Angling has come a long way from the days when all you needed was a simple line and some bait. Nowadays, technology has allowed inventors to add some cutting edge features that enable anglers to fish successfully in any environment. Fluorocarbon is one such invention, which has flourished in popularity thanks to its versatility in adapting to many applications.
In case you're wondering, fluorocarbon is made from heavy duty polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), which is an abrasion resistant and durable material. But what makes it attractive for anglers is its low visibility in water - in fact, it's near-transparent- making it ideal for catching high-keyed fish in clear water.
In addition, fluorocarbon is completely waterproof and UV resistant, making it a highly durable and long-lasting material. It's also extremely sensitive, thanks to having tightly packed molecules, and it can cast for long distances with ease.
On the downside, fluorocarbon doesn't work well for top water lures and is more expedient in casting deeper lures, as it tends to sink faster than its counterparts. It's also less manageable due to having more memory, and requires that you don't overdo it with the spool, but pairing it with the right-sized reel can help you get the most out of it.
A fluorocarbon line also needs a moistened knot to get the right knot strength, and the Trilene and Palomar knots usually work best.
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This particular line comes coated with a triple resin which makes for supple handling, and the low memory gives it more stealth when it comes to casting bait. It's extremely resistant to abrasions, and you can rely on it to handle sharp teeth bites easily. The line is also quite transparent, making it hard for fish to spot, and easy for you to catch them.
Depending on the spool that you buy, you can get anything from 200 yards in a 5-pound spool, all the way up to 1200 yards in a 20-pound spool. Although versatile enough to work in any scenario, it's worth a mention that this line performs extremely well in heavy cover applications, thanks to the heavy fluorocarbon material.
Additionally, this line has low memory which makes for really smooth casting. It's also remarkably sensitive, so you'll be able to feel the slightest movement and nibbles on it. Definitely, one of the more ideal leaders to work with.
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The Seaguar Blue Label leader is made from 100% Double Structure Fluorocarbon (DSF) which delivers a more pliable performance without compromising on strength. This makes it ideal for targeting bigger fish. Thanks to its DSF structuring, it has more molecules packed in, which means it has a higher density. This allows it to sink fast and cast better, plus it's extremely resistant to abrasions.
You can easily tie knots on this leader, as it's known to have superior knot strength. The Trilene knot is recommended specifically for when you want the best results. It's also weather resistant, meaning that it can handle many weather and water scenarios without declining in performance, so it makes for an awesome leader overall.
The sizes range from 2 pounds to 80 pounds per spool, with corresponding diameters of 0. 005” up to 0.032”. Experts recommend starting small with a 30 lbs test and then increase it depending on the fish you're targeting. Lastly, this is a sensitive leader that allows you to feel tiny movements and bites on the line immediately, so it's ideal for anyone who's looking to catch more fish in a difficult environment.
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The Yo-Zuri leader comes in sizes that range from 8 pounds and 30 yards to 200 pounds at 30 to 100-pound spools, and reviewers noted that it performs exceptionally well on the 30-pound test at a diameter of 0.573mm.
It's made from 100% fluorocarbon and is durable enough to withstand small dings and abrasions, which prevents visibility in the long term. It's also super transparent, so the fish definitely won't see you coming, even in clear water.
The Yo-Zuri is an extremely sensitive line that easily detects light movement, and it has a unique pink tint color which allows it to disappear under water.
This fluorocarbon fishing line is also UV resistant with a supple material that makes for superior casting experience. It makes for a soft leader that gets more hookups, enabling you to catch more fish with less effort.
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The Berkley line is made using a new shock resistant Vanish formula which is easier to handle than normal fluorocarbon, thanks to its improved flexibility. It's able to resist abrasions and retain its strength underwater due to having superior wet strength. So it's hard-wearing and will last you for some time to come.
Anglers love the 40 lbs 25-yard roll with a diameter of 0.024”, but there are other test strengths depending on your purposes and preferences. You'll also enjoy the sensitivity and subtlety of this line, which makes for better handling and casting overall.
Moreover, the Berkley fluorocarbon fishing line is as transparent as they come, with low visibility that even the most perceptive fish will miss. And you can do multiple lures before having to tie on another leader, which makes it even more durable.
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As the name suggests, the P-line is entirely clear and immediately disappears after hitting the water. This often leads to more hooks and catches thanks to the added stealth it provides.
It's not 100% fluorocarbon, but rather a combination of fluorocarbon engineering with copolymer material. It's also treated with silicone to lower its memory and increase castability. This makes it ideal for a broad range of applications, from casting small bait to catching bigger fish.
The other benefit of combining a sturdy material like copolymer with the see-through fluorocarbon is that you end up with a more affordable but stronger line that has the same benefit of underwater invisibility that you'd get from a 100% fluorocarbon line. It also sinks better and is easier to manage due to being light.
Other features include extremely low water absorption, which makes tying knots a bit easier and increases the knot strength as well. You can also cast this for longer distances while still retaining it's sensitivity. Its diameter is 30% thinner than lines with similar pound tests. Also, it doesn’t tangle or deliver any loops. If you're not into the clear look, you can choose the mist green color instead, which is ideal for overnight fishing. Rolls come in large sizes from 2700 yards to 3000 yards.
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Add Fluoro To Your Fishing Line Ammo
Are you fluorocarbon crazy yet? Well, if you're not, let me recap some of the benefits that you can reap from this innovative angling tool.
It makes a fantastic leader line and is fast becoming one of the most popular ones on the market. Thanks to being invisible underwater, this line catches more fish by far, it can be adapted to more applications and can handle any environment you throw it at. Although hard to manage in the beginning, once you get used to it, you'll marvel at the excellent castability of fluorocarbon. It casts smooth lures while giving you the edge when it comes to sensitivity. So basically, adding fluorocarbon to your angling ammo is a chance worth taking if you want to take your angling adventure to the next level.
Enjoy the water out there!