First time I'm going to be spooling a reel up with straight fluorocarbon, anything I should know?

[JFlynn97]

Up until recently I've always been a braid or braid with fluoro leader kind of a guy. But my rod in question, an ALX Zolo deputy, has small guides that I imagine won't be able to pass a connection knot through very well. I had it paired up with a Daiwa fuego with 30lb braid, but recently picked up a Shimano SLX and 15lb Seaguar Tatsu to spool it up with. I've heard fluoro can be a little unwieldy and difficult to manage, but modern fluorocarbon isn't nearly as bad as it used to be and Seaguar Tatsu is one of the best if you want a full reel of fluoro (again, from what I've read on this site and others). 

 

Is there anything else I should know going in? I don't generally use fluoro because ponds in my area are super weedy so I stick to braid, but this year I plan on doing more traveling where the water is more clear and there's more cover like rocks and laydowns that I don't want to be throwing braid into. Essentially, I'm a fluorocarbon noobie and would appreciate any tips or things I should be aware of.

[Joshua van Wyk]

I recommend you spool up a 1/3-1/2 the reel with cheap mono then spool the fluro on top. Itll let you spool up more reels and save some money. 

[Jrob78]

I agree with using a backer, Tatsu is expensive and you don't need to fill the reel completely with it. Other than that, just be careful tying your knots and be gentle when picking backlashes, try not to get any kinks in it.

[Stephen B]

You'll like the Tatsu. Just be careful to ensure you tie a good knot like the Double Pitzen knot and enjoy

[WRB]

You need to use a good line conditioner to help wet the line to prevent it spring loose on the reel. I use Tangle Free, KVD helps if you stray it on the reel spool a day before fishing.

Using braid with FC leaders you already know how to tie knots.

Tom

[RB 77]

I also recommend backing as well. No need for a full spool of flouro. Just make sure you have enough of a topshot that after several reties you still wont hit the backing knot after a long cast.

[MickD]

X2 on LOTS of care picking out backlashes, which you most likely will get with FC, at least at first. 

[roadwarrior]

KVD Line & Lure Conditioner is your friend!

 

https://www.lineandlure.com/info/faq/

[Team9nine]

Pretty much everything probable covered above. Only thing I’d add you should know is how to cast. It’ll show if you need practice 

[LionHeart]

If you use an FG knot properly tied, the Zolo rods pass the knot no problem.  I use up to 50 lb braid and 20 lb mono on the Zolo Dragger.  

 

The Zolo uses a 'mid-micro' guide train ( inner diameter of about 4.5 mm)which was chosen to accommodate leader knots.  

 

As far as flouro, be careful picking out a birdnest.  If you try to yank it out (which often seems to magically work with braid), you will likely kink the flouro.  If this happens, the line strength will be diminished considerably.  One of the valid reasons I'm not a fan of flouro line.

 

Also:

Gobs of line memory

Finicky knot strength

Yes, it stretches (which reduces its strength)

 

Tons of people swear by it, so give it a whirl, but if it ain't your thing, just know the Deputy will pass an FG knot no problem.

[fishwizzard]

On top of what everyone else has said, my advice is to know your limits and don't get cocky.  Dial the brakes up a little and don't make risky casts until you get some time in with it.  Even half a spool of Tatus is still enough money to sting when you backlash it all off the reel trying to get fancy with a cast.  Voice of experience here.  

[MassYak85]

Yea, don't make an underhand cast and slap the water with your lure, backlashing so badly you have to cut the entire spool apart with a knife. I wouldn't know anything about that.....

 

But seriously just be a little careful casting at least at first. With braid a backlash is generally not a big deal and you can pick it out. With fluoro a backlash can kink your line, and even if you untangle it those kinks are now weakspots that will bite you later. 

[dodgeguy]

On 3/7/2019 at 9:53 PM, Jrob78 said:

 

Don't fill the spool all the way to the top.after you fill it let it sit at least 24 hours to help it take a new set to the new spool.

[OnthePotomac]

Recommend a uni knot for everything.  I have 15lb Invizx flouro on 15 baitcasters fishing the tidal Potomac  in some really heavy junk and have never broken off with the uni knot, no matter which bait I have on, nor has it ever presented a casting issue.

[crankbait2009]

I'm following along.  I am sorta doing the same thing. 

I have used mono for everything.  This year I am going straight fluoro, see if I like it or notice any change. 

I can always go back to mono if all else fails.

[Dan Bures]

IMHO Fluoro is suitable for leader only. Tried spooling it one time.....never again!

 

[Drew03cmc]

Advice? Don't. 

[Dwight Hottle]

On 3/8/2019 at 9:14 PM, fishwizzard said:

On top of what everyone else has said, my advice is to know your limits and don't get cocky.  Dial the brakes up a little and don't make risky casts until you get some time in with it.  Even half a spool of Tatus is still enough money to sting when you backlash it all off the reel trying to get fancy with a cast.  Voice of experience here.  

 Good advice to heed. 

[Mr. Bassin II]

On 3/7/2019 at 7:53 PM, Joshua van Wyk said:

I recommend you spool up a 1/3-1/2 the reel with cheap mono then spool the fluro on top. Itll let you spool up more reels and save some money. 

This

[Mr Swim Jig]

As others have mentioned use a backer so you use less fluorocarbon and use KVD L&L Conditioner and be sure to moisten your knots very well when tying and I personally will re tie after 3 to 4 fish...

[Heartland]

I would just add that it can be beneficial to use the lowest pound test line possible especially when just getting your feet wet with FC.  It casts a little better and has less memory.  12lb Tatsu is a joy to fish with IMO.

[LxVE Bassin]

Use backing whether it is cheap mono or left over braid that won’t fill up an entire spool. Some line conditioner won’t hurt.

[OkobojiEagle]

On 3/7/2019 at 7:49 PM, JFlynn97 said:

Is there anything else I should know going in?

Where your scissors are at...

[Glenn]

On 3/7/2019 at 5:49 PM, JFlynn97 said:

Essentially, I'm a fluorocarbon noobie and would appreciate any tips or things I should be aware of.

From the sounds of your post, it appears you've done your homework and know what you're doing.  It's not a major deal, so don't overthink it too much.

 

I use straight fluoro as well - no backing, no leaders. Keep it simple. 

 

I use the uni-knot on everything and never had any issues whatsoever.  So you don't need to use any special knots either.

 

Have fun!