My Initial Fluorocarbon Experience

[grid]

I purchased two different brands of fluorocarbon; 6 lb. for a spinning reel for jigging and 12 lb. for a baitcasting rod. After spooling the baitcaster (Abu Garcia 4600 C4) I have spent a couple of days casting in the back yard. The line seems to cast well. The distance I am getting is good, which I think is more of a product of the reel than the line. However, I have one major complaint.

I have experienced a few minor backlashes. None of which required much effort to correct. The problem is that the fluorocarbon line creases easily and becomes weak. After fixing a backlash I can feel the "dents" in the line. After clearing a very simple backlash I pulled on the line in the area of one of these creases and the line broke like 4-lb. mono.

I am not going to say the brand name at this time. Is all fluorocarbon this problematic?

Thanks!

[.ghoti.]

Every flouro line I've used has this tendency. I still use it for plastics, jigs and jerkbaits because I'm willing to put up with this problem in exchange for the extra density. Besides, I never get backlashes. ;D Right. If you buy that one, I have some ocean front property for sale here in Illinois.

All you have to do is pick out your backlashes gently. If you put a kink in it, it is weaker, without a doubt.

Cheers,

GK

[Cephkiller]

What are these "backlashes" of which you speak?

;D

[roadwarrior]

This is an inherent problem with pure fliorocarbon and copolymer lines with a fluorocarbon component (Yo-Zuri Hybrid). Fluorocarbon is an inert crystal which, I think, "cracks" when severly bent. I don't know to what extent this impairs the physical integrity of the line, but I don't trust it either. When my line has a kink, I replace it. I do NOT respool completely, but maintain a minimum of 60-80 yards of "fresh" line on top of backing at all times.

[dodgeguy]

i have found that if i just use a hair more brake than i normally would it prevents those minor backlashes so i don't have to pick it out.my guess is this is something flouro users have to put up with.i am trying flouro again this season and would also like to know if there is any brand that does not have this issue.i was told by a friend of mine to put the spool in hot water and then spool it on.he says this also helps decrease backlash.

[Guest the_muddy_man]

Thats good news to me Dodgeguy I put some flurocarbon line just to try on a BPS Extreme I just got. I went out as soon as the icemelted and started to practice with it IT WAS SO UNMANGABLE I thought it was me DOES COLD WATER REALLY MESS WITH FLUOROCARBOn any way Im sticking with mono i have no problems with it. Ive been thinking that when i use a leader I will use the flourocarbon for that

[grid]

Now that we all agree that is a negative tendancy of the fluorocarbon line, the question I can't get past is why use it on a baitcaster?  There will always be backlashes (at least for me) once in a while and if the line breaks VERY easily on that area I will be loosing fish and lures ($$$).  

Before I can the fluorocarbon, is there any last words to convience me to keep the stuff on my reel?

[Wayne P.]

What I have found when using fluorocarbon on baitcasters is that I have to increase the spool tension a little as compared to regular mono. That is due to it's higher weight and slicker surface, especially on a long cast. When using it on spinning tackle, I don't put as much line on the spool as I do with regular mono and that reduces the excess line that comes off the spool when casting due to it's stiffness. Gently pulling the line to straighted out backlashes with baitcasters or snarles with spinning gear will reduce the kinking damage. Since I threw away all the Vanish I had and purchased BPS XPS fluorocarbon, I have not had any breakoffs from kinked line, or any knot failures. When switching from one type of line to another whether it's from regular mono to fluorocarbon or braid, you have to adjust your equipment and it's use to match the line type.

[grid]

Who said anything about Berkley Vanish???