Fluorocarbon Leader Material

[Crestliner2008]

How many of you buy fluorocarbon specifically designed as "Leader Material"? These usually come in 25 yard, small spools, and cost nearly as much as a reel filler spools of the same type line. I'm wondering why? Why the extra cost? What is so "special" about leader material vs. main line fluorocarbon? Or is it just another "gottcha" gimmick!

[roadwarrior]

I don't get it either.

 

[Bluebasser86]

I don't buy it, but the leader material is much harder and more abrasion resistant than regular fluoros. Seems to mostly be saltwater guys and those that fish around toothy fish that use it. 

[Steveo-1969]

When I started using fluorocarbon leaders I bought 2 spools of leader material because I didn't know any better.  Now I fill the 25 yd. spools by hand with whatever fluorocarbon I'm using as leader material so I don't have to carry big 200 yd. spools in my fishing bag while I'm wading.  Works great!

[Team9nine]

1 hour ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I don't buy it, but the leader material is much harder and more abrasion resistant than regular fluoros. Seems to mostly be saltwater guys and those that fish around toothy fish that use it. 

This ^^^ Not the same formulation as larger bulk spools.

-T9

[Goose52]

4 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I don't buy it, but the leader material is much harder and more abrasion resistant than regular fluoros. Seems to mostly be saltwater guys and those that fish around toothy fish that use it. 

I agree. I only use flouro leaders for a few applications and I use leader material. MUCH more abrasion resistant on the upside, but stiffer, and usually a larger diameter than flouro mainline, on the downside. Since it IS so much more tougher/abrasion resistant, I don't have to replace the leader as often as using flouro mainline as a leader.

Since I don't use a lot of it, I have no problems with the additional cost of the leader material.

[Crestliner2008]

Thanks guys. I suspected that wasn't a great deal of difference with either. I suspect that for saltwater and/or big toothy critters, the harder formulated leader material might give you an edge.

For my applications, I'll stick with the regular stuff. Which is for drop shotting and for crappie fishing (leader only - braid main for both).

[ChrisD46]

4 hours ago, Bluebasser86 said:

I don't buy it, but the leader material is much harder and more abrasion resistant than regular fluoros. Seems to mostly be saltwater guys and those that fish around toothy fish that use it. 

^^This^^ !! No other reasons other than what Bluebasser86 noted ...