Fluorocarbon lines are for specific uses. The line is not an all-around line as some beginners or novice anglers have been led to believe. In situations where the fluorocarbon line is needed. The best fluorocarbon fishing lines need to be used.
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The reasons to use fluorocarbon are for needing an invisible line, or better depth or sink control on a lure. Fluorocarbon lines are invisible in water. Fishing in clear water is an example of when to use fluorocarbon fishing line. The line sinks, so it will let soft plastics fall slightly faster. Plus crankbaits will run a little deeper.
In some instances, fluorocarbon use as a leader is a good idea. If using braid a fluoro leader helps for finesse fishing. In other instances, the abrasion resistance helps prevent break or cut-offs. Using the fluorocarbon line is for specific presentations or use.
The disadvantages of this line are the following. It has memory, more than mono. Using a spinning reel requires using a lighter line. The line is stiff. The stiffness will limit casting some. Fluorocarbon lines are unforgiving in regards to knots. Use the wrong or a poorly tied knot and it will fail. As a result, the line is not recommended for beginners as a mainline.
These aspects need consideration. Anglers that have the need should use the line. But only if you have a reasonable need for the line.
The Best Brands of Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines
Choosing a fluorocarbon line means picking quality. Low-quality lines cause problems. The following lines are pure fluorocarbon lines. This increases cost. A coated line will have some characteristics of a pure fluoro line. But they are not the same. Deciding to go with fluorocarbon is accepting of spending more on the line.
Seaguar Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines
Seaguar is the leader in fluorocarbon lines. The lines they produce perform better than other lines. These lines have abrasion resistance, low refraction, and are softer than many lines. Fluorocarbon is abrasion-resistant and low in refraction. Seaguar’s lines are better with these characteristics. Plus the lines are less stiff, helping with casting distance and control.
Seaguar INVIZX
INVIZX is the line for clear water. The line disappears when submerged. It is virtually invisible to fish. The line performs well on casting reels and the lighter lines are good for spinning reels. The line has very good sensitivity for detecting light bites. The low-stretch also helps with hook sets. This line is UV resistant, has very good abrasion resistance, and good casting performance. The line is suitable for all conditions and has exceptional knot strength.
- Soft, castable and virtually invisible
- Ideal for both spinning and casting reels
- Made from 100% Seguar resins
- UV-resistant
- Abrasion-resistant
- Impervious to cold conditions
- Suitable for fresh and saltwater
- Level Wind Technology
Seaguar Red Label
An angler needs a good, all-around line. One they can trust with a nice fish on. Seaguar Red Label is a freshwater main line. That offers knot and tensile strength. Plus a nearly invisible performance of 100% fluorocarbon and abrasion resistance. All this in an economical option everyone can appreciate. Highly recommended for anglers on a tighter budget.
- Superior knot and tensile strength
- Virtually invisible underwater
- 100% fluorocarbon
Seaguar AbrazX
AbrazX fluorocarbon fishing line is made for anglers needing exceptional abrasion resistance. Designed for heavy cover. In addition, it has invisibility and smoothness for better casting. The line performs on rocky or gravel bottoms. Fishing a stream or shallow river for bass or trout. This is an excellent choice.
The con is the price. It is slightly higher than many other lines. It is worth the cost if abrasion resistance is a top priority in your line.
- Levelwind Technology
- Ideal for freshwater spinning and baitcasting
- Unparalleled abrasion resistance
- Made from 100% Seguar resins
- Virtually invisible underwater
P-Line
P-Line is another quality line. It is not as well known as Seaguar but is as solid of a performing line as Seaguar. The line is practically invisible, cast better than the lower cost lines. Plus has good abrasion resistance. The majority of anglers will not notice a difference between P-Line and Seaguar.
P-Line Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
P-Line is another quality 100% fluorocarbon fishing line. The UV resistance extends the life of the line. A refractive index similar to water, makes it almost invisible in the water. The line is low stretch with less memory than lower cost fluoro lines. As a result, sensitivity is improved and looping problems are reduced. The line is a very good choice for getting a little faster drop with soft plastics.
- Constructed of 100% pure fluorocarbon crystals
- Virtually invisible in water
- Unbeatable knot and breaking strength
- Low stretch, minimal memory
- Excellent sensitivity
- UV resistant
Gamma Fishing Gamma Edge 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Gamma is listed third, not because of quality since it is an exceptional line. It is expensive even by fluorocarbon standards. The line is very good. Anglers seeking top performance should consider Gamma. The drawback is the price. Anglers not worrying about cost will like this line
This line provides unsurpassed abrasion resistance, invisibility, and casting performance. The low stretch provides better hook sets and sensitivity. Gamma produces a line with superior knot strength, tensile strength, and shock resistance. This line delivers in all areas a fishing line needs to perform.
Fluorocarbon Leader Material
You have decided you want some of the advantages of fluoro, but do not want it as a mainline. Use a fluorocarbon leader to get the abrasion resistance, invisibility, and a few other of the qualities. A leader will help with a slightly faster sink rate. Fish will not see the line while coming after lures.
Fluoro leaders work exceptionally with all braided lines. You will have no detectable loss in sensitivity and hook setting power. It simply improves your chances of success with braided lines. A novice or beginner should go with braid to fluoro leaders.
Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon Leaders
A low-visibility fluorocarbon leader with a refractive index much lower than that of monofilament. This makes it nearly invisible. Seaguar Blue Label provides superior abrasion resistance and knot strength. The leader line sinks fast due to a higher specific gravity. This gives an angler unmatched presentations. Plus is designed to hold up in the harshest saltwater environments.
- Low-visibility
- Superior abrasion resistance and knot strength
- Fast sinking
- Durable enough for use in harsh saltwater environments
P-Line CFX
Fluorocarbon leaders are for stealth and abrasion resistance. P-Line CFX has both attributes. This is a low stretch line for exceptional sensitivity and solid hook sets. As a 100% fluoro leader it will sink. This has an effect on lures. You can get a little faster sink rate on soft plastics. This leader material will help an angler land more fish.
- 100% fluorocarbon construction
- Ultimate stealth and toughness
- Virtually invisible underwater
- High abrasion resistance
- Very low stretch
- UV protectors for extended performance
Yo-Zuri H.D. Carbon
This leader is very soft and limp, and disappears underwater. Yo-Zuri H.D. Carbon Fluorocarbon Leader delivers with the advantages of fluoro line. Features include incredible abrasion resistance, higher sensitivity, and superior knot strength. Yo-Zuri is a popular leader material among pro and experienced anglers.
- Abrasion-resistant
- Highly sensitive
- Superior knot strength
- Virtually invisible underwater
Line Tensioning Tools
Regardless of the line you choose. It needs to be spooled with the proper tension. The tools for tensioning the line are low cost. It is a small investment to avoid line problems.
Waterproof Knot Tying Chart at Bass Pro
Summary
The choices of the best fluorocarbon fishing lines are small. There are other lines. The lines not on the list tend to underperform. They have excessive memory, too much stiffness, or lack in other areas of performance. A dollar or two in savings is not economical. The line will need to be changed sooner.
In addition, the cheap line has problems. The most common ones are wind knots and knot failure. Either problem leads to a frustrating day while fishing.
John McIntyre
