I use fluorocarbon, but after reading an article recently I am re-considering what to use.

Thus far, I have only tried fluoro leaders, not the fluoro lines.

I have tried different strengths and different brands. Strenght to me is pretty obvious, depending on application. Lighter stuff for schoolie fishing from a beach and heavier stuff for cows in a boulder field.

Has anyone found a fluoro leader brand that is better than others. The article I read discussed the differences in both flouride compounds and polymers. I have not detected a major difference in abrasion resistance (I also spend more time on a beach, or at least not rock hopping) or visibility (I also spend most of my time fishing at nights). And I must be doing something right, because I have not had any problems with knots holding. Is their a brand that is more pliable, abrasion resistant, or less visible in the water?


The second fluorocarbon question I have is Line vs. Leader? I have not tried a fluorocarbon line yet. I read/hear rumors that the manufacturers have created the line more supple. Seaguar actual has a high density/hard core wrapped in a softer outter layer, resulting in less memory and better knot strength/holding ability. The refraction index is still suppose to be very close to water, but the abrasion resistance has to go down.



So what's everyones opinions -
Line or leader?
way to go or waste of money?
brands?

Good and bad experiences welcome.
-tuck

use your favorite mono then use seagar floro carbon leader snelled to your hook or tied to a swivel. They invented the stuff and in my opion its the best out there

Your going to get a lot of positive opinions about Fluro. And what ever you have confidence in, is what you should do. Having confidence in your setup is key. But I am a nay sayer. I have cought tons of bass on my boat with jigs tied directly to the wire. I have caught tons of fish in the canal using braids with only an 18inch mono leader. I have caught fish in skinny water using light lines. I have always been of the mindset that until they invent invisable hook on lures. why put extra knots in your line for invisable line. Now I do agree that there may be a time for it. But the way I fish, and the places I fish, I have never found the need for it. Cheers Big Dave

I use seagar for all my leaders. I tried vanish but like seagar better. IMO they are all more abraision resistant then plain mono. no problem with knots. I think it does help but have no scientific evidence that I catch more fish with it but it feels better as a leader material. IMO it is especially good when you tie direct for albies and bones...it really works better then a direct mono tie.

For about 3 years all I used was yo-zuri line for surf fishing... Then I went to big game, I thought yo-zuri was pretty good but a tad stiff esp in cold weather. I did not notice a hook up ratio difference. Now I am a braid guy that goes to a seagar leader.

I am sure others make decent floro leader material as well. Just cause you invent it does not mean you make it the best. That said I tend to purchase seagar.

It aint cheap, that is for sure, too bad you can't buy bulk spools of this stuff. The heavy stuff is almost a buck a yard.

I too am a naysayer. Tried Flouro, had no confidence in knot integrity. Looked like they were trying to untie themselves. Plus the invisible underwater issue. Bfreakin'S! I did my own unscientific test, took a length of flouro and put it in a glass of water. It was still there! Repeated with Saltwater, peek-a -boo! Went directly back to my 50# mono leaders. Saved a bundle,too.

I use Seaguar 30# almost exclusively and not that I'm convinced I need that over mono, but even if there is that edge it's a confidence thing. The main reason for a leader for me of course is braid will cut you like a knife, braid and rocks don't mix and I need something to grab to host that fish on board. I find the 30# Seaguar or 40#, gives me less stretch and an easy way to get the bass in the boat.

I first started using the seagar for albies about three years ago. I was realy impressed and now use it for all leaders. It's very abrasion resistant, as stated before. I've had flourocarbon leader rubs agianst some serious boulders with very little damage. Also most of the time it's less visible than mono, and under the right conditions it can be almost invisible.

I use Seaguar #30 or #40 for leaders. Never had a problem.

I was using Seagar for several seasons without any problems, 50# and 60#. This year I switched over to Ande fluoro in the same # test. It is equally as abrasion resistant, and 1/2 the price of Seagar. The only negative I have found with the Ande is that it is a little harder to tighten down your knots. You really have to get it completely soaked with spit to sinch it down.

I like Seagar 40# been using it for years & it hasn't let me down.
You gotta do some home work on you're own & find out what works for you.

We can only lead you to the door,it's up to you to decide what is best for you.
IMHO.


5/0

Years ago when seaguar fluoro first came out, I was working on a party boat fluke fishing. In early may we would head across to Peconic Bay, not alot fish but real quality... You may only catch 10 fluke but there nothing under 6lbs. The first trip of the year was usually all regulars, this particular trip we had only two rentals given out. I set up both with #30 fluoro and different sets of jewelery, along with these two, my rod, two regulars rods, and the Capt.'s had fluoro. Out of the 18 fluke we caught that day14 were on the fluoro rigs, the largest being 12lbs by one of the rental rods. Take what ever you want from that, but I use fluoro for just about everything in under 50ft of water.

I used 20# seagar last season. I think I might use 30# this year for most applications.

I've been using Orvis Mirage fluorocarbon in 30 pound (.019"), 44 pound (.023"), and 60 pound (.027) for years with braided lines - I've used Power Pro the last several years. I've never had a problem with the Mirage. It ties well, has good abrasion resistance, and is very strong. I use the 60 pound test Mirage for most of my surf fishing and the lighter pounds for estuaries. I also use 80 pound Seaguar fluorocarbon when blues are around or if I'm in a very rocky area. No complaints with any of these lines.

I have been using flourocarbon for one season and I like for my droppers and my leaders. I have been using triplefish and Ande. It is more difficult to synch down a knot than with mono but in very rocky areas and in very clear water it is the way to go.

Hi guys,

I appreciate all the advice, but I really wasn't looking for people to tell me what to use. I just thought it was an interesting topic. and wanted to see what people here thought. I am thankful for those who tried to help me more directly, but that is not what I am looking for here.

So keep up the conversation. Haven't heard from anyone that uses Fluorocarbon Line.

Fluorocarbon line is a fairly new innovation that has only been around for about three years, I think, but I'm not sure :huh:
I've never used it but from what I've read it's main feature is there is no stretch, and most people go to braid for that any way. The price for a 200 yd spool runs from $14-$18. Might be worth a try if you don't mind trying something different.

I tried fluorocarbon last year for my leaders and I did not really see a difference in my hookup ratio. I don't think it is worth the money, I have gone back to using mono.

I use 50lb ANde pink for leaders. 20lb ANde for my reel.
No problems to report, but truthfully, its all I ever used and have nothing to compare it to. :smash:

I agree and use Seagar fluro for all my leaders. Regarding actual fluoro line, my brother swears by it and I hate it (strictly fire for me)

:smash:

i use fireline for regular line, segaur floro for albie/bonito and 50 lb clear big game for bass..Rhody rocks require it. :smash: