Suffix DNA monofilament line
By: Michael Uleski

            After finding out my now favorite line Berkley Big Game Inshore has been discontinued I had to search for a new mono. I’ve always liked Ande line in their tournament and then the newer backcountry but I find that the limper lines I’ve used are far superior in throwing the lighter weight plugs I like to use.

            I got a look at the new suffix DNA line last fall at the Henry’s Tackle trade show before it was released on the market. I’ve always liked suffix superior for my heavier line applications as it provides excellent abrasion resistance, which the company is known for. The DNA series of lines was created to fill a gap for inshore fishermen using specifically spinning tackle. One of the main considerations was to keep the abrasion resistance of their heavier lines but make the normally stiff line that comes with this attribute and make it more user friendly to smaller spinning tackle.

            I’ve tried other super limp lines such as Berkley XL in the past and found they just didn’t have the abrasion resistance that was needed in some of the structure strewn areas that inshore fishermen can face. I was skeptical that the superior suffix abrasion resistance would be decreased to allow for a limper line. I will say that this line is as tough as any in the suffix line, including their Tri-tanium series that is better suited to bait casting tackle due to it’s stiffness. It is one of the few monofilament lines that can be folded tightly and spring back to its original shape, very similar to the way a braided line cannot be kinked.

            In real world testing I’ve used the 8 through 12lb tests primarily flats fishing for redfish and trout, but also around structure for snapper and smaller grouper. The first thing I noticed was the way that the line will stay on a spinning reel spool. With many lines once tension is released from the end of the line and the bail is opened several loops of line will begin to come off the spool on their own. With this line it stayed right where it was when there was a weight on the end to keep tension. Even with an overfilled spool this line will be much more forgiving than other, stiffer monofilaments.

            For abrasion resistance the snapper and grouper put it to the test by running it along barnacle encrusted pilings and the line didn’t give an inch. It did fray but did not break and I was able to cut off the bad part of the line and keep fishing.

            I’ve been very happy with its performance and I will be switching over to it full time, as my Big Game Inshore filled reels need new line.

            Suffix DNA comes in an ice green color similar to a faded Ande Tournament line and also a fluorescent blue similar to Stren and Berkely XL. The green is available in weights from 6 pound to 30 pound and the clear blue can be found in 8 pound to 30 pound. It’s possible to buy them in filler packs and also larger bulk spools. Price is around $7.00 for one of the filler spools with approximately 400 yards of line.

            Even in this age of power pro it’s nice to see a quality monofilament come onto the market that is combining some of the favored attributes of a braid with the cost and feel of a monofilament.