What Are The Best Fluorocarbon Lines For Fishing

One of the biggest decisions that any angler has to make is what type of fishing line to use.

Now, you may have noticed that fluorocarbon is steadily gaining ground in the industry and is many anglers’ go-to fishing line.

Even if you have adopted this type of line, you may still be struggling to figure out what the best fluorocarbon fishing line is.

In this guide, however, I have tackled many aspects surrounding fluorocarbon line.

As you read through it, you will also find several suggestions for some of the top options in the market.

Best Fluorocarbon Lines

What Is Fluorocarbon Line?

Prior to moving onto anything else, you first need to understand what fluorocarbon line actually is. The main components of this fishing line include fluorine, carbon, and chlorine. For the purpose of fishing, though, these elements are combined into a form that is known as polyvinylidene difluoride.

The molecules in this line are tightly packed and they extrude as a single strand. It is these features that make the fluorocarbon line a great deal denser and heavier than some of the older fishing lines. The particular construction of the molecules in this fishing line result in varying durability, visibility, and even stretch.

The History of Fluorocarbon Line

Fluorocarbon hasn’t actually been used as a fishing line for very long. It was invented in Japan somewhere in the 1970s. However, it took some time for it to gain widespread use as leader line. This was because in the early days, fluorocarbon was incredibly stiff, making it quite difficult to manage. On top of this, it was also a great deal pricier than many other types of fishing lines.

This all changed during the 1990s, once anglers realized the advantages that came along with using this fishing line. This is because manufacturers found much better production methods which led to a fishing line that was more serviceable.

These days, it is not uncommon to find most major fishing line manufacturers offering fluorocarbon options. However, you should note that each brand differs greatly from one another. This is due to the fact that manufacturers place varying emphasis on the various properties of fluorocarbon line and sometimes the fishing rods being used.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Fluorocarbon Line

As with any fishing line, fluorocarbon line has its benefits as well as its drawbacks. See what they are here:

The Advantages

• Low Visibility: Any angler will tell you that one of the main perks of a fluorocarbon fishing line is that it is nearly invisible in clear water. This is because the line has a refractive index that is very close to that of water. As a result, it distorts the light passing through the water to a lesser degree. So, in clear water, fish are less likely to notice the line in the water.
• Improved Sensitivity: Remember how I mentioned that the molecules in the fluorocarbon line were more tightly packed? Due to this feature, the molecules are more adept at passing energy to one another. This, in turn, transmits even the tiniest nibble from one end of the line to another, that much faster.
• Better Hooking Capabilities: If you are looking to improve your hooksets, particularly at a longer casting distance, you will be able to appreciate what fluorocarbon line can do for you. See, fluorocarbon doesn’t have nearly as much stretch as some of the other fishing lines. This makes it easier for you to hook your fish at a greater distance.
• Abrasion Resistance: When the natural density of fluorocarbon is combined with the extrusion process, the result is a strand with a very hard finish. This is what lends a higher abrasion resistance to the line. So, it is able to maintain its strength and withstand scratches and fraying.
• Durability: It has already been established that fluorocarbon is resistant to frequent friction against other surfaces. At the same time, it also rather resistant to UV light which is what prevents the line from weakening over time.

The Disadvantages

• Cost: One of the reasons that anglers shy away from fluorocarbon fishing line is the cost. It tends to be more expensive than some other types of line, particularly monofilament. However, the increased durability of the line often makes up for this.
• Reduced Manageability: Fluorocarbon line has earned a reputation for being quite unmanageable and this is with good reason. The line tends to be stiffer and has increased memory which can make it a bit difficult to work with. Fortunately, there are many manufacturers that have made it slightly more usable.
• Quick Sink Rate: This feature can be seen as both a blessing as a curse. While a quick sink rate can come in handy in certain situations, it is a problem in others. This means that fluorocarbon isn’t suitable for all fishing situations.

When to Use Fluorocarbon Line

You will find that it is virtually impossible to find a fishing line that you can use for every single angling situation. Depending on the body of water that you are fishing in, what fish you are trying to catch, and the gear that you are using, you will need to use the corresponding line.

Here, I will take you through some of the instances where fluorocarbon line will come in useful.

Perhaps the first thing that you should know is that there aren’t too many anglers out there who use the fluorocarbon line for the entire spool. This type of fishing line is more commonly used as a leader. This cuts down any issues that you may experience with the manageability.

Now, due to the high abrasion resistance on this line, you will find it helpful to use this fishing line in areas with medium to heavy cover. This way, even if the line does brush against weeds or debris, you can be guaranteed that it isn’t going to be damaged or affected in any way.

It has already been mentioned that fluorocarbon has the ability to be invisible in water. You should note that this is only really true for very clear water. So, if you are fishing in a murky area, you shouldn’t expect the line to remain as invisible.

If you are someone who uses finesse presentations to lure in bigger bass, then you will find that this line will be especially useful to you. The incredible sensitivity of the line will ensure that regardless of how deep your line is in the water, you will be notified of the slightest movement.

Speaking of depth, this is an excellent line to use with jerkbaits and crankbaits too. With jerkbaits, the fluorocarbon line makes it easier for it to be suspended in the water column. When used with crankbaits, the line allows the lure to sink even faster.

To get a better idea of when you should use fluorocarbon fishing line, check out this video:

The Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines

In this section I will reveal some of the best fluorocarbon fishing lines that you can buy:

Seaguar Blue Label 25 Yards Fluorocarbon Leader

One of the things that you will pick up on with this fluorocarbon line is the term ‘double structure fluorocarbon’. This is a trait that is specific to Seaguar lines and greatly improves the overall strength of the line. This, in turn, means that you can use a smaller pound test for a more effective presentation, in comparison to other lines.

The strength also makes this a good fishing line for areas that have a lot of heavy cover. You may even find that this line works well in areas with a lot of rocks.

Now, the advantages of the double structure fluorocarbon don’t stop there. It also ensures that the abrasion resistance and the impact resistance of the line are greatly improved. To top it all off, the line also offers up better knot strength. In fact, this leader has 34 percent better knot strength than some of its top competitors.

Of course, one of the main perks is that once in the water, this fishing line becomes virtually invisible. This comes in particularly handy when fishing for larger bass in popular fishing spots.

This is a top-notch fishing line and has the price tag to prove it. For just 25 yards of line, you can expect to pay much more than with some other brands.

Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon 110 Yard Spool

As the name suggests, one of the standout features of this fluorocarbon line is the fact that it completely vanishes under the water. Its refractive index is so close to that of the water that it really will look as though your lure is simply dangling in the water of its own accord.

So, if you are fishing in relatively clear waters, this is the line for you.

You will find that this line is especially good for fishing for trout.

One of the reasons for this is the improved sensitivity. There is a more direct profile from the tip of the line to the lure. As a result, you can expect even the tiniest bit of movement or even just a nibble to be translated back to the rod quite well.

In most areas, this Berkley fluorocarbon is quite strong. It has a considerable wet strength which allows it to maintain its abrasion resistance, even when the line is underwater.

Unfortunately, where its durability fails is in the knot strength of the fluorocarbon which isn’t nearly good enough. The good news is that if you are addicted to all that Berkley Vanish has to offer, it is affordably priced, making it an investment that you can manage.

KastKing FluoroKote Fishing Line

The first thing that you should understand about this fishing line is that it isn’t a proper fluorocarbon line – it is only coated with fluorocarbon. The core of the line is made of a copolymer. While this does mean that you don’t get to enjoy all the advantages associated with fluorocarbon, there are some perks as well.

For one thing, the mix of the materials means that this fishing line is actually a lot more manageable than most full fluorocarbon lines. So, there is a lot less memory with this line as well as improved castability. This allows you to use this line in a greater number of fishing lines.

This fishing line boasts plenty of fluorocarbon properties as well, though. For instance, it is almost completely invisible in the water. It also has an impressive abrasion resistance and provides you with good knot strength as well. All of this makes it a rather durable line to use.

However, on the downside, I found that this line doesn’t sink nearly as fast as proper fluorocarbon does. While you will be able to reach the depth that you want, it will take you some time to get there.

Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

The feature that will stand out the most with this fishing line is its overall strength, knot strength included.

It also has really great abrasion resistance.

All these traits put together means that this is a fishing line that works incredibly well under heavy cover. So, if you are fishing in an area that has a lot of weeds, rocks, and other obstacles, this is the line that will get you through it all, without snapping off.

Unfortunately, you will find that you have to pay a pretty penny for this kind of strength. In comparison to many other brands, the Sunline fishing line is a tad bit pricey. Of course, considering its durability, you won’t have to buy as much as with other lines.

Another downside with this fishing line is that it has a rather high memory which means that you have to keep working out the kinks in the spool. Interestingly enough, though, the stiffness isn’t as great as with some other fluorocarbon lines, greatly improving the castability of this line.

The line is also clear enough to appear almost invisible when it is underwater. This makes it a good option for casting in very clear waters.

P-Line Floroclear Fishing Line

This is another fishing line that has a fluorocarbon coating placed over a polymer core. This makes it an excellent option for those who wish to combine the best of both worlds; both monofilament and fluorocarbon lines.

One of the main advantages of this hybrid line is that the fishing line is a great deal more manageable than typical full fluorocarbon lines.

There are a fewer number of twists which makes the castability of this line quite impressive. So, if you tend to cast out to a greater distance, this is the line for you. At the same time, you have to understand that a certain amount of stiffness remains.

The line, as with most fluorocarbon lines, offers quite a bit of durability. It is the knot strength, in particular, though that really stands out. Even with large or active fish, you can be confident that the line will not break. So, if you are going after especially active trout, this is the line for you.

The fact that this line is a copolymer doesn’t take anything away from its invisibility when in clear water.

You – and the fish – will not be able to tell that the line is even there.

Stren Fluorocast Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

The main advantage with this fishing line that it is actually quite manageable and has great castability.

Why?

Well, although this is a 100 percent, pure fluorocarbon line, it casts similar to that of a nylon line. This means that you get to avoid the line twists and various other issues that you may come across with typical fluorocarbon lines.

The other perk is that it is also a very sensitive line, even at a great depth. You will instantly be able to tell whether a fish has taken a nibble at a lure or even if your line brushes against vegetation.

It is safe to say that there will be no missed opportunities with this line.

Unfortunately, there is some line memory that you will have to contend with. So, when coming off the spool, you will have your work cut out for you with this line. The good news is that because of its durability, it is unlikely to be an issue for too long.

When in the water, you will be hard-pressed to spot this line.

So, when you are fishing for trout or smaller bass in clear water, this will certainly be an advantage. On top of this, it is also rather affordable.

Wrap Up

There is no denying that all of these fluorocarbon fishing lines are excellent choices.

That being said, we’ve found out that the Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon Leader is the best of the best.

Not only is the line practically invisible, it also has the benefit of being a good option for when you are fishing in heavy cover.

Also, when compared to other lines, you will find that you can actually opt for a smaller pound test as well.

Of course, there is the slight caveat that you will have to pay more for this line. However, when you see its durability and knot strength, you will understand that it is well worth it.

This concludes our guide on the fluorocarbon fishing line. You now are aware of all of the elements associated with this type of line and also, how to choose the best one for you.

Good luck with all your fishing endeavors!

This page was last updated on 2022-08-29. Affiliate links and Product Images are from Amazon PAAPI