Using Fluorocarbon Lines for leaders
I would like to share my experience when it comes to using Fluorocarbon lines for leaders. I m the casual angler and don’t really pay attention to details such as specs of line, rods and reels. As long as I find them to be a good fit, it’s good enough for me.
However, as I progress through the years and trading fishing stories with fellow anglers, I was told of the benefits of using fluorocarbon lines for leaders a few years ago. They have been using fluorocarbon lines for leaders which have resulted into better catches for them. Well, I was never really convinced initially but decided to give it a try anyway.
Please note that there are some who try to pass their lines as fluorocarbon line as the real deal when in fact they are not. Buyers beware.
With most stuff, there’s always benefits and trade off and Fluorocarbon line is no different.
Benefits Of Using Fluorocarbon Lines for Leaders
It has already been long in use by anglers who were targeting line-shy fish. This is because of it’s particular feature where it has nearly the same light refraction as water thus making it invisible to the fish in your bait or lure presentation.
Because of its near invisibility, it actually allows you to use heavier poundage as a leader in fishing some places with thick covers and with its abrasion resistance characteristics compared with nylon mono of the same diameter, make it all the better leader in these type of fishing conditions.
It is also able to withstand the sun’s UV light without any ill effects.
Waterproof—Unlike mono and some superlines, fluorocarbon doesn’t absorb water. This means it has the same strength, sensitivity and handling below the surface as it does when dry. It feels and acts the same on your first cast as it does on your last.
Cons Of Using Fluorocarbon Lines for Leaders
Fluorocarbon is stiffer and thus more memory when compared to mono. It’s obvious on my spinning reels after some use and over-spooling usually results in your lines de-spooling when I open my bail arm. That is something you have to watch out for and can be compensated by matching the line with the right reel and not over-spooling.
Cannot comment on bait casters or overhead reels since I rarely use those.
However, I have noticed improvement made by Berkley along the way since I first started using and things are more manageable now.
It sinks faster than mono and it’s not the best for small baits or lures that you want to present on the water surface
It has to be properly knotted in order for it to hold. Hastily tied knots without properly wetting it will fail. However, a moistened and properly tied one has good knot strength.
I have been using Fluorocarbon lines for leaders ever since but it may not be suitable for everyone depending on each individual style of fishing. For me, it’s a matter of convenience having lesser spools of different type of lines in my tackle box to cater to every fishing situation.
Good Luck and Tight Lines!
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