Best-of guide
Right, here's the lot. Every bit of mainline we've dug into, ranked by our on-paper score — that's our own desk research on specs, build and price across five things: product quality, performance, how much it helps you catch, ease of use and value for money. We haven't bank-tested these, so treat it as a smart shortlist, not gospel.
Top of the pile right now: Airflo Superflo Ridge 2.0 Pike (9/10), Daiwa J-Braid X8 Grand (9/10) and Airflo Pike Fly Line (8.9/10). Tap into any review for the full lowdown, the comparison and a buying checklist.
Top tip: match the kit to how and where you actually fish before chasing the highest number. A cracking bit of gear for big open waters can be overkill on a snug club pond. How we score.
90%Airflo
Ridge 2.0 Sniper 4 Season fly line
A proper big-fly line for pike anglers who want to turn over bulky patterns, punch through a bit of breeze and keep control when the water’s doing its worst.
90%Daiwa
J-Braid X8 Grand
A smooth, tough eight-carrier braid for lure anglers who want proper feel, tidy casting and a bit more confidence around snags.
89%Airflo
Airflo Pike Fly Line
A proper predator fly line built to turn over bulky pike flies, with four density options and enough grunt for serious stillwater and river work.
89%Airflo
Floating WF Pike Fly Line
A proper big-fly line for pike work, with the punchy turnover, long haul zone and slim running line needed when your flies are anything but dainty.
89%Daiwa
J-Braid Grand X8
A slick, eight-carrier braid for lure anglers who want low stretch, a neat profile and plenty of choice in breaking strains and spool lengths.
89%Airflo
Superflo 40+ Sniper Predator Fly Line
A punchy, compact-headed fly line built to turn over big pike flies without making every cast feel like hard graft.
88%Fox Rage
Fox Rage Predator Braid — 40lb / 18kg and 60lb / 27kg options
A proper predator mainline with a round 8-strand build, high abrasion resistance and handy 150m markers. Here’s where it fits on your pike gear.
88%Airflo
WF8–WF10 · Floating, fast intermediate, Di3 and Di7
A chunky predator fly line built to turn over bulky pike flies, reach the depth and keep casting when dainty trout tackle just won’t cut it.
88%Shimano
Shimano Kairiki 4
A tidy four-carrier braid with a smooth profile, low stretch and plenty of size choice. Here’s where Shimano Kairiki 4 fits on a predator setup.
Airflo
Forge Pike Fly Line
A proper predator fly line with the punch to turn over bigger pike flies, without making every cast feel like hard graft.
87%Shimano
Kairiki 8 range; diameter, colour and spool length vary
An eight-carrier mainline with a tight weave and plenty of predator appeal. Kairiki 8 makes sense for anglers who want direct lure contact, provided you choose the right strength and sort your leader properly.
87%Fox Rage
Fluoro green · 150m · Multiple breaking strains
An eight-strand lure-fishing mainline with a smooth coating, a bright green finish and very little give. Properly useful for staying connected to a jig — provided you pick the right strength and sort your leader.
86%Airflo
Pike Elbi's Sixth Sense · WF 9/10 · Sink 7
A dedicated sinking line for pike fly anglers who need streamers down in the water, without turning every cast into a full-on faff.
86%Fox Rage
150m spools · 55lb / 0.32mm or 65lb / 0.41mm
A sinking, 8+1 carrier braid aimed squarely at casting Replicants and other hefty lures. Proper predator mainline, rather than an all-round braid for every rod in the shed.
85%Fox Rage
300 m spool; 40 lb and 60 lb options
An eight-strand floating braid with a round profile, sturdy breaking-strain options and a handy halfway marker. A sensible fit for predator bait fishing, especially when you want to manage line above the water rather than pin it down.