Trilene · Fishing Line
Berkley Trilene XL 110-Yard Fishing Line
Lower concern, standard monofilament nylon line with no known PFAS application, but brand discloses nothing.
Berkley Trilene XL is a conventional monofilament nylon fishing line. Nylon monofilament fishing lines do not require PFAS-based treatments for their core function (casting, tensile strength, water resistance). However, Berkley/Trilene provides no public disclosure about PFAS or manufacturing, leaving a gap in transparency.
Shop Trilene on Amazon →Material
Monofilament nylon fishing line
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
Why this grade
Category baseline
other is a category where PFAS exposure is more common.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement about PFAS in this product.
Safe base material
Made from a material with no inherent PFAS use (ceramic, mineral, or natural fiber).
The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
Berkley Trilene XL is extruded monofilament nylon (likely nylon 6 or 6,6), a single continuous polymer filament used to catch fish. Monofilament nylon does not inherently contain toxic additives or heavy metals; it is chemically inert in water and resistant to UV degradation and abrasion. The material is non-degradable and will persist in the environment if lost, but poses no acute chemical hazard to the angler or caught fish during normal use.
The brand's record and disclosure
Berkley (owned by Pure Fishing, a Rapala subsidiary) does not publicly disclose detailed chemical composition or testing results for Trilene XL. The brand has no known product recalls related to chemical contamination or hazardous coatings. Trilene is one of the most widely used recreational fishing lines globally and has no established history of consumer health complaints tied to material composition.
How it compares in its category
Monofilament fishing lines are the baseline standard for recreational fishing and are chemically simpler than braided alternatives (which may contain polyester or aramid fibers with dyes). Fluorocarbon lines offer similar safety profiles but cost more. Trilene XL is mid-range in price and performance; no competing monofilament line in this category carries known chemical hazard warnings.
If you buy it
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve strength; UV exposure degrades nylon over months to years. Replace line annually or after heavy use to maintain casting safety and reliability. If line breaks or is cut during fishing, retrieve fragments when possible to reduce environmental persistence. Nylon monofilament is not intended for consumption or contact with food preparation surfaces.
Beyond PFAS: other things we checked
Established hazard classes for this product type, assessed from public information. These never change the PFAS grade; a Likely flag caps the Verdict at “Buy with care.”
Microplastic generation upon wear and breakage
Monofilament nylon degrades and fragments over time and with mechanical stress (knots, abrasion on rocks, UV). These fragments become microplastics in aquatic environments; however, this is an environmental persistence issue rather than a direct chemical toxicity hazard to the user.
Heavy metals in dyes or coatings
Berkley does not advertise colored dyes or special coatings on Trilene XL that would introduce lead, cadmium, or other metals. Standard monofilament is typically undyed or uses approved colorants; no recalls or complaints on record.
Leachables or additives into water
Nylon monofilament does not leach plasticizers, softeners, or stabilizers into water under normal fishing conditions. The material is designed for water immersion and is chemically stable in fresh and saltwater environments.
Skin irritation or dermal contact hazard
Monofilament nylon is non-reactive and does not contain surfactants, fragrances, or allergens. Friction burns or cuts from line tension are mechanical injuries, not chemical hazards.
Inhalation or volatilization risk
Nylon monofilament does not off-gas volatile organic compounds or fumes under normal storage or use temperatures. No thermal processing occurs during typical angling.
What we don’t know
This grade is a model-based estimate from public materials, coatings, and brand disclosure at 72% confidence. It is not a lab result.
No independent PFAS lab test is on record for this exact product. A lab test could move the score in either direction.
The brand has not made a specific, verifiable PFAS-free statement, so part of this score reflects that missing disclosure rather than a confirmed material.
Formulations and coatings change between production runs. Always check the current label before buying.
Safer alternatives in Fishing Line
Stren
Original
Monofilament nylon fishing line
Lower PFAS concern for a fishing line product; no coating or treatment typical of PFAS carriers.
⚠Risky category by default
Maxima
Ultragreen One Shot
Lubricant/chain oil (mineral or synthetic base)
Lower PFAS concern for a chain lubricant; minimal Teflon-family coating/waterproofing risk profile.
⚠Risky category by default
Seaguar
Blue Label
Fluorocarbon fishing line (monofilament)
Fluorocarbon fishing line may contain PFAS; insufficient public data to grade definitively.
⚠Risky category by default
More fishing line grades
How we score: every product runs through the same public 0–100 rubric based on materials, coatings, brand disclosure, lab findings, and recalls. See the full methodology → Spotted a mistake? Report an error.