A Flurocarbon Misconception

[Cgrinder]

Maybe it's time to try and love Yo Zuri Hybrid again. 

[FryDog62]

Wow. I didn't know it was that much. I am a big fan of pline cxx. I here alot about yo zuri co. Is it better. Maybe I should start that thread.

I'm using both lines now. Yo-Zuri is a slightly thicker, tougher line. CX is thinner and probably better for more finesse applications.

[FryDog62]

What size line and was the line wet?

All the lines were 8 pound test and were dry for the testing. I think the jury is out whether wet lines would make a big difference but maybe some. If you are concerned about absorbing water, try Yozuri Hybrid which does not soak up water or UV.

[J Francho]

Well, line is fished in water, so I'd expect a valid study on line stretch would address this. What does UV have to do with it? I suppose if you're going to measure stretch after UV degradation. That seems like more than you're willing to look at, since you didn't even test them wet. Do you work for Yo-Zuri?

[FryDog62]

Well, line is fished in water, so I'd expect a valid study on line stretch would address this. What does UV have to do with it? I suppose if you're going to measure stretch after UV degradation. That seems like more than you're willing to look at, since you didn't even test them wet. Do you work for Yo-Zuri?

 

First, ...no I don't work for Yo-Zuri and any line manufacturer.  I'm just an avid amateur that has been confused by all the different lines - and claims the manufacturers (and pro's) make regarding lines.  I read reviews, Tackle Tour, etc.. and just decided I needed to conduct some independent tests on my own with the lines I use.  

 

I think you are potentially right on the water absorption question - would mono stretch more over time when wet...  Probably, yes?  But would Trilene XT at 21 inches stretch then stretch more than its cousin Berkley 100% fluorocarbon at 38 inches?  I think there would be some subtle variations but I'm not convinced it would be that much.  Next winter when I get bored I may conduct some tests with lines that have been soaked first.  

 

I did point out Yo-Zuri Hybrid as a potential choice since they at least market their line that it does not absorb water.  However, there may be others worth trying too.  I wonder if some of the "tough coat" monos like Trilene XT, or Sufix Siege would resist water absorption.  

 

More stuff to test I guess next year.  My wife thinks I'm nuts hanging string and weights from our vaulted ceiling.  I guess thats what cabin fever will do to a guy who lives through loooong winters in Minnesota!

[J Francho]

You could also spool up the line, fish it, and arrive at a truly informed opinion as to how the line works for you. At the very least, any testing should duplicate fishing situations.

Line choice is VERY personal, and it's difficult to quantify with data exactly what characteristics make a line better. If you've used quite a few lines, you can sometimes relate their qualities to other lines, and communicate similarities, but even then it's a crap shoot whether the person getting the advice will agree.

Personally, I'd rather take 50 anglers of various skill level,and measure the hookset force exerted using various lines. Not just the mean force either, the force applied throughout the hookset, and graphed. I bet you'd see some interesting data.

[FryDog62]

I should add that when you really stretch lines to their outer limits (8 pound weight on 8 lb test lines) you really see the great variations in lines.  I know, most people aren't catching 8 pound fish on a regular basis - so would these tests be more real world with a 4 pound weight?  Maybe, but I think the measurements would all be closer together and therefore maybe not as helpful in trying to distinguish one line versus another.  And in this case, I think it was also helpful to test strength of the lines when maxed out.  Some lines couldn't handle the pressure and snapped.  

[J Francho]

Sorry, I edited my post while you posted.

Quick add about hookset force - it's likely peaking out at much higher than the break strength of the line.

[FryDog62]

"You could also spool up the line, fish it, and arrive at a truly informed opinion as to how the line works for you. Line choice is VERY personal, and it's difficult to quantify with data exactly what characteristics make a line better."

 

Exactly its all personal preference so thankfully there are a couple hundred different line options out there for people to try...  

 

And personal experience is what led me to testing various lines.  I heard KVD state more than a couple times that XPS is low stretch, so that was my first fluorocarbon purchase.  On a smallmouth trip to Rainy Lake with a friend I couldn't believe how many fish I missed on long casts where I couldn't set the hook fast enough.  It was like setting the hook with a rubber band.  My fishing partner was catching plenty of fish and having a lot of fun with my misfortune.  Later that day I switched over to Trilene XT and there was a huge difference.   Don't think I missed another fish the next 3 days (and the XT was very soaked in water).

 

Since then I have been in search of a good fluorocarbon with low stretch and that was the first time I thought I need to test these lines independently to back up what I thought I was experiencing first hand.  

[J Francho]

You may also want to look into line treatments, specifically KVD L&L. I'm also testing one by Batson that is amazing.

[CRANKENSTIEN]

I can make 40 yard cast with cxx 10 lb with cranks and swimming big t rigged worms and i never have a problem with hook ups.