One type of fishing line gaining popularity among anglers at an insane rate is the fluorocarbon fishing line.
Fluorocarbon fishing lines are made of a denser polymer material than water, making it less visible underwater. This characteristic makes it an excellent choice for fishing in clear water and targeting wary fish.
Fluorocarbon lines also have low stretch, which means that they are more sensitive to bites and provide better hook sets. They are also abrasion-resistant and have a longer lifespan than monofilament lines.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide on fluorocarbon fishing lines for beginners. I will cover the pros and cons of using fluorocarbon lines, choosing the right one for your fishing needs, and properly spooling and maintaining your fluorocarbon line.
Table of Contents
Advantages of Using Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines
- Invisibility: Almost invisible underwater, making them an excellent choice for fishing in clear water or when targeting wary fish. The low visibility of the line allows for a more natural presentation of the bait or lure, increasing the chances of a bite.
- Abrasion Resistance: Highly resistant to abrasion, making them ideal for fishing in areas with rocks, logs, or other obstacles. The line’s strength and abrasion resistance ensure it can handle the toughest conditions without breaking or fraying.
- Sensitivity: Stiffer than other fishing lines, they are more sensitive to bites and strikes. The increased sensitivity allows anglers to detect even the slightest nibble, increasing the chances of a successful catch.
- Durability: Highly durable and can last for a long time if properly maintained. Unlike other types of fishing lines, they are resistant to UV rays, which can cause other lines to weaken and break over time.
- Sinking Ability: Fluorocarbon fishing lines sink faster than other types of fishing lines, making them ideal for fishing in deep waters or when targeting bottom-dwelling fish. The faster sinking ability of the line ensures that the bait or lure stays at the desired depth, increasing the chances of a bite.
Disadvantages of Using Fluorocarbon Fishing lines
- More Expensive: More expensive compared to other fishing lines like monofilament. This can be a significant factor to consider, especially if you’re on a tight budget.
- Poor Knot Strength: These lines tend to have poor knot strength. This means they are more likely to break when you tie knots, especially if you’re not experienced in knot tying. So, if you’re a beginner, you may need to practice tying knots with fluorocarbon fishing lines to avoid losing your catch.
- Less Stretch: Has less stretch compared to other types of fishing lines. While this may seem like an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage because it can put more pressure on your fishing rod, leading to breakage.
- Recyclability: Is not biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down in the environment. Fortunately, there is an industry-wide fishing line recycling program to protect wildlife.
How Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines are Made
It’s essential to understand how fluorocarbon fishing lines are made. Fluorocarbon fishing lines are produced from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) plastic. The PVDF plastic pellets are melted down and extruded through die-containing holes. The line is then cooled to a certain temperature and stretched out to rearrange the molecules for greater strength.
The following are the steps involved in the production of fluorocarbon fishing lines:
- Extrusion: The PVDF pellets are fed into an extruder, which melts the pellets and pushes the molten PVDF through die-containing holes. The size of the holes determines the diameter of the fishing line.
- Cooling: The line is then cooled to a certain temperature to ensure that it maintains its shape and strength.
- Stretching: The cooled line is then stretched out to rearrange the molecules for greater strength. This process is called orientation.
- Spooling: Once the line is stretched, it is wound onto spools.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines
When choosing a fluorocarbon fishing line, several factors must be considered to ensure you get the best line for your needs. Here are some of the most important factors to keep in mind:
Strength and Diameter
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a fluorocarbon fishing line is its strength and diameter. Fluorocarbon lines are generally stronger than monofilament lines of the same diameter, which means you can use a thinner line with the same strength. This can be helpful when targeting species that are easily spooked by thicker lines.
Visibility
Fluorocarbon fishing lines are known for their low visibility in the water, which can be a huge advantage when fishing in clear water or targeting finicky fish. However, not all fluorocarbon lines are created equal when it comes to visibility. Some lines are more transparent than others, so be sure to choose a high-quality fluorocarbon fishing line.
Abrasion Resistance
Another important factor to consider when choosing a fluorocarbon fishing line is its abrasion resistance. Fluorocarbon lines are generally more abrasion resistant than monofilament lines, which can be helpful when fishing around structures or other rough surfaces.
Sensitivity
Fluorocarbon lines are generally more sensitive than monofilament lines, which means you’ll be able to feel even the slightest bites and nibbles. This can be especially helpful when fishing with finesse techniques or targeting species that have a light bite.
Price
Finally, price is always a factor to consider when choosing a fluorocarbon fishing line. While fluorocarbon lines are generally more expensive than monofilament lines, they can be worth the investment if you’re looking for a strong, sensitive line with low visibility.
Overall, when choosing a fluorocarbon fishing line, it’s important to consider your specific needs and fishing conditions. By keeping these factors in mind, you’ll be able to choose a line that will help you catch more fish and enjoy your time on the water.
How to Choose the Right Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Consider the Fishing Conditions
Fluorocarbon fishing line is a great choice for clear water conditions because it is nearly invisible underwater. A monofilament line might be better if you’re fishing in murky or stained water. Additionally, fluorocarbon line is stiffer than monofilament, which makes it a good choice for fishing in heavy cover or around structures.
Choose the Right Pound Test
The pound test of your fishing line is the amount of weight it can hold before it breaks. When choosing a fluorocarbon fishing line, you’ll want to choose a pound test that is appropriate for the fish you’re targeting.
Determine the Line Diameter
The diameter of your fishing line can affect how your lure or bait performs in the water. A thinner line diameter will allow your lure or bait to sink faster and move more naturally in the water. When choosing a fluorocarbon fishing line, consider the diameter of the line in addition to the pound test.
Look for Quality
Not all fluorocarbon fishing lines are created equal. Look for a high-quality line that is abrasion-resistant and has good knot strength. A good fluorocarbon line should also be easy to handle and cast.
Practice Using Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Using fluorocarbon fishing lines can take some getting used to. It is stiffer than monofilament and can be more difficult to cast. Practice using your fluorocarbon line before you head out on the water so you can get a feel for how it performs.
Proper Storage of Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines
I have learned that properly storing my fishing line is essential to ensure they remain in good condition and last longer. Here are some tips on how I store fluorocarbon fishing lines to keep them in good condition.
How to Spool Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines
When spooling a fishing reel with fluorocarbon line, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and successful fishing experience. Here are some tips to help you spool your fluorocarbon line correctly:
Tips for Using Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines
As a beginner, using fluorocarbon fishing lines can be a bit tricky. Here are some tips to help you get started:
Wet Your Knots
One of the most important things to remember when using fluorocarbon fishing lines is to wet your knots before cinching them down using saliva or water. This is because fluorocarbon has a tendency to burn if a knot is tied dry. Wetting your knots before pulling them tight can make all the difference in ensuring your knots are strong and secure.
Use a Quality Line
Investing in a quality fluorocarbon fishing line can make a big difference in your fishing experience. While cheaper lines may seem like a good idea, they may not be as strong or durable as higher-quality lines. A quality line can also provide better sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest bites.
Check for Line Damage
Before each fishing trip, it’s important to check your fluorocarbon fishing line for any signs of damage. Look for nicks, frays, or abrasions that could weaken the line and lead to break-offs. If you notice any damage, replacing the line before heading out on your next fishing adventure is best.
Use the Right Knots
Using the right knots can make a big difference in the strength and reliability of your fluorocarbon fishing line. Some of the best knots for fluorocarbon lines include the Palomar knot, the Uni knot, and the San Diego jam knot. Be sure to practice tying these knots before heading out on your fishing trip to ensure they are secure and strong.
Common Fluorocarbon Fishing Line Issues and Solutions
As a beginner, you may encounter some common issues with fluorocarbon fishing line. Here are some of the most common issues and solutions to help you get the most out of your fishing experience:
Line Breakage
One of the most frustrating issues with fluorocarbon fishing line is line breakage. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including knots that are not properly tied or too much pressure on the line. To avoid line breakage, make sure to tie your knots correctly and use the appropriate amount of pressure when reeling in your catch.
Line Memory
Another issue that you may encounter with fluorocarbon fishing lines is line memory. This occurs when the line retains the shape of the spool, causing it to twist and tangle. To avoid line memory, make sure to properly spool your line onto your reel and avoid overfilling the spool.
Quick Sink Rate
While a quick sink rate is one of the benefits of fluorocarbon fishing line, it can also be a drawback in certain situations. If you are fishing in shallow water or with a floating lure, the quick sink rate may cause your lure to sink too quickly. Consider using a lighter lure or switching to a slower sinking line to avoid this.
Cost
Finally, one of the biggest drawbacks of fluorocarbon fishing line is its cost. It is typically more expensive than other types of fishing line, which can be a deterrent for some anglers. However, the benefits of fluorocarbon line, such as its invisibility and sensitivity, may outweigh the cost for serious anglers.
FAQ
What is fluorocarbon fishing line?
Fluorocarbon fishing line is a single-strand fishing line made up of fluorine, chlorine, and carbon. It is known for being nearly translucent in the water, has a quick sink rate, and is widely used among many anglers.
Why should I use fluorocarbon fishing line?
Fluorocarbon fishing line has several advantages over other types of fishing lines. It is nearly invisible in the water, which can help increase your chances of catching fish. It also has a quick sink rate, which is useful when fishing in deep waters. Additionally, it has low stretch, which means that you can feel even the slightest bite from fish.
Can I use fluorocarbon fishing line as my main fishing line?
Yes, you can use fluorocarbon fishing line as your main fishing line. However, it is important to note that it is more expensive than other types of fishing lines. It is also stiffer than monofilament fishing line, which can make it more difficult to cast. If you are a beginner, it might be better to start with monofilament fishing line and then switch to fluorocarbon fishing line once you have more experience.
How do I tie knots with fluorocarbon fishing line?
Tying knots with fluorocarbon fishing line can be tricky because it is stiffer than other types of fishing lines. One of the best knots to use with fluorocarbon fishing line is the Palomar knot. This knot is strong and easy to tie. Another knot that works well with fluorocarbon fishing line is the Double Uni knot.
How do I care for my fluorocarbon fishing line?
To care for your fluorocarbon fishing line, you should rinse it with freshwater after each use. This will help remove any dirt or debris that might have accumulated on the line. You should also store it in a cool, dry place to prevent it from becoming damaged. Finally, you should inspect your line regularly for any signs of wear or damage and replace it if necessary.