Fluorocarbon Line Separating Fact From Fiction

[.ghoti.]

Bosn, I've been saying all of those things about flouro for quite some time. Just never all in one place. And never stated so concisely.

Thanks

[aprilbass101]

Most avid fisherman already knows the pros & cons of every fishing line available on the market! Yes, ever line that has been manufactured has been tested to the  extreme! Every fisherman has good & bad experiences with different lines but what it comes down to is "Personal Preference!" What works for one angler might not for the other! I personally love FC & use it on many applications but that's my opinion & preference! It works for me & as long as i'm landing fish that's all that matters

[Surfcaster]

I am 46 years old and I have been fishing since I was 4. I like Power Pro yellow and green and Stren blue florescent mono. I think fluorocarbon line is useless, but I have never tried it so my opinion about it is useless also. I love to fish, and I also love the fishing line debate. I guess it strikes me funny because when I was young, I remember the old 10lb mono on the Zebco 33 would be semi melted together at some point during the summer, and I just pulled it all out and reeled it all back in and fished on. My biggest bass was 8lbs caught back in 1987 on 8lb stren mono that was at least 2 years old. What I really like about these types of discussions is that it gives insight to the vast majority of opinions that really good fishermen have and I am sure that a majority of the members on this forum are way better fishermen than me. So even though it seems like we have this type of discussion every other day, I feel that I learn a little bit more every time I read them. And 2 days from now when someone posts, "What is the best leader for braid?" I will eagerly read it hoping to glean a little more knowledge about bass fishing.

[smalljaw67]

Very good read with facts and not speculation, bravo!!! Being older and stubborn has helped me avoid marketing and hype but at some point we all fall prey to it, it is unavoidable if you fish. I get a lot of strange looks because I use mid tier equipment which is expensive to the casual angler and even when I used high end gear my line choice was mono and copolymer lines and not because I didn't believe the marketing hype but I use what works for me, plain and simple. I'm also a "don't knock it until you tried it" kind of person and I tried fluorocarbon line, first on a spinning reel and 2 brands of fluorocarbon in 2 different strengths and diameters and both caused me the same problems. The line wasn't manageable on spinning reels and KVD L&L helped but I had to reapply it 4 to 5 times a trip and tying knots took longer as I had to be careful about burning the line or kinking the line, as I said, more trouble than it is worth. I used it with 2 different strengths and diameters with 2 different brands on casting reels too, and on the casting reel it was better but not by much, I still had the problem with tying knots and I wasn't sure if there was any difference in sensitivity but one thing I know for sure is that the line stretched but it was hard to tell how much. Fishing in the river I'm often anchored and when I'm hung up and pulling I can feel stretch as well as see it but fluorocarbon stretched weird, I didn't know it back then but I found out later that the reason it felt weird to me is the way it stretches, mono and copolymers rebound, fluorocarbon doesn't so I wasn't feeling the rebound effect and that effect is what people are use to feeling which is why a lot of angler still swear fluorocarbon line doesn't stretch. In the end it doesn't matter to me, I use braid for flipping and pitching heavy cover and for frogs but it isn't the no-stretch properties that I use it for, it is because it comes through grass better and the diameter is smaller so I can use 12lb diameter line that has 50lb breaking strength so break-offs are going to be extremely rare and that is the only times I don't use mono. No matter what anyone says or any kind of hype, you can't go wrong if you use what works for you,

[BrianinMD]

Only needed one test, did it work for me on the water. The answer was a resounding yes, so I use it on almost every setup I have. 

[K_Mac]

Bosn I respect your opinion and passion. I understand that marketing and hype are powerful forces, and the claims of folks who have a financial link to the products being peddled have to be examined closely. I also understand that fluorocarbon is not a magic bullet and that it has some limitations. With that said, based on my experience it works better than anything else I have used in contact applications. That statement isn't meant to stir up controversy or dismiss your findings. It simply makes the point that like many things in bass fishing, line selection is subjective. The benefits of fluorocarbon outweigh the cost in my opinion. Whether anyone else agrees really doesn't matter much...

[.ghoti.]

I don't like it. I don't like that it stretches and does not recover. I don't like that a small kink will drastically weaken it. I don't like how finicky I have to be about knots. The deficiencies of the line far outweigh the negligible benefits for almost all of my fishing.

 

Having said that, I do use 4lb test Invizx when trout fishing. It's a little bit harder to see in the water. And the extra density helps with keeping the bait right off the bottom when drift fishing. Not big differences, but enough some times to make the difference between a two fish day and a 50 fish day.

 

These are my opinions, based on my experiences, and they matter to me. If they don't matter to you, that is as it should be.

[J Francho]

Funny that the one line you do use is one of the better lines that doesn't suffer as much from the drawbacks you mention as many, many others.

[.ghoti.]

Funny that the one line you do use is one of the better lines that doesn't suffer as much from the drawbacks you mention as many, many others.

 

 Not funny at all. Simply the result of a process of elimination. I've tried a lot of them, and for my one application, Invizx is what I thought worked best.

[rippin-lips]

I understand the marketing,sponsors,and the endorsements part of the debate. Lets use Sunline for example. They make all types of lines. So as long as the pro was using Sunline then they are endorsing their sponsors product. Why would they use a line 'fluoro' that offers no benefits to them when trying to earn a check?

I like fluoro for its slack line sensitivity, and general bottom contact situations.

[Primus]

Bosn I respect your opinion and passion. I understand that marketing and hype are powerful forces, and the claims of folks who have a financial link to the products being peddled have to be examined closely. I also understand that fluorocarbon is not a magic bullet and that it has some limitations. With that said, based on my experience it works better than anything else I have used in contact applications. That statement isn't meant to stir up controversy or dismiss your findings. It simply makes the point that like many things in bass fishing, line selection is subjective. The benefits of fluorocarbon outweigh the cost in my opinion. Whether anyone else agrees really doesn't matter much...

 

Pretty much my take as well .It seems to work better for me as well , especially fishing bottom contact baits in 10 ' plus water . I rarely have knot failure, just lube well and pull a little slower . It seems to be a big plus when fishing jerkbaits as well , especially if you want your bait to run a little deeper . That said floro is one product where you have to be willing to spend more to get good performance, cheap floro lines always seem to disappoint and many get disillusioned and write off all floro line. It's not the best line for all applications but in my opinion it gives you an edge in certain ones . 

 

Regarding Yozuri Hybrid, I used to be a big fan. The last couple of times I was very disapointed as the line broke off easily, not sure if they changed something but I now view it as being unreliable . Regarding Floro the most impressive brand is Sunline based on my experience though Seaguar Tatsu is great stuff and my choice for a spinning rods . Tried Abrazx & Invisx and had too many break - off with both . 

[einscodek]

Listen Flouro doesn sound like its that much more invisible than mono but it IS slightly less visible.. the refraction index is closer to water .. shows it.. I can see a difference in the gin clear water since I use fluoro leader on my flipping stick and mono on my swimbait rod.

Is it worth it?  For some of us using it as leader.. it is.. if it breaks off, tie another length..

I use Tatsu and even it breaks off.. but Ill take any advantage in fishing I can get and this is a no brainer.. if you dont want the fish to see the line under certain conditions, use the flouro.. if there were no fluror.. I'd tie on a mono leader..

[HoosierHawgs]

Pretty much my take as well .It seems to work better for me as well , especially fishing bottom contact baits in 10 ' plus water . I rarely have knot failure, just lube well and pull a little slower . It seems to be a big plus when fishing jerkbaits as well , especially if you want your bait to run a little deeper . That said floro is one product where you have to be willing to spend more to get good performance, cheap floro lines always seem to disappoint and many get disillusioned and write off all floro line. It's not the best line for all applications but in my opinion it gives you an edge in certain ones .

Regarding Yozuri Hybrid, I used to be a big fan. The last couple of times I was very disapointed as the line broke off easily, not sure if they changed something but I now view it as being unreliable . Regarding Floro the most impressive brand is Sunline based on my experience though Seaguar Tatsu is great stuff and my choice for a spinning rods . Tried Abrazx & Invisx and had too many break - off with both .

Then what is one to do when trying to make Fluorocarbon fit the program but the can't afford Shooter or Tatsu?

[John G]

Then what is one to do when trying to make Fluorocarbon fit the program but the can't afford Shooter or Tatsu?

Sunline Sniper FC

[Primus]

  I just recently picked up 12 lb  Sunline Super flourocarbon at a local tackle shop after having a few break offs ( not even at the knot ) with seaguar abrazx on my jerkbait rod. It comes in 200 yd spool for $ 14.99 which is very reasonable for this type of line and so far I have been very impressed . That said I only have had it on for about 6 outings which is a small sample size so I want to be cautious about giving it a recommendation.  I've probably have landed about 60 plus fish with it with no issues so far as a couple of times the jerkbait was a key lure for me . 

 

  I also picked up a spool of Gander Mountain flourocarbon in 12 lb test and the box it says it's made by Sunline, I will put that on my deep diving crank rod after we get through the spawn and move into the summer bite .I have not spooled it on yet so obviously I have no opinions other than I like that it comes in a 400 yard spool and runs $ 19.99 which is very appealing . The only thing that stinks is that my local store does not carry the 12 lb test and I had to order it online which I found to be strange that they have other brands in 12 lb test but not the housebrand ? Time will tell if this is a good deal . 

[HoosierHawgs]

I just recently picked up 12 lb Sunline Super flourocarbon at a local tackle shop after having a few break offs ( not even at the knot ) with seaguar abrazx on my jerkbait rod. It comes in 200 yd spool for $ 14.99 which is very reasonable for this type of line and so far I have been very impressed . That said I only have had it on for about 6 outings which is a small sample size so I want to be cautious about giving it a recommendation. I've probably have landed about 60 plus fish with it with no issues so far as a couple of times the jerkbait was a key lure for me .

I also picked up a spool of Gander Mountain flourocarbon in 12 lb test and the box it says it's made by Sunline, I will put that on my deep diving crank rod after we get through the spawn and move into the summer bite .I have not spooled it on yet so obviously I have no opinions other than I like that it comes in a 400 yard spool and runs $ 19.99 which is very appealing . The only thing that stinks is that my local store does not carry the 12 lb test and I had to order it online which I found to be strange that they have other brands in 12 lb test but not the housebrand ? Time will tell if this is a good deal .

Let me know what you think of the Gander Mt line. At that price as well as BOGO 50% online I'm interested to see what you have to think.

[Primus]

I probably won't be spooling it on until early June and then after that it will take a few outings to get a feel for it, that said I will glad to share my observations . 

[Nice_Bass]

Hated fluro until I found what works for me.  Sniper in #16.  it only goes on a couple rods and the rest have mono/hybrid/braid in various tests. 

in all honesty- I have not broken a fish off in a long time on any type of line except larger harder pulling species on the same #tests.  Sure I have to break off rocks/snags/etc, but not breaking with fish on the line.  I do retie fairly often- but not real religious on swapping my line out.  Maybe twice a year tops on non braided lines. 

Never had issues with managing line no matter what brand either except on a spinning reels- that was a painful reminder to keep it simple.   

[DTack]

I understand the marketing,sponsors,and the endorsements part of the debate. Lets use Sunline for example. They make all types of lines. So as long as the pro was using Sunline then they are endorsing their sponsors product. Why would they use a line 'fluoro' that offers no benefits to them when trying to earn a check?

I like fluoro for its slack line sensitivity, and general bottom contact situations.

Come on, the only use fluoro because they're getting paid for it!  No benefit to them!  They get paid so much from their sponsors they don't care if their lines snaps easy, they're drinking the kool-aid!  

For those who can't tell, I'm kidding.  For some people, fluorocarbon works.  For some people, braid with a leader.  For some people, mono or co-poly.  I guess I can appreciate the OP for trying to save people money and change the mindset.  But I see a lot of "oh this guy is getting paid to use this, that's the only reason they use it" stuff, and really, there's not very much of that going on.  Not much money being thrown around for using a product anymore.  

[dam0007]

I use it for the sole reason it sinks. Plus I buy bulk spools so it comes out same price range as if I bought my mono of choice.

[retiredbosn]

. But I see a lot of "oh this guy is getting paid to use this, that's the only reason they use it" stuff, and really, there's not very much of that going on. Not much money being thrown around for using a product anymore.

I think that most pros use what works for them, when going for the big check that some tourney's pay, then at the winning stand they push the product that's paying the bills. I really like MLF, they product placement in the series is unreal tho. Most pros sponsorships pay only day to day cost, that gets them on the road. I would hate to think of the money it costs to compete. The Elite series is what $50,000 annually plus tourney fess.

[HoosierHawgs]

I use it for the sole reason it sinks. Plus I buy bulk spools so it comes out same price range as if I bought my mono of choice.

What in the world is your mono of choice?!? I can buy bulk spools of my mono of choice cheaper than I can buy a 200 yard spool of quality fluorocarbon.

[dam0007]

What in the world is your mono of choice?!? I can buy bulk spools of my mono of choice cheaper than I can buy a 200 yard spool of quality fluorocarbon.

lately Sufix Siege, I get 1,000 yard spools of Red Label for $35 and 3,000 yard spools of invizx for $130

[Primus]

Come on, the only use fluoro because they're getting paid for it!  No benefit to them!  They get paid so much from their sponsors they don't care if their lines snaps easy, they're drinking the kool-aid!  

For those who can't tell, I'm kidding.  For some people, fluorocarbon works.  For some people, braid with a leader.  For some people, mono or co-poly.  I guess I can appreciate the OP for trying to save people money and change the mindset.  But I see a lot of "oh this guy is getting paid to use this, that's the only reason they use it" stuff, and really, there's not very much of that going on.  Not much money being thrown around for using a product anymore.  

  

Exactly, most of those same companies that produce floro also offer mono & braid as well so they have no reason to claim to use floro and actually use something else as they can still support / promote their line sponsors with a different line type . 

[CRANKENSTIEN]

The floro is a higher dollar and th company makes more that is reason enough. Braid is a high dollar too but it last a long time.