Fluorocarbon line issues...

[Mich. St8 Spartan]

I am new to fluorocarbon line.  I spooled a Quantum Energy PT IV with 17lb line.  I have a Quantum Superlite 7'3" rod with it.  I originally bought it for throwing swmbaits but it is a good set up for jigs as well as it is a MH/F rod.  However, when I use it with jigs I get the line to not birds nest but it loosens on the reel and does not remain tight.  I like braided line and was thinking of switching to braid.  Am I just doing something wrong here?  When I throw it with a swimbait  I do fine.  I have played with the break and spool for the best settings. Do I just not have the line spooled tight enough? 

[BigGame0892]

What you're experiencing for fluorocarbon line is pretty common.  Fluorocarbon tends to be quite a bit stiffer and less manageable than mono or braid.  I use KVD Line and Lure Conditioner pretty liberally with fluorocarbon, just spray down the reel spool when you put some fresh line on.  I also use it whenever the line is becoming a little more springy. 

It also depends on which brand of fluoro you use.  I would suggest sticking with a good quality line like Seaguar Invizx or Trilene 100%.  I also use XPS fluoro quite a bit with good results.  Hope this helps, good luck!

[BlaineFred]

ditto on BigGame's post...

Seaguar invented F/C and their InvizX is regarded as the limpest.   I also use Trilene 100% and Bass Pro XPS. 

Furthermore, on another thread, I pointed out that the InvizX diameter is less than other lines, e.g, the InvizX 12-lb is about the same daiameter as 10-lb in other lines.

[Hammer 4]

Just be advised that the Invisx, and AbrasX do not hold up well when it comes to abrasion resistance around rocks, or any structure that's rough.

[casterus60]

I had same issue when started using fluoro.I thought my reel broke or something.With heavier lures OK,but with lighter birds nest or loose.Did play with brakes and nothing or I was able to cast 10-15 ft.After one cast 8-10ft of line broke (birds nest).From that time I didn't have problem with fluoro.So maybe cut 5-10 ft of line and try it.For me it worked.BTW Try KVD lure and line conditioner,it works great.Good luck.

Adam

[scaledriver]

Try the KVD line and lure conditioner like the other guys suggested it really does help a lot.

[Big Bait Fishing]

use braid and a flouro leader .......... 

[Cire]

use braid and a flouro leader ..........

I agree totally. I tried FC at the start of the year and finally had to take it off and switch to braid with a FC leader. I was having major casting problems and since switching have enjoyed using that setup.

But now have braid and FC line connection issues but I think I have that figured out now.

Cire

Edit:

I was also going to mention that it was 100% FC and KVD did not seem to help the issues.

[WanaBe_Like_IKE]

Do the leader

But the reason you are doing it with the jid and not the swimbait is probably cause you dont reel your jig straight in there fore you arent keeping pressure on the line but with swimbaits there is more fritcion and you reel them straight in (you arent bringing your rod tip up and really in the tensionless slack)

[rubba bubba]

(you aren't bringing your rod tip up and reeling in the tensionless slack)

x2 - it's the nature of plastics vs. moving bait fishing.

And because of this, whatever line you choose will lie much looser on your spool and is the main culprit behind subsequent "line digging" when you hookset or have a strong fish on. Your options are:

- switch to a narrow diameter fluoro (narrow = less stiff)

- switch to a more supple line (i.e. Yozuri Hybrid, etc...)

- try the various line treatments

- braid/leader

You aren't doing anything wrong.

[NateFollmer]

x3 on the braid and flouro leader. I use anywhere from a 3 to 6 ft. leader depending on water clarity. Braid just lays on a reel better than any other line. You know, I don't like to use it, but co-polymer actually does a real nice job on reels too. I just don't like how soft it feels or I'd use it more (knots don't seem to stay at all in co-polymer).

[Mich. St8 Spartan]

If you are fishing water that is stained, is it really necessary to use a FC leader? I have always fish straight braid and vary rarely fish clear water (nothing more that 2 foot clarity for the most part).

By the way, thanks for all the input, your information is awesome guys/gals.

[BigGame0892]

If you are fishing water that is stained, is it really necessary to use a FC leader? I have always fish straight braid and vary rarely fish clear water (nothing more that 2 foot clarity for the most part).

By the way, thanks for all the input, your information is awesome guys/gals.

You might not need the FC leader, but I still believe I get more bites with it or with straight FC.  Maybe its just in my head, but I fish a lot of really clear water too. 

Also, I kind of like the little extra "give" you get with the straight FC or leader FC.  Gives me just a little more time to react before the fish feels that something isn't right.

[s13john]

Just do straight braid, and in gin clear water use I floro leader. The sensitivity well makes up for the visibility issues. Plus it's super managable.