Will the best Fluorocarbon please stand up!?!?

[Masshole Mike]

i bought a spool of vanish and hated it almost from the first cast.

been using yo-zuri hybrid in 6 and 8# test and don't have a complaint yet.

[Bud]

                  So yeah I almost broke down and bought sunline shooter but just couldn't bare spending $40 for 164yrds of it!!!!!            

Tackle warehouse has the Sunline Shooter for $33.99 a spool. You should try a spool of it great line. It will blow this other stuff out of the water.

[FishTank]

Another for vote for Trilene Professional Grade.  It has been fantastic for me.  I will be respooling this spring and putting it on just about every reel I own.  I have nothing bad at all to say about it.  It is the first Fluorocarbaon that I have used that has had zero issues.

[lubina]

I have been using XPS Flouro for sometime now and am very pleased with it. .

 Same here.

[fishinnstudyin]

in my opinion.. if you got tons of money buy Gamma. Best line for the money.

I hated Yozuri Hybrid. I hated the memory on it and the weak knots.

I like P-Line, but its a tad stiff for me. Like it more in the smaller lb tests than larger lb tests.

Berkley Fluorocarbon is one sweet fluorocarbon as well too. Price wise, I stick with this fluorocarbon the most.

[links_man2]

Had used BPS XPS with no problems.  Recently went to the Vicious Fluoro and so far really like it.  I also like that I can get it locally rather than having to order it, plus at $7.96 for 250 yds it is cheaper than most all other Fluoro's including the BLS XPS.

[TournyFish001]

viscious is indeed economical but it is a nighmare on spinning reels as it is very VERY stiff- works well on casting setups though.

[Mid-MO]

I've been using Seagur and the only problem with it is the memory is a little much for me.

I just bought Berkley's new fluorocarbon hoping to eliminate the memory problem.  Everything I've heard, everywhere, seems to think this stuff is the best yet.

BPS I've never tried - but if KVD uses it (picky as he is about his tackle) - it must be pretty good stuff too.

[BPSGuy003]

In my mind there is no question here. SeaGuar InvizX is by far the best fluoro that I have used. I have tried XPS,Berkley 100%, Vanish, PLine, and both of the Yo-Zuri lines and I cannot say that any of them come close to the InvizX. This line has more than proven itself on more than one occassion including a 36" Pike from 30' deep without a single stray or fringe on only 8#. I will never again use a different line on my spinning reels until this stuff is discontinued...god help me. If it ever does...I will buy enough to last me the rest of my life. Seriously if you haven't tried this stuff...YOU NEED TO!!! ;D

[RoLo]

The most popular line trait of fluorocarbon monofilament is "low visibility". Oddly enough, it has yet to be proven that low-visibility line will catch more bass (thinner diameter line, definitely). In addition, the difference in the refractive index of fluorocarbon and copolymer is inappreciable.

REFRACTIVE INDEX (mean values)

Water:       1.30

Fluorocarbon Mono: 1.42

Copolymer Mono:      1.47

Nylon Mono:       1.52

The second reason for using fluorocarbon is "abrasion-resistance". According to an extensive study conducted by TackleTour,

the difference in abrasion-resistance is greater between fluoro brands than it is between fluoro and nylon! Here's the lineup:

ABRASION-RESISTANCE

(DRY TEST)

BEST FIVE

Toray Solaroam ll      45% greater abrasion-resistant than Trilene XL Nylon

Bass Pro XPS      30% greater abrasion-resistant than Trilene XL Nylon

P-Line Halo      25% greater abrasion-resistant than Trilene XL Nylon

Sugoi      5% greater abrasion-resistant than Trilene XL Nylon

Maxima      7% LESS abrasion-resistant than Trilene XL Nylon

WORST THREE

Seaguar Invisx      35% LESS abrasion-resistance than Trilene XL Nylon

Yo-Zuri H20      35% LESS abrasion-resistance than Trilene XL Nylon

Triplefish      35% LESS abrasion-resistance than Trilene XL Nylon

STRETCH-RESISTANCE

BEST FIVE

Sunline Shooter      50% less line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon      

Maxima      25% less line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

Toray Solaroam ll      23% less line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

P-Line Halo      12% MORE line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

P-Line      12% MORE line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

WORST THREE

Seaguar Invisx      38% MORE line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

Gamma Edge      22% MORE line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

Cabelas No-Vis      20% MORE line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

I may be wrong, but it seems to me that I've used titanium leaders that were no stiffer than some fluorocarbon I've used. Ironically, some of the worst performing fluorocarbon lines are the most popular simply because they behave most like nylon. As for me, I have no fishing outfit spooled with fluorocarbon line, but may use fluorocarbon for leader material when fishing live shiners with braid. Many fluoro brands are not available in heavy line tests over 30-lb test, but among the brands that are, my favorite fluorocarbon line (leader material) is "Maxima".

Roger

[slomoe]

Great info Rolo. Thanks for the post.

[Hooked_On_Bass]

Yeah, thanks RoLo!

[Willzx225]

RoLo - I am not trying to be smart at all but I am curious to your last post (excellent post at that- opened my eyes a bit!) But if you say that it is not proven that low visability line helps catch fish then what is the reasoning for using Fluro on your shiners?  Does it have anything to do with the fact that Braid floats while Fluro sinks?

[Willzx225]

Oh yeah -  I use XPS Fluro at the moment but I am testing out the Berkley 100% Fluro at this time and like what I've seen so far!  I use Fluro for other reasons than just for visability.  I like it for its sensitivity in bottom baits and I usually get more solid hooksets.

[BrentD]

Sunline Shooter is well worth the price.   You can put it on your reel once a year and you are done!!  It is well worth the extra money spent.

[RoLo]

RoLo - I am not trying to be smart at all but I am curious to your last post (excellent post at that- opened my eyes a bit!) But if you say that it is not proven that low visability line helps catch fish then what is the reasoning for using Fluro on your shiners? Does it have anything to do with the fact that Braid floats while Fluro sinks?

I had a feeling that someone might ask that question...I like that

You'll notice that I used the word "may", because I don't use always use a fluorcarbon leader. In any case, a fluoro leader may offer better abrasion-resistance than braid, but the main advantage is its stiffness. Braid is completely limp, while fluorocarbon has the body and memory to make good leader-material (especially in saltwater).

I use Fluro for other reasons than just for visability. I like it for its sensitivity in bottom baits and I usually get more solid hooksets.

If you're looking for maximum sensitivity and solid hook-sets, fluorocarbon can't touch braid.

Roger

[Tin]

After seeing all the reviews on it and not seeing any real complants I'm definatley going to have to give the Berkley 100% a shot next year. It almost seems too good to be true though  :

[Fishing Doug]

The most popular line trait of fluorocarbon monofilament is "low visibility". Oddly enough, it has yet to be proven that low-visibility line will catch more bass (thinner diameter line, definitely). In addition, the difference in the refractive index of fluorocarbon and copolymer is inappreciable.

Roger,

Very informative post, as always.

Question for you on the above. If it has been proven that thinner diameter makes a difference, yet lower visibility does not, could the thinner diameter of braid potentially offset the higher visibilty? For example: 6lb BPS XPS flouro has a diameter of .009" and 10lb PowerPro has a diameter of .006", or, 33% smaller diameter. If so, you could have the same 'fish catching ability' by using braid with the added benefits of a more limp line and increased sensitivity. Thoughts?

Would like to hear anyone's thoughts on this as well. Looking to do something other than mono on my spinning rigs this year.

Thanks in advance,

FD

[RoLo]

could the thinner diameter of braid potentially offset the higher visibilty?

Doug, I believe the answer is yes, but I can't prove that. When we drop to a lighter line-test, I think the main advantage is reduced line-drag rather than reduced line-visibility. I remember when Fluorescent Yellow line was first introduced, and the whole angling community gulped!

Oh wait a minute, Hi-Vis line is only highly visible above the water surface, because under the water it's practically invisible. Yah Right.

I'm not suggesting that bass don't see the line, of course they do (even I can). But a creature that lives in a violent, rough-and-tumble world isn't likely to feel threatened by a fine thread streaming from its next meal. In fact, I'm sure a bass would seize a prey fish that had a snake streaming from its mouth. Not for nothing, I tie ALL my lures direct to moss-green braided line. Just think about all the foreign objects that bass routinely accept:

> Multi-legged creature baits (what really are they?)

> Large rotating metal blades

> Chatterbait heads (yummy)

> Fiber weedguards (?!?!)

> 3 Treble hooks dangling from an ugly chunk of hard-plastic (that's okay?)

BUT, once a bass gets a glimpse of that awe-inspiring filament called line, All Bets Are Off! (I don't think so)

On the other hand, I used to fly-fish for trout using wet & dry flies, and the first thing I learned was the importance of a Natural Drift. Incredibly, brown and rainbow trout will ignore a presentation with only barely perceptible line-drag. Bass may not have the eyesight of trout, but they have the ability to sort out natural unfettered motion from stifled unnatural motion (that's their job).

            Dale Hollow Reservoir is a crystal-clear TVA impoundment that yielded the world-record SMB. Billy Westmoreland was a local guide on Dale Hollow who landed two smallmouth bass over 8 lbs (In Roadwarrior's caliber). Billy initiated what was almost a cult on Dale Hollow, the use of 4-lb test line. In that gin-clear water, bass aren't looking for line, what does a bass even know about line? When a bass is homing in on its prey, it's looking at one thing, "the prey". Among the fish with the keenest eyesight are tuna, billfish and trout, but all predatory fish are able to see minor unnatural nuances in motion that we cannot. Particularly in crystal-clear water, fish are able to detect minuscule violations of natural behavior. You and I can see the fishing line under the water (whoopee), but that's about it. If our lives depended on it, I doubt that we have the ability to perceive the same imperfections in delivery that turn bass off.

Yes, definitely give braided polyethylene a shot. Moving from mono to braid was probably the single-most gratifying change in equipment I ever made. Incidentally, Fish-Chris would probably tell you the same thing, another braid lover. Whether you select TUF line, PowerPro or Sufix is small potatoes, because the difference between mono and braid is where it's at. I'm using the term "monofilament" in the true sense of the word, which includes nylon, fluorocarbon and copolymer line.

Roger

[Fishing Doug]

could the thinner diameter of braid potentially offset the higher visibilty?

Doug, I believe the answer is yes, but I can't prove that. When we drop to a lighter line-test, I think the main advantage is reduced line-drag rather than reduced line-visibility. I remember when Fluorescent Yellow line was first introduced, and the whole angling community gulped!

Oh wait a minute, Hi-Vis line is only highly visible above the water surface, because under the water it's practically invisible. Yah Right.

I'm not suggesting that bass don't see the line, of course they do (even I can). But a creature that lives in a violent, rough-and-tumble world isn't likely to feel threatened by a fine thread streaming from its next meal. In fact, I'm sure a bass would seize a prey fish that had a snake streaming from its mouth. Not for nothing, I tie ALL my lures direct to moss-green braided line. Just think about all the foreign objects that bass routinely accept:

> Multi-legged creature baits (what really are they?)

> Large rotating metal blades

> Chatterbait heads (yummy)

> Fiber weedguards (?!?!)

> 3 Treble hooks dangling from an ugly chunk of hard-plastic (that's okay?)

BUT, once a bass gets a glimpse of that awe-inspiring filament called line, All Bets Are Off! (I don't think so)

On the other hand, I used to fly-fish for trout using wet & dry flies, and the first thing I learned was the importance of a Natural Drift. Incredibly, brown and rainbow trout will ignore a presentation with only barely perceptible line-drag. Bass may not have the eyesight of trout, but they have the ability to sort out natural unfettered motion from stifled unnatural motion (that's their job).

            Dale Hollow Reservoir is a crystal-clear TVA impoundment that yielded the world-record SMB. Billy Westmoreland was a local guide on Dale Hollow who landed two smallmouth bass over 8 lbs (In Roadwarrior's caliber). Billy initiated what was almost a cult on Dale Hollow, the use of 4-lb test line. In that gin-clear water, bass aren't looking for line, what does a bass even know about line? When a bass is homing in on its prey, it's looking at one thing, "the prey". Among the fish with the keenest eyesight are tuna, billfish and trout, but all predatory fish are able to see minor unnatural nuances in motion that we cannot. Particularly in crystal-clear water, fish are able to detect minuscule violations of natural behavior. You and I can see the fishing line under the water (whoopee), but that's about it. If our lives depended on it, I doubt that we have the ability to perceive the same imperfections in delivery that turn bass off.

Yes, definitely give braided polyethylene a shot. Moving from mono to braid was probably the single-most gratifying change in equipment I ever made. Incidentally, Fish-Chris would probably tell you the same thing, another braid lover. Whether you select TUF line, PowerPro or Sufix is small potatoes, because the difference between mono and braid is where it's at. I'm using the term "monofilament" in the true sense of the word, which includes nylon, fluorocarbon and copolymer line.

Roger

Roger,

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I have to say that I agree with you-we catch a lot of bass on lures that do not represent a single thing naturally found in the water,therefore, I can't really buy into the fact that bass are effected by the site of line.

Think I will spool up one or two setups with braid this year and give it a shot.

FD

[surfer]

I will take my own words with a grain of salt here since I am a novice in comparison with roger, but I think visibility dose play a measurable role.  I think most of the other traits mentioned might be more important, but as long as we are choosing our equipment and it isn't too much more effort than you might as well consider visibility.

A fish is a fish is a fish.  Not exactly.  While most fish may not care about the thread of line coming out of their next meal some will.  This may not hold true everyday or on every lake, but I have seen it.  

It was a cold post frontal day on Garcia Receiver.  A buddy and me were fishing shiners.  I caught 4 bass he caught 0.  The only noticeable difference we saw between our set ups was mono (nylon) vs. braid with 4ft floro leader.  Same hooks, same bobbers and he just wasn't getting the bites.

[RoLo]

I will take my own words with a grain of salt here since I am a novice in comparison with roger, but I think visibility dose play a measurable role. I think most of the other traits mentioned might be more important, but as long as we are choosing our equipment and it isn't too much more effort than you might as well consider visibility.

A fish is a fish is a fish. Not exactly. While most fish may not care about the thread of line coming out of their next meal some will. This may not hold true everyday or on every lake, but I have seen it.

It was a cold post frontal day on Garcia Receiver. A buddy and me were fishing shiners. I caught 4 bass he caught 0. The only noticeable difference we saw between our set ups was mono (nylon) vs. braid with 4ft floro leader. Same hooks, same bobbers and he just wasn't getting the bites.

I have a suggestion though if you run another experiment. When you place minnows on two different fishing outfits

you're fishing in two different places (inches count). A good way to run a comparison is to place two minnows on the same rig (branch-rig).

In this manner you'll be offering two minnows to the same location (almost), where one hook is tied to braided line and the other to a monofilament dropper. Even this test won't be bulletproof because the hooks are several inches apart, but if the experiment is repeated several times you may arrive at a reliable conclusion.

Roger

[surfer]

Very true Roger.  Small variables do count.  I never intended to set up the experiment.  It was just a by-product of fishing for the day.