
Hollow Core Braided Fishing Line: A Complete Guide
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Introduction
In the world of high-performance fishing gear, few innovations have had the impact of hollow core braided fishing line. Designed for heavy-duty offshore angling and big game fishing, this advanced line combines incredible strength with a unique splicing capability that revolutionizes rigging. Whether you're targeting tuna, marlin, or large bottom fish, understanding hollow core braid can elevate your entire setup.
This article explores what hollow core braid is, how it works, its advantages over solid braid, and why it’s become the standard for serious saltwater anglers.
What Is Hollow Core Braided Fishing Line?
Hollow core braided line is a type of fishing line made from multiple ultra-strong synthetic fibers, usually Spectra or Dyneema, woven into a tubular, hollow structure. Unlike standard solid braid, which is tightly woven with no internal space, hollow braid is engineered to have a hollow interior, much like a Chinese finger trap.
This design allows for loop-to-loop splicing with monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders, enabling seamless connections without bulky knots or swivels. It's especially prized for applications where clean, knotless connections are crucial—like when fighting massive pelagic fish that put gear to the ultimate test.
Key Materials: Spectra and Dyneema
Most hollow core lines are made from ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers such as:
* Spectra: A brand of UHMWPE produced by Honeywell.
* Dyneema: A competing UHMWPE fiber made by DSM.
Both materials are known for being:
* 15x stronger than steel (by weight)
* Highly abrasion-resistant
* Incredibly thin for their breaking strength
* Low-stretch for maximum sensitivity
These fibers are braided into a multi-strand tubular weave, typically using 12, 16, or even 24 carriers (strands), which affects both roundness and spliceability.
Construction and Design
Hollow Core vs. Solid Core Braided Line
| Feature | Hollow Core Braid | Solid Core Braid |
| ------------------------ | ------------------------------------------- | -------------------------------- |
| Structure | Hollow, tubular | Solid, tightly woven |
| Splicing Compatibility | Yes (loop-to-loop, insert splices) | No |
| Knot Size | Minimal or none (knotless connections) | Larger knots required |
| Leader Connections | Seamless, low-profile | Often bulky knots or swivels |
| Best Use | Offshore, big game, heavy tackle | Inshore, general salt/freshwater |
Why Use Hollow Core Braid?
1. Seamless Leader Connections
The biggest advantage of hollow core braid is the ability to insert a mono or fluoro leader directly into the core of the braid, then secure it with a serve or glue. This creates a smooth, knotless connection that glides through guides and spools with zero snagging or resistance.
2. Superior Strength at Connection Points
Traditional knots weaken line strength by up to 30%. Hollow core splicing retains close to 100% of the line’s rated strength, making it perfect for targeting fish that push gear to its limits.
3. Easier Line Top-Shots
You can easily add, remove, or replace top shots of monofilament or fluorocarbon by splicing them into the hollow braid. This is especially useful in tuna fishing, where anglers frequently change leaders based on water clarity or abrasion damage.
4. Re-spooling Made Easy
Hollow core braid allows you to splice in additional lengths of braid without knots. This is ideal when adding backing or replacing worn sections without redoing the entire spool.
5. Reduced Guide and Reel Wear
Without bulky knots, the line passes smoothly through rod guides and reel spools. This reduces friction and wear on both the gear and the line itself.
Applications in Fishing
1. Big Game Offshore Fishing
Hollow core braid is the gold standard for anglers targeting tuna, marlin, swordfish, and giant trevally. Its ability to handle extreme pressure and provide clean leader transitions makes it a necessity for these species.
2. Deep Drop and Bottom Fishing
In deep water, line diameter and stretch matter. Hollow braid’s thin profile and zero stretch allow for better feel and faster descent times when fishing depths of 500+ feet.
3. Kite Fishing
Smooth line handling and wind resistance are crucial for kite fishing. Hollow braid’s slick surface and clean splices reduce drag and improve deployment and retrieval.
4. Stand-Up Trolling
Trolling with heavy drag settings demands the strongest, most reliable connections possible. Hollow braid with spliced mono top-shots meets this challenge.
Splicing Techniques
1. Insert Splice
* The leader is inserted inside the hollow braid for several inches.
* A serve (thread wrap) or glue is applied to secure it.
* Retains nearly full strength and is completely knotless.
2. Loop Splice
* A loop is formed in the end of the hollow braid.
* A mono leader with a matching loop is connected via loop-to-loop connection.
* Quick-change capability for different leader setups.
3. Serving the Splice
A tightly wrapped thread (often waxed dental floss or rigging thread) is wound around the splice to secure it. This ensures the splice won't pull out under pressure.
Choosing the Right Hollow Core Braid
Key Factors:
1. Line Test
Common breaking strengths range from 50 lb to over 200 lb. Match the braid strength to your rod, reel, and target species.
2. Diameter
Hollow braid is thicker than solid braid of the same test due to its construction. However, it’s still much thinner than mono of equal strength.
3. Carrier Count
More carriers (strands) result in a smoother, rounder braid:
* 12-carrier is common and balances strength with flexibility.
* 16 or 24-carrier offers even better roundness and spliceability but may cost more.
4. Brand Quality
Trusted brands include:
* Jerry Brown Line One
* PowerPro Hollow Ace
* Momoi Diamond Hollow Core
* Seaguar Threadlock
* Berkley ProSpec Hollow Braid
Each brand may differ in stiffness, coating, and ease of splicing, so test before committing to bulk spools.
Tips for Handling Hollow Core Braid
1. Use Hollow Core Needles
Specialized threading needles allow you to insert leaders cleanly and without fraying.
2. Label Your Spools
Since hollow braid of different brands and test strengths may look similar, clearly label your line and keep track of used splices.
3. Avoid Sharp Bends
Sharp bends can weaken the fibers over time. Keep your spooled braid smooth and tensioned.
4. Keep Splice Tools Handy
Invest in a hollow braid splicing kit with needles, serving tools, and rigging thread.
5. Practice Makes Perfect
Splicing takes skill. Practice on short sections before attempting leader splices on your mainline.
Downsides of Hollow Core Braid
While hollow core braid has many advantages, it also has some drawbacks:
* Cost: Typically more expensive than solid braid.
* Bulk: Thicker than solid braid, meaning less line on the spool if you don’t need spliceability.
* Learning Curve: Splicing and serving take time and practice to master.
* Overkill for Inshore: For light-tackle or freshwater fishing, the benefits often aren’t necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can you tie knots in hollow core braid?
Yes, but it defeats the purpose. Hollow core is meant for splicing. Knots may slip or compromise strength if not tied properly.
Q: How long should a top-shot be?
Anywhere from 10 to 100 yards, depending on the target species and water conditions. Tuna fishermen often use 25 – 50 yard top-shots of fluoro.
Q: Does hollow braid float?
Yes. Like all UHMWPE lines, hollow core braid is hydrophobic and floats, making it suitable for topwater and kite setups.
Q: Can I use hollow braid on spinning reels?
Technically yes, but most anglers use solid braid for spinning tackle and reserve hollow braid for conventional and trolling reels.
Conclusion
Hollow core braided fishing line is a high-performance tool built for serious anglers who demand strength, reliability, and versatility. Its unique splicing capabilities allow for knotless connections that maximize performance, minimize failure points, and offer unmatched customization.
While it’s overkill for casual or light-duty fishing, in the world of offshore and big game angling, hollow braid is a game-changer. From tuna to swordfish, it allows anglers to fish smarter, rig faster, and fight harder—with confidence in every connection.
Whether you're just exploring big-game fishing or looking to upgrade your current rig, mastering hollow core braid will put you at the forefront of modern angling techniques.