Is Fluorocarbon leader different to main line fluorocarbon?
100% fluorocarbon main line and leader are not the same. While breaking strength and diameter will be near-identical, the outer finish of the lines is radically different. It stands to reason because main line and leader are challenged with various tasks.
Fluorocarbon leader goes through a process that makes it harder, stiffer and far more abrasion-resistant. Can you imagine the challenge of spooling your reel with 30-pound fluorocarbon leader?
Conversely, fluorocarbon mainline goes through a chemical process that makes it far softer and more supple. This process also causes the main line version to be more prone to the nicks, cuts and abrasions from fish and structure.
Fluorocarbon main line must pack neatly, and uniformly onto a spool, and it must be castable. Casting it does brilliantly. The leader version cannot perform the same.
It’s unwise to reverse their roles or substitute one for the other. Firstly, it’s more or less impossible to spool a fishing reel with leader. While you can use fluoro mainline as a leader, you run the risk of your leader failing due to nicks, cuts and abrasions.
Is Fluorocarbon Low Stretch?
Yes, it typically is low in stretch and, it sinks. Limited stretch lines have the benefit of transmitting bites better. You will feel more of what’s happening at the lure end of your fishing line with fluoro.
Limited stretch is also far better for hook setting which is especially true when you are fishing at depth or with significant amounts of line out.
Because of fluorocarbons sinking properties, it’s not always the ideal line if you’re fishing the topwater with ultra-light lures. However, suspending baits at depth and jigging are typical applications for fluorocarbon fishing lines. Because of its density, it will also sink much faster than other fishing lines.
A few tips if you are using lighter surface fishing lures and If you’re using a fluorocarbon leader is to simply reduce the length of the leader to ensure your bait stays high in the water column. Another tip is to give the leader a very light coating of Vaseline or even Squidgy S-Factor Scent if you have it.
Can Fish See Fluorocarbon?
One of the great benefits of fluorocarbon mainline and leader is that it is challenging for fish to see. Once it hits the water, the refractive index properties, similar to that of water, cause the line to become practically invisible. This makes it the go-to line and leader whenever you’re fishing clear water.
The trade-off is the fluoro is thicker, and thicker means a greater surface area. Fish don’t need to see the line to ‘detect’ the line. The higher breaking strain you use, the greater the chance of you losing fluoro invisible man stealth advantage.
Make sure you remove line or change leaders that have nicks or cuts. These imperfections are highly visible to fish, and may well spook your target.
It’s good practice to remove compromised line of any sort. Damage line is a leading cause of lost fish and broken hearts.
What is the best Fluorocarbon Line on the market?
We’ll start by saying this is a tricky question, yet pretty easy to answer. Firstly, at the fishing tackle shop, we stand by the quality of the fluoro mainline and leader we sell. They’re all excellent. Our two best-sellers are FC Rock and Berkley Vanish.
Secondly, you can contact us if you’re unsure. The fishing tackle shop experts are well versed in the differing benefits of each brand. Manufacturers make similar or identical claims; however, you will find that different fluorocarbons have better credentials in specific applications, and maybe less appropriate in others.
Thirdly, and most highly recommended, is to try them all personally. That which constitutes a good line for you may have a different point of view from another angler. The best way to assess if a fluorocarbon line or leader is right for you is to try it. This approach is the fastest path to knowing your fluoros and peace of mind when you’re fishing.
Follow our online listing links and check out our fluorocarbon leader and line for sale. We’ve got several brands and sizes in stock that will suit your fishing applications and demands for either freshwater or saltwater fishing.
