Fluorocarbon leader line specifically for leaders vs. standard fluorocarbon line

[BILLYsobx]

I was wondering what the difference between the fluoro leader line and standard fluoro for filling your spool. Why is it so darn expensive and is it worth the price? I have been using standard fluoro for my leaders and have had no issues to worry about.....

[Pbkiller123]

Fluor leader material is very very stiff. I would recommend getting some cheap Berkeley vanish, you can pick it up for 8 bucks in a 200yd spool

[IndianaFinesse]

The floro designed for leaders is stiffer and more abrasion resistant.  The stiffness isn't a bad thing for leaders though, it's what makes it more abrasion resistant.  Just don't get vanish if you decide to get the stuff made for mainline, it has way to Mich memory and has horrible abrasion resistance.

[J Francho]

I prefer leader mat'l, especially in light line applications.  If you're going to use a reel fill line, then at least use a premium brand.  No reason to skimp out here, and use crap like Vanish.

[fishindad]

16 minutes ago, J Francho said:

I prefer leader mat'l, especially in light line applications.  If you're going to use a reel fill line, then at least use a premium brand.  No reason to skimp out here, and use crap like Vanish.

Agree 100% with this. Preach on, brother John!!

[BILLYsobx]

Thanks, with the stiffer material does it affect the action of say a weightless senco? Less memory makes it easier to tie to braid, correct?

[J Francho]

No, it won't change a senko's action.  I don't know what difference memory would have to tying knots.  Practice makes tying knots easy.

[BILLYsobx]

Cool, I meant the line doesn't want to twist as much when cinching uni or Alberto knots.. I'm definitely gonna give it a try..... Thanks for the input..... May all your lines stay tight and your rods stay bent!!!!! :-)

[J Francho]

I don't really notice a difference.  Alberto knots are all about practice and checking your work. And lots of spit!

[Further North]

I've been using a lot of Lake Forks hybrids in the last year or so for leader material, especially on my lighter weight gear.

I fly fish a lot, so I tend to by "real" fluorocarbon leader material for heavier weight set ups (musky and pike) when I'm not using tieable wire leaders.  I'm more interested in bite protection than flexibility in those instances...but we're taking 50 lb. leaders and up here.

[21farms]

i asked seaguar that question. here's their response:

Quote

What are the differences between Seaguar fluorocarbon Leaders and Seaguar fluorocarbon Lines?

Strength – While both are strong and will withstand the lb test listed, leader is stronger over shorter lengths and are not designed to be a long, main line product.  The main lines are designed to take the impact load over a much longer distance, transferred throughout the line.

Double Structure Technology – Our FC, FP, GM, and FX are all Double Structure, (2 to 80 lb), a Seaguar exclusive process that injects two different molten resins through a special die.  The resins are extruded as one solid piece.  The harder, inside resin contributes to the Tensile Strength, while the softer, outside resin creates greater Knot Strength.  Our current main lines are single structure.

Price – Leader is more difficult to produce because of double structure and the resins involved, therefore line is less expensive and leader costs more.

Resins – The resins in our line are different than the resins in our leaders.

 

[BILLYsobx]

III remember reading about the tensile strength of leader line on this site in the past now that you mentioned it..... Makes sense since the leader is usually 2'-5' in length and main line has length for a little give on impact

[21farms]

i forgot to mention that seaguar also said, "TATSU main line is constructed like leader material and can be used as such".

the reason i wrote seaguar in the first place was because i was having a miserable time using regular abrazx as a leader...i was using 3 to 4 foot lengths of 14 lb. test and it was breaking like crazy. i couldn't figure out what was going on since it was fine as a main line.

[Jrob78]

I never really understood why people use filler fluoro as leader material, besides convenience.  If all you're doing is tying a short leader, why wouldn't you want to use the best material available?

[J Francho]

14 hours ago, Jrob78 said:

I never really understood why people use filler fluoro as leader material, besides convenience.  If all you're doing is tying a short leader, why wouldn't you want to use the best material available?

Especially if you have actually tried fluoro leader.  The stuff is amazing - like clear steel.  I've even switch to heavy fluoro and crimps for northern pike.

[21farms]

15 hours ago, Jrob78 said:

I never really understood why people use filler fluoro as leader material, besides convenience.  If all you're doing is tying a short leader, why wouldn't you want to use the best material available?

for me, it's cuz i didn't know better or even understood that there was a difference between main line and leader material. TW didn't even carry leader material until just recently when they added sunline FC leader.

[J Francho]

Spinfishers and fly guys that fish for trout in streams and rivers have been using fluoro leaders for years.  That's where I first picked it up.

[IDUTBass]

What are some of your guys favorites so far? I picked up some Pline in a pinch last year on a fishing trip and I'm looking to pick up some more soon. 

[J Francho]

P-Line and Seaguar are readily available around here.  Places like DSG, Field & Stream, Gander, and local shops.

[juicebass]

15 hours ago, Jrob78 said:

I never really understood why people use filler fluoro as leader material, besides convenience.  If all you're doing is tying a short leader, why wouldn't you want to use the best material available?

I've used mainline Seagate invisX  5' leader tied to braid. Never broke off any fish, works just fine. It's more bang for buck to buy the mainline and use it as leader. 200yrds vs 50yrds.. 

[J Francho]

I'm amazed at people that never break off.

[IndianaFinesse]

Check out the latest article on BIB on line designed for leaders vs. mainline.  It just happened to be written the day after this thread started.

[Team9nine]

26 minutes ago, IndianaFinesse said:

Check out the latest article on BIB on line designed for leaders vs. mainline.  It just happened to be written the day after this thread started.

No coincidence, just passing along the good information provided by Seaguar in this thread to a different audience

 

2 hours ago, J Francho said:

I'm amazed at people that never break off.

I'm just as amazed at people who always seem to be breaking off

-T9

[J Francho]

32 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

I'm just as amazed at people who always seem to be breaking off

You following me around the lake?  No pictures, please! LOLOLOL.