Fishing lines are essential. Let’s face it. There would be no fishing without them. Knowing your fishing line helps you be prepared for the best fishing experiences. Fluorocarbon fishing lines are the newbies in the world of fishing lines. But do you know anything about them or why they are so well-loved? Here’s all the information you’ll need about fluorocarbon.
Fluorocarbon is a fishing line that is nearly invisible when submerged in water. It’s abrasion-resistant and does not absorb water. Offers excellent sensitivity and hooksets. It’s much tougher than monofilament fishing lines.
The fluorocarbon fishing line has risen in popularity since it first appeared in the 1970s.
Fluorocarbon lines used to be overly stiff and not easy to manage, but how have things changed. Fluoro has been improved many times over and offers benefits making it a favourite among anglers.
What Makes Fluorocarbon Fishing Such A Great Fishing Line To Use?
Fluorocarbon is made from a type of plastic called Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF).
PVDF is very stable and doesn’t react to environmental elements like UV exposure.
This prevents the line from degrading, unlike monofilament lines.
The biggest reason fluorocarbon fishing lines are so great to use is that they are practically invisible underwater.
Just this fact alone takes your bait presentation skills to the next level.
Fluorocarbon Advantages And Disadvantages
Advantages Of Fluorocarbon
- Fluorocarbon lines are virtually invisible to fish in any water condition. Great when fishing for very cautious fish.
- This fishing line sinks, making it an excellent choice when bottom fishing or anywhere where you need to keep your bait at or near the bottom.
- Highly abrasion-resistant and can withstand being rubbed against rocks better than any other line available in the market.
- Fluorocarbon fishing line does not absorb water which does not change the line’s characteristics and allows the line to last longer.
- Does not degrade over time from UV exposure, extending the overall life span of the line.
- It takes more force to stretch fluorocarbon than monofilament, making it better to feel the bites.
- Fluorocarbon is also capable of providing more stronger hooksets.
Disadvantages Of Fluorocarbon
- Fluorocarbon fishing lines are much more expensive than braid or monofilament fishing lines.
- Knots slip because of the line stiffness and memory that fluorocarbon has.
- Although fluorocarbon sinks faster is an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage since it is not suitable for topwater.
Different Sizes Of Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines
There are many different options for fluorocarbon fishing lines and price points.
Here are the estimated costs of lines for the different sizes.
| Pound Test | Yards | Price | Price / Foot |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 lb | 200 | $19.24 | $0.03 |
| 4 lb | 1000 | $68.31 | $0.02 |
| 6 lb | 200 | $17.99 | $0.03 |
| 8 lb | 200 | $18.99 | $0.03 |
| 8 lb | 1000 | $68.62 | $0.02 |
| 10 lb | 200 | $18.75 | $0.03 |
| 10 lb | 1000 | $85.71 | $0.03 |
| 12 lb | 200 | $18.98 | $0.03 |
| 12 lb | 600 | $43.11 | $0.02 |
| 12 lb | 1000 | $67.94 | $0.02 |
| 15 lb | 200 | $22.07 | $0.04 |
| 15 lb | 1000 | $78.70 | $0.03 |
| 17 lb | 200 | $22.29 | $0.04 |
| 17 lb | 1000 | $87.98 | $0.03 |
| 20 lb | 200 | $20.99 | $0.03 |
| 20 lb | 1000 | $85.82 | $0.03 |
| 25 lb | 200 | $27.30 | $0.05 |
| 25 lb | 1000 | $113.77 | $0.04 |
Different Colours Of Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines.
Surprisingly, fish can see the fishing line colours. Therefore, the colour of the fishing line matters.
When choosing a fishing line colour, it is essential to consider how it will look underwater.
Fluorocarbon fishing lines are almost invincible, especially in clear water. This is caused because how a fluorocarbon line reflects light is virtually the same as how water reflects light.
Fluorocarbon can come in clear, red, or green colours. You would think that red and green colours would be visible underwater.
As the line goes deeper down the water column, the harder it is for light to reach that deep. The lack of light will cause the colours to disappear and turn into a silhouette.
That being said, the most popular colour choice is good old fashion clear.
Since the line allows light to pass through it similarly to water. Then why get fancy with line colours.
However, I recommend using coloured lines if fluorocarbon is your mainline, making it easier to see.
But I still prefer to use it as a leader line.
When Should You Use Fluorocarbon?
Fluorocarbon is expensive!
I can’t think of a reason why you would want to spool 200 yards of fluorocarbon unless you want to sell your firstborn child.
What really matters is the last several feet from the hook because this is what the fish will see.
For that reason, I would use fluorocarbon only as a leader line.
If you need specific properties from your mainline, it would be better to use a braided or monofilament fishing line instead.
You should think about using fluorocarbon leaders when you are:
- fishing around rocks or other sharp underwater debris.
- fishing for fish with sharp teeth or have a rough body that can rub against the leader.
- fishing for fish that scare easily and need a stealthy presentation.
- bottom fishing or trolling.
Recognizing Good Quality Brands Of Fluorocarbon.
Fluorocarbon fishing lines are excellent as they have the best braided and monofilament fishing lines with the bonus of being invisible.
However, every situation has lines that work better than some. Here are some good quality brands.
Premium brand
The Sunline Super FC Sniper brand has a 5 to 30 lbs range of strengths.
Its size selection range is impressive, ranging from 200-1200 yards. Having a 3x coating of resin and being 100% Fluorocarbon makes this line much limper, making it more manageable.
This line has excellent abrasion-resistant due to its triple coating, making it a perfect choice when fishing around underwater structures like rocks, etc.
The line is sensitive, allowing you to feel the lightest of bites. Thanks to its low memory.
If you’re looking for a robust fishing line with different sizes and willing to pay a pretty penny, then look no further.
Excellent brand
Are you tired of fishing lines that break on the hookset?
Berkley Trilene is a brand that is well-known for its lines being strong due to them being 100% Fluorocarbon.
Not only is this line sensitive due to not stretching as much, but it can also endure advanced, complicated knots without them slipping or breaking.
Berkley Trilene performs exceptionally well both as a fishing line and leader material. The line has different sizes, ranging from 4 to 20 lbs and 25-2000 yards, meaning that it will cater to any angler’s needs.
No one wants a fishing line that breaks when faced with the feeblest of challenges. That’s why this line is excellent, as it is manufactured with a PVDF formula for the best abrasion resistance and paramount impact strength.
Another appealing thing about this brand is that the lines come in two colours, the usual clear colour and green.
This means that you will have lines for all kinds of fishing situations, whether clear water or heavy covers.
Although this Fluorocarbon fishing line is expensive, it pays for itself in the long run as it is durable, versatile, and manageable,
Budget brand
If you are on a budget but still want a brand that does not skimp on any features, Berkley Vanish is the best choice.
The size range offered is from 110-2000 yards, with a strength of 2 to 60 lbs.
Berkley Vanish can be used as a mainline and can also be used as a leader.
As a leader, abrasion resistance is on steroids, with shock absorbency that is fantastic for the affordable price that you pay.
Although the line might get easily tangled, its various other properties make it an excellent choice for when you are on a budget.
Happy Fishing & Tight Lines