When should I be using fluoro?

[islandbass]

@Doubles: Given what you said and how you feel about fc line, I’d like to know why you’re even considering using something you don’t even wish to use? Are you thinking it might give you an edge? Then so be it. 
 

Just bear in mind that not all fc lines are equal. Some are wirey. Some a limp. Some can be used as a main line and other only as leader material. I think some of the hate for fc comes from folks use it as a mainline not knowing it was meant for leader. 
 

With that said, I subscribe to the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” philosophy for some things. One thing I’ve learned is that there is no panacea when it comes to fishing lines. Each has their pluses and minuses. The challenge and some of the fun is determine for yourself what will work best for you. 
 

I only use fc for drop shot and other finesse techniques and never ever use more that 8# test (invisx and other Seaguars mostly) I generally prefer some type of monofilament and although I love the traits braid has, I hardly ever use it because I am a shore angler. If I get snagged, it is very difficult to break off 30-50# line and the thought being forced to leave line of that strength in the water to potentially harm people or animals is enough reason for me not to use braid. 

[WRB]

What are the advantages of using Fluorocarbon line bass fishing?

Bass are not line shy fish like can be trout for example so the refraction issue being the same as water isn’t a factor.

Where, imo, FC line offers advantages is it sinks and has lower coefficient of drag going through water. These 2 factors create less bow in your line resulting in slightly better lure feedback using bottom bumping lures.

The down side is weaker knot strength (75-89%) compared to both mono and copolymer lines of equal diameter. Why anglers use FC for a leader for floating braid is questionable?

Most anglers using spinning reels like braid to leader to reduce line twist. Why use FC line when mono and copoly has better knot and abrasion strength? 

IMO opinion use straight FC line with 1 knot at the lure for bottom contact presentations if the slight advantage helps to detect strikes.

For the OP’s finesse presentations I use 5# / .0084D  Maxima Ultra Green line for both leaders and main line with finesse finesse spinning tackle. Casting I 12# FC for jigs and worms and 11# Armilo* for everything else.

Tom

* need find a source or replacement for Armilo.

[new2BC4bass]

20 hours ago, Bird said:

90% of the water I fish is gin clear so all my spinning has 15lb braid to a 6 foot flouro leader, 8-12lb sunline sniper.

All casting gear is straight braid.

 

I assume you use a fluoro leader because you fear line visibility?  Yet you don't worry about it on a baitcasting reel?  Do you use a baitcast reel only for moving baits?  What pound test braid do you use on your baitcast reels?

 

OP:  I see no need for a Fluorocarbon line.  Only in one case would I think of it as an advantage (for me).  Getting down a bit further with deep diving crankbaits.  I almost never fish one.  Several mono/co-polymer/hybrid lines have excellent abrasion resistance.

 

Some think fluoro has much less stretch than mono or co-polymer.  This is bull as I can attest from my limited experience with fluoro.  Plus when you break off fluoro, you have to cut off a bunch more line before retying.

 

Because fluoro is so expensive, I treat it like braid.  I lay down a cheap mono before spooling on the expensive line.

 

 

[LonnieP]

I use FC for all bottom contact presentations. It gives me the best sensitivity and I like how it sinks. I use P-Line Tactical FC which handles like Mono. Tried the braid to leader thing once and hated it

[waymont]

21 hours ago, T-Billy said:

An Alberto with an extra wrap through the loop is the only leader connection knot I use and have zero issues with it.  

It's a great knot, I agree.

[Bird]

1 hour ago, new2BC4bass said:

I assume you use a fluoro leader because you fear line visibility?  Yet you don't worry about it on a baitcasting reel?  Do you use a baitcast reel only for moving baits?  What pound test braid do you use on your baitcast reels?

 

Yes, I use a flouro leader because of line visibility in the clear water.

20# straight braid on all baitcasters, for moving baits.

 

 

 

 

[DaubsNU1]

23 hours ago, Bird said:

90% of the water I fish is gin clear so all my spinning has 15lb braid to a 6 foot flouro leader, 8-12lb sunline sniper.

All casting gear is straight braid.

 

I'm with @Bird....all my spinning gear is 10lb bright yellow braid, mated with fluoro leaders (8 and 10lb, as needed). Visibility on lakes near me ranges from 1-3' max.

 

All my casting gear is straight braid.