Bass Pro Shops CatMaxx Monofilament Fishing Line
Lower concern, verify material sourcing independently.
Monofilament fishing line is typically nylon without intentional PFAS coatings. Bass Pro provides no PFAS disclosure, but standard monofilament carries lower risk.
We flunk more products than we pass. This one earned its grade. How we grade
Material
Monofilament nylon fishing line
Brand disclosure
Brand is silent on PFAS
Lab data
No public lab test
What’s concerning
Category baseline
The starting point for this type of product, before anything specific to this product is counted.
No PFAS disclosure
No public statement from the brand about PFAS in this product.
Nylon degradation and microfiber shedding
Monofilament nylon can fragment into microfibers under UV exposure, mechanical wear, and aquatic degradation. If discarded in water, fragments persist and may be ingested by fish; terrestrial disposal limits this risk.
Chemical additives in nylon resin (not specified on label)
Nylon extrusion typically uses stabilizers, colorants, and UV absorbers to improve properties. Bass Pro Shops does not disclose these inputs for CatMaxx, so residual monomer (caprolactam) or processing aids cannot be ruled out, though migration into water during normal use is minimal.
Wildlife entanglement and environmental persistence
Monofilament line poses a well-documented hazard to birds, turtles, and marine mammals if discarded in or near waterways. This is a lifecycle/disposal hazard, not a chemical one, but significantly outweighs acute user exposure risk.
Skin irritation from handling uncut nylon filament
The sharp, fine edges of monofilament can cause minor cuts and irritation if drawn across skin without protection. This is mechanical rather than chemical but warrants mention for user safety.
What’s reassuring
Base material not linked to PFAS
The main material recorded for this product is not one associated with PFAS.
Lead
No public recall or testing indicates lead, cadmium, or other heavy metals in CatMaxx colorants. Modern nylon line colorants are typically iron oxide or organic dyes, but independent verification is not available.
Source, ATSDR ↗The full breakdown
What it's made of and why it matters
CatMaxx Monofilament is nylon (likely nylon 6 or 6,6) extruded into a single continuous filament. Nylon monofilament does not degrade significantly during normal fishing use and is not intended for ingestion or prolonged skin contact. The primary concern with nylon fishing line is environmental persistence and wildlife entanglement rather than chemical leaching into food or water during typical angling.
The brand's record and disclosure
Bass Pro Shops has not published detailed material sourcing, manufacturing, or chemical composition disclosures for CatMaxx line. The brand does not market certifications (e.g., Cradle to Cradle, Bluesign) specific to this product. No established safety recalls or controversies for this particular line are on record. Bass Pro Shops is a major US outdoor retailer but maintains limited transparency on monofilament chemical inputs.
How it compares in its category
Most monofilament fishing lines (Berkley, Trilene, Seaguar, Daiwa) share identical nylon chemistry and pose comparable chemical hazards. CatMaxx is positioned as a value option and does not differentiate on material safety or sustainability. Fluorocarbon lines and braided alternatives offer different durability and performance profiles but do not reduce chemical hazard classes materially. Monofilament dominates the market because cost and performance, not safety certification, drive purchasing.
If you buy it
Wear gloves when handling to avoid line cuts and minor skin irritation from nylon fibers. Do not ingest or allow prolonged contact with open wounds. Store in a cool, dry place away from UV light to preserve tensile strength; nylon degrades under sunlight and heat over months. Dispose of spent line responsibly in trash or at recycling centers; do not discard in waterways, as it remains a persistent entanglement hazard for aquatic wildlife for years.
What we don’t know
- Basis
- Model estimate, 72% confidence, not a lab result
- Lab test
- None on record for this exact product
- Brand statement
- Bass Pro Shops has made none
Formulations change between production runs, so check the current label. How we grade.
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.