind knots.
* Consistent roundness and durability.
Use Case: Versatile choice for inshore and offshore anglers, as well as bass fishing and general freshwater use.
FINS XS (Extra Smooth) Braid
*Profile: Ultra-smooth and supple.
* Construction: 8-carrier braid.
Features:
* Extremely quiet on guides.
* Superior castability and line lay.
* Designed for finesse and long-cast applications.
Use Case: Great for topwater lures, light tackle, or when stealth is a priority.
FINS Sling Braid
Profile: Slick and compact, optimized for long casts.
* Construction: Round and dense braid.
Features:
* High strength-to-diameter ratio.
* Low drag through guides.
* Offers longer casting distances with less backlash.
Use Case: Perfect for shore casting, surf fishing, or throwing jigs and plugs long distances.
FINS Hollow Core
* Profile: Large-diameter, spliceable hollow braid.
* Construction: Hollow-core Spectra, available in multiple weaves.
Features:
* Easily spliceable for wind-on leaders.
* Excellent strength and knotless connection options.
* Ideal for big game fishing.
Use Case: Offshore fishing for tuna, marlin, tarpon, and other large gamefish where smooth transitions from braid to fluorocarbon are vital.
FINS Shock Absorbing Braid
* Profile: Hybrid braid with built-in stretch.
* Construction: Proprietary braiding that introduces elasticity.
Features:
* Designed to reduce pulled hooks or tackle failure.
* Great when fishing with treble hooks or for species with soft mouths.
Use Case: Excellent for crankbait fishing or when targeting species prone to quick directional changes.
3. Key Performance Features
* Exceptional Knot Strength: FINS braids are engineered to hold strong knots like the FG knot, Uni-to-Uni, and Palomar with minimal slippage or degradation.
* Low Stretch: Most lines have near-zero stretch, offering superior sensitivity for detecting subtle bites and enhancing hooksets.
* Castability: Especially in the 40G and XS lines, FINS braids provide outstanding casting performance with minimal friction.
* Abrasion Resistance: Many FINS lines are tightly braided and treated for increased durability around structure, rocks, or reefs.
* Color Retention: FINS uses advanced dye and coating systems to reduce fading, especially important for saltwater anglers.
* Reduced Wind Knots: Windtamer’s body stiffness significantly reduces line loops and knots, especially on spinning reels.
4. Common Applications
| Fishing Style | Recommended FINS Line | Reason |
| --------------------- | ----------------------------- | ------------------------------------- |
| Inshore Saltwater | FINS Windtamer or 40G | Excellent for snook, redfish, speckled trout |
| Offshore Big Game | FINS Hollow Core | Spliceable, ultra-strong, for tuna and marlin |
| Bass Fishing | FINS XS or Windtamer | Sensitivity, casting, and abrasion resistance |
| Surf Fishing | FINS Sling Braid | Long casting with low wind resistance |
| Jigging | FINS 40G or Sling Braid | Compact strength and excellent bite detection |
| Light Tackle/Finesse | FINS XS Braid | Quiet, smooth, and ultra-sensitive |
5. Why Choose FINS Over Other Brands?
* American-Made Excellence: Unlike many brands that manufacture overseas, FINS maintains control over every step of production.
* Specialized Lines: FINS doesn’t offer one-size-fits-all; it provides niche-specific lines tailored to real-world needs.
* Consistency and Reliability: FINS maintains tighter QC tolerances, leading to more consistent diameter, braid roundness, and strength.
* Innovation Focus: From hybrid shock-absorbing braid to smooth XS lines and wind-resistant Windtamer, FINS is an innovator in braided line design.
6. Line Availability and Sizes
* Available Pound Tests: From 4 lb. (for finesse) to 200+ lb. (for offshore big game).
* Spool Sizes: Common spool sizes include 150 yds, 300 yds, 500 yds, and bulk spools.
* Colors: Offered in multiple colors such as Hi-Vis Yellow, Blue, Green, Aqua, and multi-color (depth metered for jigging).
Conclusion
FINS fishing lines represent a pinnacle in braided fishing line technology, catering to a wide range of angling needs while maintaining American craftsmanship and innovation. Whether you're casting soft plastics to bass in a freshwater lake or fighting a 200 lb yellowfin tuna offshore, FINS offers a braid that’s built for the task. With options like Windtamer for windy conditions, 40G for smooth casting, and Hollow Core for professional rigging, FINS is a go-to brand for serious anglers who demand performance, durability, and trust in their gear.