Fluorocarbon Advice

[FrogFreak]

Just to explain, I usually use braid and fish frogs but I decided to try some different techniques. Well, last weekend I had a 5 pounder break off right at the boat when I was drop shotting and another break off when I was jigging. Both times I was using 12 pound test fluorocarbon from P-line. I used the San Diego knot and I'm pretty sure I tied it correctly. I'm new to using fluoro and frankly, I'm wondering if I should just go back to good old Mono. Any help here would be appreciated. 

 

Note: the bass that broke off on the jig was broken off right at the jig, not where I tied it to the braid (Albrecht knot was used there).

[PABASS]

Few problems with FC If you buy the cheap stuff its crap and breaks and while I have not tried Pline its not cheap.  The second issue with FC is proper knots, FC with cut into its self and if you tie that knot wrong it will do just that.  I personally stick with a berkley braid knot which is basically an improved clinch but with the line doubled.   Also tie a Palomar but this knot can get you in trouble because it will also cut into its self, however there is a youtube video that explains how to avoid this I believe on ***.  Keep practicing the knot that works best for you and test them you will get it right and FC is worth the effort..  I love Seaguar InvizX

[Darren.]

  On 8/5/2013 at 2:11 PM, FrogFreak said:

Just to explain, I usually use braid and fish frogs but I decided to try some different techniques. Well, last weekend I had a 5 pounder break off right at the boat when I was drop shotting and another break off when I was jigging. Both times I was using 12 pound test fluorocarbon from P-line. I used the San Diego knot and I'm pretty sure I tied it correctly. I'm new to using fluoro and frankly, I'm wondering if I should just go back to good old Mono. Any help here would be appreciated. 

 

Note: the bass that broke off on the jig was broken off right at the jig, not where I tied it to the braid (Albrecht knot was used there).

 

My own experience reflects a little of yours. I've been using XPS fluoro lately in 8, 10 and 12 pound tests. First weeks of using were great, but lately the line has been breaking.

 

With FC, more care needs to be taken when tying knots and leaders. I think my problem may be that I got a little careless a couple times. Still, it shook my confidence in the lines a bit because I lost a few fish because of it.

 

One thing, and you probably do this, moisten any joints well before cinching down. And though I hate it, I feel I need to tie on a new leader if I've hit a snag and given a good pull. I *feel* as if my line has lost strength thereafter.

 

For leader tying, I like the Albright knot the best. I also tie the Uni-to-Uni... But the Albright is slimmer and flows through the guides a little better (IMO).

 

I try to carefully tie a Palomar if I'm using a jig, weighted wacky hook, etc. If I'm tying a non-weighted hook it is always a snell knot.

[TC235 <*))))><]

I also have had some troublesome moments with knot failures. This spring and summer I've snapped at least 5-8 good bass. All of them on a jig except the major disappointment with the jumbo strike on a swimbait in my hog waters( My luck it was probably the trophy I've been after )

 

Now i use the knot shown by shaw grigsby for any application over 15lb had haven't had any knot problems since.

 

Still deciding on the best knot for finesse fishing.

[gravestone]

If you're fishing frogs I would use either braid or mono {braid preferred} Because both braid and mono both float, floro sinks.

I use spinning tackle and the fluorocarbon lines I've used I wasn't happy with at all.

[Mike L]

If you're convinced it's not the knot...I also use the SDJ.... then I would check your line periodically.

FC is notorious for breaking off if in any weak spot....kinks, folds, fray's etc.

 

 

Mike

[TrapperJ]

Been using Bass Pro XPS and recently tried Seaguar Invizx loving both giving the edge to Seagaur as of right now.

 

First i think my main problem after researching when i wasn't digging Fluoro much was because i was using the polymar knot which is not good for Fluoro. Made the switch to the "Jimmy Houston Knot" (Don't quote me on this but i think it's also called the "no name knot" that shaw grsgby uses, anyone confirm?) which is good for braid and Fluoro and it has ended my breakage issues at the knot.

 

And of course some KVD Line & Lure spray is a must!

[skeletor6]

How neat and well you tie your knot is just as important as the knot you choose. If you get careless and kink the line while tying, or get sloppy and pull the tag end through the knot and use that, you can easily run into problems. The san diego jam should work fine if tied well. I use the pitzen knot. 

 

With that said, I do not have experience with P-Line. I cannot comment on the knot strength of that line. For around the same price, Seaguar Invizx does an excellent job and has superb strength in its knots. Or even better, jump on the sale on Seaguar Tatsu at the Warehouse right now. I get far better knot strength and performance out of the premium lines. Even a mid-grade fluoro will outperform mono in knot strength and many other factors. Having used fluoro extensively, I do not even think about tying my knots or have issues with them breaking. 

 

Oh yeah, do NOT tie a palomar knot. It weakens the line as it crosses over. There are many excellent choices find one you feel confident in and are efficient at tying. Practice and eventually it won't be an issue.

[buzzed bait]

Interesting stuff here guys.  I've been strictly mono and braid up until now and I just spooled my new Lew's speed spin with 12lb flouro.  and of course i tied on my go-to Palomar knot which it sounds like was a bad idea???  I'm using this rig to fish soft plastics mostly and wanted the flouro for the better feel on a slack line.  Sounds like i need to learn some new knots and start using them on the flouro....

[Jolly Green]

I used a palomar for everything once upon a time, but I had immediate breakage issues when I started using fluoro leaders. (Break was always at the lure or hook, never at the Alberto knot I use to tie to my main line.)  I use a Trilene knot now with no issues, and don't anyone faint but that's using the much-maligned Berkley Vanish fluoro.  

 

As a side note, the quality of my knot improved after giving my son an eyebolt and a piece of nylon cord to practice his knots with. The first one I tied to demonstrate for him looked like absolute crap; the relatively gigantic diameter of the "line" makes it easy to spot the flaws and correct them.

[roadwarrior]

Duncan Knot (a.k.a. 16-20 and Pitzen Knot)

 

http://www.animatedknots.com/duncan/index.php

[MrSwimJig]

I use fluorocarbon pretty much for everything and use the Palomar knot as well. I have not had any issues with the line or the knot.

I use Seaguar InvizX and AbrazX and I am very careful at tying the knot and always make sure I mositen probably way more then I should.

I retie after every 2 to 3 fish and check my line for nicks and frays just as often.

[FrogFreak]

  On 8/5/2013 at 7:59 PM, gravestone said:

If you're fishing frogs I would use either braid or mono {braid preferred} Because both braid and mono both float, floro sinks.

I use spinning tackle and the fluorocarbon lines I've used I wasn't happy with at all.

Yep, I use braid Frogging for sure.

[dodgeguy]

get rid of flouro and use suffix elite mono.i hate flouro.

[BassinLou]

Stick with braid for frogging. If your line broke right above the knot, it was probably a friction break. Meaning you did not lube the knot well enough and when the knot was cinching down the friction weakened the line.

[martintheduck]

Seaguar Invizx 12lb is my FAVORITE line by far. NEVER had a bad experience with it (IE: never broke off on a fish). 

 

 

Only knot I use is a palomar knot. There is a youtube video that does "knot tests" and so far the palomar is the strongest knot. I believe.