My thinking is pretty much along the line lines of jps's original post. I too use a float and fish from shore, rather than boat. For big fish, I like the idea of break-away float rigs (perhaps because of all the neat RA gizmos available!
) - but have not yet had need for them myself. For some reason, reels (like pneumatic spearguns) have little appeal to me. Perhaps I just need to try one.
...Hm, "nice, stiff and thick", seems to describe a quality sought after in both porn and floatlines. "...
Yes, stiffness is an important property. I've tried a number of inexpensive float lines (we don't have huge fish here that need or justify expensive tuna-capable float line - but you probably do) which are not especially thick.
BTW The best I've found so far is the inexpensive, wiry, drab,
"Thai-green" polypropylene float lines from Rob Allen, of South Africa. However I have found something almost as good & even cheaper, which is a particular type of English-made (wow! Don't often see that these days) washing line - which cost only £1 for 20m (or was it 30m?). It is pretty much the same as the Rob Allen line except thinner, and a paler, brighter green, and you have to splice your own end-loops.
The cheap, very stiff, bright yellow braided polypropylene line commonly found in the UK & shipped with some floats works quite well...but it's bright yellow!
Paracord, also shipped with some floats is rubbish - don't use it.
Aquarium air-line pipe seems pretty popular too. Strong enough for the UK but would need reinforcing (through centre) for bigger fish. [Search the forum for more info. ]