If you fish fluoro

[ksfishinguy]

I've been noticing lately that most of the pros seem to use Fluoro almost exclusively. I assume that it gives the best possible presentation in most cases, so I really want have it as part of my arsenal.

I've been using a baitcaster for 25 years and just can't seem to get the hang of FC. I've tried it twice (Sniper FC 10 and 12lb) and it just isn't manageable. I know it has a learning curve, and some use a line conditioner. Admittedly, I haven't tried a conditioner, but I almost never get backlashes using any other line. I can't remember the last time I had something more than one pull on the spool couldn't fix. With FC, it's pretty much anytime I throw something light unless I have the brakes turned way up. I can avoid backlashing, but only with heavy lures or if I'm always suuuper conscious  about a fluid casting motion (which doesn't get the bait very far).

I've tried it on a Chronarch Ci4 and a Revo MGX with MH and M rods.

My question is, to those of you who fish it successfully:

1-Do you consider it the best line for most (obviously you'd want to use braid in extremely heavy apps, and maybe mono for some topwater) applications?

2-If you had trouble with it at first, what do you recommend to best get the hang of it?

[Burtonxj]

Have you tried any copolymer line? A lot of guys seem to like the Yo Zuri Hybrid stuff. I don't have any personal experience with it but plan on trying it on my next reel.

[burrows]

deleted

[quanjig]

I'll try to help but I need a little more info. 

You say you've tried 10 & 12lb, I see the reels you have tried them on, can I ask what rods??

Also, what techniques with which rods and line weight??

Im asking so I can try and equate what I have had success with!

[Team9nine]

You'll get lots of opinions on this one, I'm sure. As to your questions:

1 - I use pure fluorocarbon on most everything with the couple exceptions you've mentioned, so yes, I consider it the best line for most applications. In particular, I like the increased abrasion resistance and "feel."

2 - Have never had any trouble with fluoro, and I never use any of the conditioners, so not sure what to recommend in your situation. While I haven't thrown Sniper, one recommendation to get started might be to try a spool of InvisX and see what happens. I think it fishes about as close to mono as any fluoro, so it might be an easier transition line for you. The other thought is you mentioned trouble throwing anything light. Being more dense, fluoro will have a higher startup inertia than mono will. This might be causing part of your problem depending upon your definition of "light." It could be a setup issue in this regard, or just trying something too light initially.

-T9 

[cottny27]

If you haven't used KVD L & L then do yourself a favor and buy some and soak your line the night before.  Turn up your brakes a bit, then come back and talk to us.  Mono handles much better of course, but some fluoro is pretty manageable.

[ClackerBuzz]

skip the fluoro and jump straight to braid. so much easier to manage on spinning and casting gear. 

why do all the pro's 'use' fluoro?  it's a huge money maker for manufactures so it's what they advertise via their reps.  they make a fraction of profits on braid b/c it lasts so long, or mono b/c it's so cheap. you can pick out a braid backlash many times w/o compromising it.  backlash fluoro and it's back to the bank for another purchase

[Darren.]

I have and use fluoro as a leader connected to
braid. But I mostly use copolymer (Yo-Zury Hybrid
and P-Line Floroclear).

I've had success with the XPS fluoro I have, but 
just feel more confident with the copoly.

Since I only use it as a leader, I'm want to try some
Sniper one day when I've got cash laying around.

So best of both worlds, IMO, is braided mainline
for manageability and a leader of copoly or pure
fluorocarbon.

[JaxBasser]

2 hours ago, cottny27 said:

If you haven't used KVD L & L then do yourself a favor and buy some and soak your line the night before.  Turn up your brakes a bit, then come back and talk to us.  Mono handles much better of course, but some fluoro is pretty manageable.

Seriously. That stuff is magic in a bottle.

[XzyluM]

Line and Lure is great. I picked up a bottle after hearing all the good reviews. While I haven't had many problems using InvisX, it made a good line even better and impressed me.  

[Airman4754]

I've kind of went through it all and I'm in the process of going braid with a flouro leader on pretty much everything but my punching and frog setup. One spool of Maxcuatro 50lb had me sold. 

[bassbassontherange]

The only problem I have with a leader is with weightless rigs I feel like the fall of the lure is still affected by the main line braid. Otherwise, I think it works well unless you have micro guides.

Straight fluoro just has a learning curve. Stick with it. You won't regret it.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

Ive used 12# Sniper with my CI4 throwing ikas. I set the reel 2 brakes internal, 4 on the dial. I have 0 issues with this setting. Its now on a 50E with 2 brakes on throwing keitech paddle tails. I never have used L&L on the line.

I have 10# Sniper on a Daiwa SV105 brake setting 5 tossing 1/10 ned rig threw very well. I tried going light on the brakes 2 clicks and that didnt work out too well. I also had the 50E with 10# had same setting of 2 brakes on no issues. No L&L on this line either.

[bigfruits]

16 hours ago, ClackerBuzz said:

why do all the pro's 'use' fluoro?  it's a huge money maker for manufactures so it's what they advertise via their reps.  they make a fraction of profits on braid b/c it lasts so long. you can pick out a braid backlash many times w/o compromising it.  backlash fluoro and it's back to the bank for another purchase

thats the most ridiculous thing ive heard. well at least in a few days.

[Raul]

Reply to question 1:

NO

You don't have to fish with what the "pros" and pro wannabes fish. If nylon tickles your fancy and you fish comfortably with it then that's what you should use, if it's copoly then that's what you should be using, it's plain and simple. Once you have completely understood that: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE "PERFECT LINE" ( of course this doesn't apply to BERKLEY TRILENE BIG GAME  ) you'll be closer to fish with wihat you like much more efficiently, grass not always is greener on the other side.

 

[bassbassontherange]

1 hour ago, bigfruits said:

thats the most ridicuolous thing ive heard. well at least in a few days.

Yeah, I'm confused why DVT of all people would like that comment. Fluoro is a superior line for most presentations in my opinion. Not for strength, not necessarily even for visibility (in that it matters),  but for how the bait is presented. I catch more fish on a fluoro rigged weightless worm than a braid rigged one, no doubt. 

[junyer357]

I use a lot of flouro. All of my cranks, spinnerbait, jig, and worms are tied to flouro. I use braid for topwater. I prefer flouro now for its sinking properties and sensitivity. Most of the water i fish is too dingy for the decreased visibilty to be a factor. 

I learned early on to not get cheap with kvd line n lure.  As im spooling i spray some halfway through, and a good dousing when im done spooling.  Then again every nite before i go fishing next day. I use invisx 10 or 12# for most and 16# sniper on contact lures. Doing this i normally get at least a full season out of it with no problems. 

[bassbassontherange]

37 minutes ago, Raul said:

Reply to question 1:

NO

You don't have to fish with what the "pros" and pro wannabes fish. If nylon tickles your fancy and you fish comfortably with it then that's what you should use, if it's copoly then that's what you should be using, it's plain and simple. Once you have completely understood that: THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS THE "PERFECT LINE" ( of course this doesn't apply to BERKLEY TRILENE BIG GAME  ) you'll be closer to fish with wihat you like much more efficiently, grass not always is greener on the other side.

 

While I agree that what you fish better will work better, there are some tools that work best for certain applications. 

The OP's question was not what line is best for him, it was what is best. He also understands that's not a universal statement. 

That being said, while a line someone is uncomfortable with is not the best line for them, it still may be the best line. You can practice, improve, and be better with the best tool for the job. I think it's an excellent question, and he clearly understands that if he gets better with fluoro, it would benefit him.

It's completely fine to fish what you're comfortable with. I get that. But if you want to be the best you can be, then use the best tool for the job. If that's not fun or rewarding enough for you, don't do it. But the answer is not "simply" NO, as you put it.

[bigfruits]

like mentioned above, lines are tools for the job. braid is going to be better in grass and have minimal strech, FC is going to transmit a bit more on the drop and have less contrast, mono is going to be more forgiving and float etc...

most people would not use FC on a topwater popper and would not use braid around sharp rocks.

i think that if you spend just a few more hours casting the FC you will change your opinion. for me FC  doesnt completely replace braid but i use it for most bottom contact applications.

[K_Mac]

I use it on almost all of my combos. It takes a little getting used to, but is worth the effort in my opinion. It really is a matter of choice. Some think braid is the only answer, others fluorocarbon, copolymer or mono. I recommend giving them all a try. Good luck.

[ClackerBuzz]

13 hours ago, bassbassontherange said:

Yeah, I'm confused why DVT of all people would like that comment. Fluoro is a superior line for most presentations in my opinion. Not for strength, not necessarily even for visibility (in that it matters),  but for how the bait is presented. I catch more fish on a fluoro rigged weightless worm than a braid rigged one, no doubt. 

Like shaming?  I didn't know there was such a thing until now

You guys better get ur running shoes on b/c that magical silver bullet lure that wins the classic is about to be announced  Gee I wonder why it's always won on a 'limited production' lure that is just about to be released to the masses?

 

It's all good and I'm giving you guys likes b/c I respect difference of opinion

[cottny27]

Regarding braid... I've only tried Suffix and Power Pro in 30#.  Do they make a quiet braid that flows thru guides smoothly without the terrible screeching sound?  Both times I tried it I immediately came home and ripped it off the spool and trashed it.  I fish mainly clear strip pits with little brush so don't feel the need to use it.  I prefer a little stretch in my line.  I was fishing with a Quantum Smoke with micros so maybe the guides aren't the best for braid.  

[bassbassontherange]

21 minutes ago, cottny27 said:

Regarding braid... I've only tried Suffix and Power Pro in 30#.  Do they make a quiet braid that flows thru guides smoothly without the terrible screeching sound?  Both times I tried it I immediately came home and ripped it off the spool and trashed it.  I fish mainly clear strip pits with little brush so don't feel the need to use it.  I prefer a little stretch in my line.  I was fishing with a Quantum Smoke with micros so maybe the guides aren't the best for braid.  

Power pro ss8 is the quietest I've come across. It's not terrible in that respect, and a very good line overall. When fishing braid, I'd try that out or sufix 832.

[QUAKEnSHAKE]

31 minutes ago, cottny27 said:

Regarding braid... I've only tried Suffix and Power Pro in 30#.  Do they make a quiet braid that flows thru guides smoothly without the terrible screeching sound?  Both times I tried it I immediately came home and ripped it off the spool and trashed it.  I fish mainly clear strip pits with little brush so don't feel the need to use it.  I prefer a little stretch in my line.  I was fishing with a Quantum Smoke with micros so maybe the guides aren't the best for braid.  

I have a couple Smoke rods(my favorite rods actually) and PPS8S works very well followed by Smackdown these are 8 strand lines. Any 4 strand line is going to be noisier, worst offender Ive tried being Sufix performance braid 20#.

[cottny27]

Thought about trying that PP slick just to see for frog fishing only.  Maybe I'll give it another shot.