Review of the Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Line – While fluorocarbon fishing lines are among the best available, they are not all created equal. Instead, it would help if you concentrated on certain aspects to ensure that the fluorocarbon line you select is of the highest quality. Each manufacturer appears to have its unique technology and design that differentiates its range from the competitors. Some lines are made entirely of fluorocarbons, whereas others are wholly made of copolymers. Both have advantages and disadvantages.
As a leader line, fluorocarbon lines are commonly employed. This implies you’ll use this sort of line for the first few feet of your line leading up to the lure. When fluorocarbon comes into contact with water, it becomes transparent, making it practically invisible. As a result, fish swimming by your bait will mistake it for food, giving it a considerably better probability of being struck than any other type of line.
When it comes to fishing as leisure and outdoor sport, the importance of the fishing line cannot be overstated. As a fisherman, you’re more likely to be excited about choosing the best fluorocarbon line because it plays a vital role in ensuring a fantastic fishing experience.
Braided fishing lines, monofilament fishing lines, and fluorocarbon fishing lines are among the various types and sizes of fishing lines available. Choosing the ideal one for your requirements can be difficult. Fluorocarbons have gained enormous appeal among skilled anglers all over the world in recent years.
While there are many various lines available, we discovered a couple that stands out. The best casting fluorocarbon line depends on the style of fishing you intend to conduct, the fish you catch, and the waters you are fishing in. We have you covered with everything you need to know, including solutions that excel in almost all forms of fishing.
Are you ready to begin? Let’s get started.
Why and When to Use Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines
For various reasons, most anglers believe the fluorocarbon fishing line to be the most acceptable option. For one thing, it is nearly undetectable in the water since the fishing line lets a lot of natural light pass through, making it difficult for fish to notice.
Anglers utilize the best fluorocarbon lines in crankbaits because of this attribute. Because the fishing line is highly stiff, it is usually sold in spools large enough to fill your reel as leader material. Otherwise, casting it will be impossible.
The fishing line also dives quickly, making it excellent for deep-water fishing. It’s also terrific for creating instant hook settings and is abrasion-resistant, making it ideal for fishing around pylons, coral, rocks, and other obstructions.
Fluorocarbon is far more resistant to abrasions than nylon monofilament of the same diameter, and it can deflect UV rays with little to no adverse consequences. In addition, Fluoro doesn’t absorb water, so it has the same durability, sensitivity, and handling properties as when it’s dry.
Furthermore, because fish can’t see fluorocarbon lines underwater, you can upsize them to get the maximum strength and abrasion resistance without spooking them. Anglers can also feel everything going on beneath the surface because of the lack of stretch, so they will know exactly when the fish bite.
Yes, it is more expensive than other fishing lines, but because of its incredible abrasion resistance and quality, a fluorocarbon line pays for itself over time. There are various brands to pick from, but we’ve compiled a list of the top ones for you.
6 Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines for 2021
Berkley Vanish
Weights2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 17, 20, 30-40, 40, 50, 60
Colors: Clear
Berkley’s Vanish, one of the first fluorocarbon line on the market, was not well-known at the time. Many anglers didn’t know how to condition fluorocarbon and tie it. It became a popular online fishing tool. It doesn’t deserve that reputation.
Vanish is a great fluorocarbon and it’s very abrasion-resistant. We are not claiming it, but SaltStrong tested Vanish to see if it was as abrasion resistant as the Seaguar Blue Label. This is a big win for Vanish! Vanish is a middle-of the-pack for abrasion resistance. However, it’s a solid choice.
Vanish is available in many weights so it can fit in any tackle box, no matter if you are fishing for crappie or tuna. We value this diversity and so do you.
Although it casts well, it can cause problems with spinning gear, as do most fluorocarbons. This line is not recommended for casting reels.
Vanish’s knot strength, when properly tied, is also average. It does not fade to white or lose its coating during use. It is also quite sensitive, according to us.
Vanish isn’t our top pick, but it’s an option that we like.
Pros
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- Comparatively cheap
- Excellent resistance to abrasion
- Good casting
- Good knot strength
- Sensitivity is a virtue
- It remains clear
- Available in heavy weights
Cons
-
- Nothing really exceptional about anything
Seaguar Invizx -Our Choice!
Weights 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 25,
Colors: Clear
Seaguar Invizx is a popular choice among anglers. Just a few casts or knots will show why. This fluorocarbon mainline is a great choice for those who need clear, sensitive, easy-casting fluorocarbon.
Invizx excels in handling and knot strength. This fluoro is more mono than mono on a casting reel. It feels soft, smooth, and free from tangles. As a result, it casts very well.
Its knot strength cannot be beat. A well-tied Palomar can cause the main line to give before it lets go. This is a very fast and hard law of fishing. This is more than any nylon monofilaments, so Seaguar must be working some magic behind the scenes!
It is also extremely sensitive. This is why we recommend it to anglers who fish fluoro.
The coating does not deteriorate during use.
This line’s weakness is its poor abrasion resistance. We recommend that you keep this fluoros out of the tough stuff, as with all fluoros. It’s also not available in heavyweights so it is a limitation in saltwater.
Pros
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- Casting is excellent
- Great sensitivity
- Amazing knot strength
- It remains clear
Cons
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- Poor resistance to abrasion
- Heavy weights not available
- Not for the faint of heart
KastKing FluoroKote
Weights: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 20, 25, 30,
Colors: Clear
FluoroKote by KastKing is not pure PVDF, as the name implies. It’s a copolymer-line coated with 100% fluorocarbon to benefit from the material’s water refracting properties. The co-polymer core offers some advantages in terms knot strength, casting and handling but it does mean that there is a loss in density.
It is therefore generally less expensive than actual fluorocarbons, and, if KastKing’s marketing claims, just as sensitive. We have found that pure fluorocarbons, which are the true strength of this line, are more sensitive. We’d still say this product is comparable to Berkley Vanish in the category.
However, knot strength is exceptional and a well-tied Palomar can hold.
FluoroKote’s composition makes it a great line for handling and casting. We think this is the best part about FluoroKote. It also has excellent abrasion resistance making it a great choice for budget-conscious customers.
FluoroKote’s overall performance is great, but it lacks true fluoros’ sensitivity. It’s still better that nylon monofilament in this regard.
Pros
- Comparatively cheap
- Casting is excellent
- Strong knot strength
- Excellent resistance to abrasion
- It remains clear
Cons
- It is not the most sensitive.
- Heavy weights not available
P–Line Fluorocarbon
Weights: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 25
Colors: Clear
P-Line Flurorcarbon offers a great option and is a great choice as compared to our top choice.
If you are concerned about the Seaguar Invisx’s poor abrasion resistance, then this may be an option. P-Line is better suited for fishing in rough conditions where abrasion may be a problem.
Although it is stronger than many fluorocarbons for knot strength, it still trails Invisx. A properly tied Palomar should pass most of the line’s tensile rating test before it is given. This is comparable to the best nylon monofilaments and quite a step above its competitors.
Castability and sensitivity are also excellent. We have no complaints. This product is an excellent all-rounder.
Pros
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- Casting is excellent
- Great sensitivity
- Amazing knot strength
- It remains clear
- Excellent resistance to abrasion
Cons
-
- Not for the faint of heart
- Heavy weights not available
Sunline Super FC Sniper
Weights: 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11, 12, 14, 16, 20,
Colors: Clear
The Sunline Super FC Sniper has a triple resin coating that improves limpness, handling and abrasion resistance. It is truly a superior casting for fluorocarbon. This line also has very low memory. We would even consider running it on a spinning reel. This is quite an accomplishment!
Sunline’s FC Sniper is extremely sensitive and resistant to abrasions. It is a top-rated choice in both these areas and it has been highly praised.
It is also very easy to use and great for casting–probably the best among the bunch! This makes it useful on spinning reels too!
It has one weakness: its knot strength isn’t quite as high as Seaguar InvisX and Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon. However, it casts just as well.
There were no problems with fading.
This is a great alternative to our top pick.
Pros
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- Not for the faint of heart
- Excellent resistance to abrasion
- Amazing casting
- Great sensitivity
- It remains clear
Cons
-
- Average knot strength
Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon
Weights: 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 16, 17, 20, 25,
Colors: Clear and Green
Trilene’s 100% Fluorocarbon comes from a proprietary blend of PVDF and Berkley. This gives it “optimal impact strength”.
Trilene’s 100% Fluorocarbon is strong enough to tie a Palomar knot. It’s actually comparable to the best nylon monofilaments. This negates a major criticism about fluorocarbon. Trilene’s efforts to combat fluorocarbon are working!
This line is average in terms of abrasion resistance and sensitivity. However, it casts well, remains clear, and holds its green color very well. We recommend casting reels, as with most fluorocarbon line. The high amount of memory and tendency to twist can cause problems when spinning tackle is used.
We feel that this product is superior to Vanish Transition and Vanish Transition in terms of knot strength.
Pros
- Comparatively cheap
- Excellent resistance to abrasion
- Good casting
- Sensitivity is a virtue
- Amazing knot strength
- It retains its color and remains clear
Fluorocarbon Lines: Advantages & Disadvantages
Other fishing lines can be used, but fluoro will very certainly end up in your tackle box. The line has a lot of advantages, and the disadvantages are minor. However, we’d be remiss if we ignored them as serious anglers because this is an honest appraisal.
Because the Pros Fluorocarbon lines are single-stranded, you won’t have to worry about wayward strands fusing or unwinding when fishing. It is heavier than other lines because of this trait, which also makes it more robust. Furthermore, the line can be used for both hard and cover hooks, making it the preferred leader material.
Anglers adore this line for various reasons, the most notable of which is that it is invisible to fish. Fluoro is made of PVDF, a material that does not distort light as it passes through it.
This allows the line to blend into the water, which is very useful when fishing in clear water. However, most anglers employ it on purpose when they’re in cover to maximize its effectiveness.
Fluorocarbon is composed of tight molecules, unlike monolines, which allow it to sink swiftly underwater. The characteristic also makes the line elastic, allowing it to withstand a great deal of pressure.
It also makes the line extremely sensitive, which is useful when fishing for fish that are line-shy. Even if you start daydreaming, you won’t miss a single movement or touch on the line. Fluoro lines are also UV and chemical resistant, making them suitable for use in marine environments.
Disadvantages
One of the most common gripes fishers have about fluoro lines is that they may be pretty costly. The hefty price tag is understandable, especially when you consider that it can last five to six years, compared to three years for mono.
Furthermore, it is not appropriate for topwater fishing because it is heavy enough to sink swiftly and quickly. This trait makes it perfect for bottom fishing, but it renders it useless for fishing with floating lures. Furthermore, unless you damp the stiff line, you may find it difficult to tie knots.
Even then, it may take a few tries and a lot of experience before you can tie a complex knot in the line fast and efficiently.
Aside from that, fluoro is extremely difficult to cast due to its lack of elasticity and weight. To put it another way, the line’s ability to take baits to the bottom makes it tough to cast. Overall, however, it’s nothing that a little practice won’t remedy.
Why do you want to use fluorocarbon as your main line?
Fluorocarbon is a polyvinylidene fluoride-based monofilament (PVDF). It’s a thermoplastic that’s harder and denser than nylon. In theory, this makes fluorocarbon more abrasion resistant than regular mono, diameter for diameter. It also boosts the sink rate and sensitivity of the system.
Fluorocarbon lines of high grade are multi-layered, with a robust core for added strength. They’re commonly coated to improve abrasion resistance, as well as casting performance and handling.
Waterproof – Fluorocarbon is entirely impervious to water. As a result, when wet, it will not affect its handling characteristics or become weak. It behaves the same way, wet or dry, except knotting.
UV resistance: Your gear spends a lot of time in the sun, and UV exposure causes nylon monofilament to break down. However, because fluoro is far more resistant to UV break-down than nylon, it will last far longer before needing to be replaced.
Sinks: Unlike mono, fluorocarbon sinks are significantly denser than water. This is sometimes cited as an incentive to convert to fluorocarbons; however, while accurate, the drop rate is prolonged. Take a look at the graph below, for example. It takes 15 seconds for fluorocarbon to fall one foot!
“The sink rate of fluorocarbon is so small that it has next to zero impact on how deep a crankbait or other piece of trolling gear will dive,” says Mark Romanack of Precision Trolling.
Sensitivity: Fluorocarbon has a higher sensitivity than mono carbon due to its higher density, further amplified by its greater stiffness. It also has excellent slack line sensitivity, which is critical for many bass anglers who use bottom contact approaches.
In reality, fluorocarbon has a strong suit in this regard, as it can behave similarly to braid without the excellent visibility of a superline.
Is it possible that it’s low-visibility? – Fluorocarbon’s main selling feature is its alleged near-invisibility in water. Indeed, according to its manufacturers and supporters, its low refractive index makes it practically invisible to fish. Fluoro bends and slows light in the same way that water does, and the idea is that this makes it difficult to see.
Dip transparent fluorocarbon and mono of the same diameter in a glass of water for an easy test of this feature; when examined side-by-side, the fluoro is often the less apparent.
Unfortunately, that isn’t the entire tale. Mono and fluro are indistinguishable to cameras, according to fishing photographers.
It’s also worth noting that fluoro isn’t almost invisible in water, according to scientists. They’ve done the math, and the conclusion is clear: fluorocarbon isn’t as safe as its manufacturers promise.
It may, however, make a difference in certain conditions and with certain fish. For example, when TackleTour put Seaguar’s fluorocarbon to the test in the real world, they discovered that it increased strike frequency with salmon, but mono outperformed it on striped bass.
Rob Hughes encapsulates our point of view quite nicely. “Flouro [sic] is a fantastic material for many reasons, but presuming it is invisible is a formula for disaster.”
Low-stretch? – Fluorocarbon line stretches under load, as fluoro fishers know. Various brands stretch differently, but fluorocarbon stretches more than mono, but it takes more energy to make it give in the first place. However, unlike mono, it retains its elongation and deforms permanently as a result.
Fluorocarbon “actually stretches more than nylon mono,” according to Berkley. The difference is that fluoro stretching requires more effort, to begin with. As a result, fluoro works well as a mainline or a leader in conjunction with low-stretch superline in situations where controlled stretch is beneficial.”
Rapala disagrees slightly, reiterating the importance of brands. “While fluorocarbon has less stretch (average 25 percent) than typical nylon monofilaments (average 28 percent), fishermen won’t notice the difference until the nylon absorbs water and becomes more elastic.”
Cons UV resistance – Don’t throw your fluorocarbon away in the sea! It will last a long time because it is resistant to UV deterioration.
Fluoro is expensive to produce, and this cost is passed on to the consumer.
Knotting is fluorocarbon’s Achilles’ heel because it’s difficult to tie and has a low knot strength. In addition, because the base material is rough, it bites poorly on itself, making knot tying difficult and knot power poor.
In TackleTour’s testing, knot failure occurred at an average of 63.5 percent of the tested tensile strength for the high-end fluorocarbons. That means knot failure will occur at just 12.7 pounds of force for the average 20-pound fluorocarbon!
Which fluoro knots work best?
The Palomar comes highly recommended.
Fluoro’s rigidity doesn’t help here, as it casts worse than both mono and braid. It also causes more guide friction due to its extreme hardness.
There are exceptions, and among our favorites is an incredibly limp, easy casting fluoro.
PVDF is an incredibly robust material, and because fluorocarbon is a round monofilament, it can take a lot of abuse when sliding over abrasive surfaces.
However, fluoro isn’t always tougher than nylon mono, and producers don’t claim it is. Instead, they argue that because of the alleged “poor visibility,” anglers can use a heavier weight line, which will result in more abrasion resistance simply due to the larger diameter.
This claimed abrasion resistance has also not been validated through rigorous testing.
After that, Saltstrong soaked the mono for 15 minutes before repeating the test, which yielded the same result.
Is this a conclusive test? Unfortunately, no, but it does give you fuel for thought.
Don’t just take our word for it, though. “If fluorocarbon has any negatives, it’s that it sinks and may not be as abrasion-resistant as monofilament,” says Bobby Lane, 2008 Bassmaster Rookie of the Year, Elite Series champion, and six-time Bassmaster Classic qualifier. As a result, it’s not a good choice for floating lures. So when fishing weighty cover where I expect my line to get scratched up, I switch to a different line type.”
The more a material expands under strain, the more “elastic” it is; how easily it recovers to its pre-load length is a question of “plasticity.”
Fluorocarbon is pliable but not mainly plastic.
Fluorocarbon permanently deforms after a substantial load, keeping the stretch driven into a maximum of roughly 5%.
What Factors Do We Take Into Account When Choosing The Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Line?
When We Prefer Fluorocarbon as a Primary Line
As a mainline, fluorocarbon offers several distinct advantages, but it is not suitable for every application. As previously said, its primary advantage as a mainline is that it is susceptible, incredibly when slack, while being as inconspicuous as mono. In a nutshell, think of fluoro as a braid substitute.
Fluorocarbon leaders have shown their usefulness, notably low-visibility shock-absorbers for heavy nylon monofilament, where knot strength is a concern. However, the braid to leader knot is a point of possible failure for some anglers, and it’s simply not worth the risk for them. A fluoro mainline is the best option in these situations.
Many top bass anglers have switched to fluoro mainline for bottom contact techniques like worm fishing when slack-line sensitivity is desired. Because of its significant density has unrivaled slack sensitivity, allowing you to feel bass effortlessly suck your bait off the bottom. Fluorocarbon’s winning combination of sensitivity and low-visibility combines the finest of mono with the best of the braid.
When we’re fishing in the water, braided superline is out – as you can tell, we’re not sold on fluorocarbon’s “invisibility,” but there’s no denying how visible braid is in comparison. If we can’t use a leader and require sensitivity in clear water, fluoro is an excellent option.
Fluorocarbon Main Line: How Do We Use It?
Fluorocarbon offers certain advantages, but it also has several drawbacks as a mainline. When contrasted to nylon monofilament or braid, it is stiff and difficult to grip and cast. It also tangles badly. When it extends under stress, it might deform permanently, further weakening the line.
What can we do to address these flaws?
Re-tie after each fish: We like to re-tie our knot after catching any fish of reasonable size. Yes, that is time consuming and inconvenient. But it’s also necessary if you want to get the most out of fluoro.
Stripline: When it comes to abrasion, it’s best to go heavy on the line and light on the scrape after any contact with rocks, pilings, oyster shells, stumps, etc., strip and re-tie.
Using line conditioners, such as Kevin VanDam’s Line & Lure Conditioner, will improve fluorocarbon casting.
Reduce your drag a little: Fluorocarbon has good shock resistance, but it’s still inferior to nylon mono of the same weight. Worse, its knot strength is significantly reduced. So we want to run our drag a little lower than we would with equal-weight mono to deal with these concerns.
What Qualities Do We Look for in Fluorocarbons of Good Quality?
Despite the fact that only a few businesses produce the raw materials used to make fluorocarbon line, quality differs from one brand to the next. Here are the qualities we look for in an excellent option.
Fluro is normally supplied as a clear, translucent monofilament from the factory. Poor-quality fluoro, on the other hand, turns opaque white quickly and can even shed a fine powder that coats your equipment and hands. We search for fluoro that maintains its factory clarity when in use.
Knot strength – While fluoro isn’t known for its knot strength, certain brands are better than others, and a few even outperform most monos! A well-tied knot should be able to withstand at least 60% of the line’s tensile strength. We’ll pass if it’s any less.
Abrasion resistance – While fluorocarbon does not have a specific strength in this area, we search for products that can withstand abrasion for longer than their competitors.
We’re fishing fluoro for its slack-line sensitivity; if it doesn’t deliver, we’ll look for a different brand.
Smooth casting – While we don’t expect braid-like results, we’d like to feel like we’re not stumbling. We’ll evaluate the casting of our favorites, excluding any products that don’t make the cut from our reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How effective is the Fluorocarbon line?
A: If you’re fishing in deep water or want to make sure your bait or lure drops to the bottom, then yes. Due to its weight, it is ineffective as a topwater lure.
Q: Can I make a leader out of the fluorocarbon line?
A: You certainly can. Because of its excellent abrasion resistance and thickness, many fly fishers use it as a leader.
Q: What is the strongest fluorocarbon knot?
A: The Palomar knot is one of the strongest for this line since it’s simple to tie and retains most of the line’s strength.
Q: How often should my fluoro line be changed?
A: Once a season should suffice, although the line can stay much longer. To put it another way, change the line when you need more and when it is worn out to extend the life of the spool.
Q: How do you distinguish between a fluoro line and a fluoro leader?
A: Because the leader is robust and firm, it can resist a lot of scratching against jagged rocks and oysters. Fluoro line, on the other hand, is a softer material that can be readily damaged. That is why you should always reel in your line. It’s now much easy to cast it.
Q: Is it possible to use a fluoro line on a spinning reel?
A: Yes, as long as the line weighs less than 8 pounds. More than that, and it will become knotted and cast poorly. If you need something more durable, try a braided line instead.
Q: Do pikes have the ability to bite through the fluoro line?
A: The sharp back teeth of the pike should not cut through this abrasion-resistant line in most cases. Tie a ball-bearing swivel on one end of the leader and a hefty snap on the other to limit the possibilities of it breaking.
Q: What is the proper amount of fluoro line to use?
A: Depending on the purity and depth of the water, as well as the fishing technique you’re utilizing, 6 to 20 feet should suffice. Use 6 to 20 feet of line if you’re operating a weightless rig.
Q: Is fluorocarbon a memory material?
A: Yes, because it is stiffer than mono and super lines, which means it has more excellent memory.
Final Thoughts
Anglers use fluorocarbon when they need the sensitivity of braid in a low-vis setting, especially if they aren’t confident in the leader’s strength to mainline knot. As a result, good fluorocarbon must be sensitive and knot well, as it will be replacing both braid and nylon monofilament.
As a result, Seaguar’s Invisx is our top pick. Whatever Seaguar does in their factory is working since this line has knot strength to rival mono! It’s simply amazing on this front, clearly outperforming the competition. It’s also incredibly delicate and simple to cast, which makes it a popular option among anglers.
It does, however, have a flaw. It’s not very abrasion resistant, so P-Line Fluorocarbon or Sunline Super FC Sniper might be better choices if that’s a concern. However, none of those alternatives can give particularly heavyweight fluoro, so we’d resort to the otherwise all-around Vanish for these thicker diameter lines.
Whatever solution you choose, fluorine will get the job done and then follow our advice.
If you think we overlooked something in determining the best fluorocarbon line, or if our discussion has helped you fish more successfully, please leave a comment below.
