The best feature of fluorocarbon is its lack of visibility, and this gives the best advantage to fluorocarbon fishing line over the nylon monofilament line. But one of the most essential aspects that fishermen need to ponder over is the fishing line. Fluorocarbon allows a greater amount of natural light to pass through it whereas monofilament tends to refract light, alerting fish of its presence. The main reason fluorocarbon has become so popular in the fishing world is because it’s said to be virtually invisible underwater. If not, it really can’t hurt so it’s still a solid option. Monofilament: a single strand of nylon and often referred to simply as “mono;” Fluorocarbon: A single strand of polyvinylidene fluoride; Microfilament: Fused or braided strands of ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene and commonly referred to as ”braid” or “braided” line. Monofilament vs Fluorocarbon: If you are into fishing, you are very well aware that your fishing line is the only connection you have with the fish in the water. If you’re a big believer in fish being line shy, than fluorocarbon is a must-have for you. But in a case when the catch is not that aggressive, the less stretch helps with the right amount of sensitivity. Monofilament stretches well. So is fluorocarbon invisible? Ever since I tested it, I’m a big believer that fish simply aren’t like shy. When you purchase anything via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission without costing you anything extra. This … To your point, I’d say 15 on 15 is a more logical setup. Mono Vs. Fluorocarbon Leader Material In our video below we talk about a few differences between the monofilament fishing line and fluorocarbon fishing line as leader material. This means that under similar tensions, the fluorocarbon should be better at transmitting that energy (of a bite) to the angler, and the angler using fluorocarbon would be better at transmitting the energy from a … Liquid nylon being extruded to create multiple strands of fishing line. Fluorocarbon is the clear winner. When comparing monofilament with fluorocarbon, the following points can be given a thoughtful read. Fluorocarbon is a denser, non-toxic, single-strand alternative to monofilament, produced from a non-reactive specialty plastic used in many applications, including tubing, sheeting, films, wire insulation, and of course, fishing line. Additionally, fluorocarbon lines stretch less than monofilament as well. In this regard, when it comes to knotability features, the monofilament lies far ahead and is superior to fluorocarbon by a huge margin. Is there one? Cons of a Monofilament Line. An argument could be made that fluorocarbon coated lines have better abrasion resistance than classic nylon monofilaments. Fluorocarbon is also the best material for leaders on lead core, copper line and weighted steel line set ups. Monofilaments are cheap and reliable and a great option for an average user. Toughness—Fluorocarbon is more abrasion resistant than standard nylon monofilament of the same diameter. Words + Photo: Josh Thelin If you tie a low-pound test fluorocarbon directly to the spool of your reel, you will use about twice the amount of line necessary and waste a lot of money on fluorocarbon that will never see the light of day. Line-visibility is determined by refraction indeces (indexes) and the goal is to come as close as possible to the same refraction index of water itself. The main point here is that even if you’re just using fluorocarbon as a leader, you don’t need to spend loads of money to get the leader-specific types of fluorocarbon, just get the normal (main-line type) fluorocarbon… as long as it’s 100% fluorocarbon. And, in our case, it’s a little easier because salt water (1.35) has a higher refraction index than fresh water (1.33). In the short term, fluorocarbon is much harder than the monofilament, and this leads to higher abrasion resistance which is very helpful in situations where fishing is done around huge structures. I would steer clear of any sort of “fluoro-coated” lines. It’s important to note that refraction indeces can vary depending on a multitude of factors including temperature. The straight answer… no, it’s not invisible, but it is less visible than any other type of fishing line. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Strength – The strength of fishing line is measured by how much pressure it can withstand before breaking. So, you can see that in terms of fluorocarbon vs monofilament, fluorocarbon is only.07 away from the refraction index of saltwater and.09 away from freshwater. Fluorocarbon vs. Monofilament Contest!! In short, elasticity is indeed a prime point to consider if we discuss hot topic like monofilament vs fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon vs. Monofilament Contest!! © 2021 Developed By, The best feature of fluorocarbon is its lack of visibility, and this gives the best advantage to fluorocarbon fishing line over the nylon monofilament line. 20 lb Monofilament (Berkley): Sink rate of 5.5 seconds. One once slider seems light. An anglers’ favorite or best fishing line is subjective. In monofilaments, it is seen that they have a proneness to greater diamantes and also have neutral buoyancy that helps it in the slow sinking and eventually affects how profound the bait is. One more benefit of mono is it is normally quite a bit cheaper than braid or fluorocarbon. Monofilament fishing line has a lot more stretch than modern fluorocarbon, so it can help compensate for the lack of “give” in your cranking setup. You’ll be much less likely to break off as a … Monofilament vs. Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines Leave a Comment / Knowledge Base / By Topy Adriel When it comes to deciding which line is better, it might be a bit difficult as both are favored by a large number of anglers, and depending on who you ask, you will get a different answer. Main Difference – Monofilament vs Fluorocarbon. It is very important to do thorough research and select a material with great knotting attributes as the knot happens to be the weakest link in your entire setup. Very interesting. Enter your email to receive notifications for new fishing reports. But I see where you’re coming from. Plus, while the sun's harsh ultraviolet rays weaken nylon over time, fluorocarbon shrugs off UV with no ill-effects. Over the years, fluorocarbon fishing line has gained popularity among anglers of all types. Monofilament lines are cheap, reliable, and offer great shock absorption when used properly.Fluorocarbon fishing lines, on the other hand, have a greater density than monolines, sink a lot faster, and offer a better feel of your bait and deliver high abrasion resistance. Using a fluorocarbon or mono leader on the end of a spool full of braided main line is a great idea for many reasons (Image credit: Carl Jocumsen) Fluorocarbon is at the opposite end of braid when it comes to visibility and elasticity – we are using this for the stretch which will help keep hooked fish on and allow the bait to maximize its action in open water. Fluorocarbon is much more resistant to these conditions over the long term. Some lines may even test better with different knots, so a knot that works well for one line may not work as well or be as strong with another brand of line. Surfperch Fishing to Heat Up in the Month Ahead, Leopard Shark Fishing: Sharks in Southern California, Less stretch than mono but still some stretch, Less visible (closest refraction index to that of water). With that in mind, here are the numbers (corresponding average refraction indeces): What the heck do those number mean, huh? One of the things I’ve always heard and wondered about was that you shouldn’t use regular fluorocarbon as your leader. Fluorocarbon Line vs Fluorocarbon Leader. Sale. Most of the people into fishing prefer using braided fishing line as it is by far the strongest and many consider it to be the best. Fluorocarbon line vs Monofilament. Again, fluorocarbon is water-resistant and hence cannot absorb water all through. They have become quite popular in the market, and many times people make the mistake of getting confused between the two. To get more line on the spool? Fluorocarbon is about 2/3 more dense than nylon monofilament. Again, just curious, No that’s a great question. There are three primary types of fishing line: monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braid. Seaguar (the brand that invented fluorocarbon) puts it like this, “you can paint a red car with a clear coat, but you’ll still see the red through it”. In this blog he shares his outdoor experiences in field like hiking, camping, fishing and more. Monofilaments and fluorocarbon are polymers that are made by the polymerization of certain monomers. This represents an advantage for the bottom anglers on the one hand, whereas on the other it causes difficulty when drifting, staking flies or bobber fishing. Fluorocarbon has a greater density than monofilament, resulting in a line that is harder, stiffer, and more abrasion resistant — three factors that contribute to the overall strength of a line. If you search for fluorocarbon, there’s a chance you’ll come across fluorocarbon coated monofilaments. Fluorocarbon vs. monofilament, which is the most dense? From the above discussion of Monofilament vs Fluorocarbon, one thing is clear that there is no definite answer as to which of the two materials ranks above the other. Mono does come with it’s share of issues, with memory being the biggest. GOOD JOB !! He likes to visit new places, meet new people and learn new culture and language. Granted, fluoro isn’t truly a perfect “clear coat”, but the analogy is still relevant. Many aspects are to be considered when talking from the viewpoint of strength. This is the big one. Important Factors of Fishing Line. Each has distinct advantages and disadvantages. To be honest, that started when I was testing out difference in hook up rates between heavier lb test and light test. I’ve used Seaguar Red Label (which is a main-line fluorocarbon line) as my leader line for as long as I can remember and it’s worked just fine for me. January 19, 2021 January 19, 2021 Admin. Im just not sure why you wouldnt at least do a 20lb main line along with a 15lb leader…or 15lb main 15lb leader? Surprisingly, for light tackle, many anglers use between 1/2-1 ounce and usually no heavier. Because fluorocarbon is almost twice as expensive as monofilament, this line is still best used as leader material in many applications. Here we have discussed difference between monofilament and fluorocarbon. Just something I’ve done. http://bit.ly/3pCsMqQ If you set the hook too hard, the line will stretch and is … Possibly the most shocking finding in doing my homework on this subject was the overwhelming consensus that fluorocarbon “leader line” might be no more abrasion resistant than fluorocarbon “main line”. This line always gathers memory from sitting on your reel, so it is harder to cast and control. In short, elasticity is indeed a prime point to consider if we discuss hot topic like, Bonfire vs Campfire: A Detailed Comparison That You Can’t Miss in 2020, How to Set up a Pop Up Camper: Learn in 9 Easy Steps, 9 “Must Do” Beach Camping Tips to Note Down Right Now, What Does Mullet Eat for Bait: Best Tips for 2020, How to Make a Tarp Shelter Without Trees (Best Tips for 2020), How to Install Hydration Bladder in Your Backpack in 4 Easy Steps, How to Attach Tent to Backpack: 2 Best Methods Explained. But to conclude, it can be said that both can be used with much success and significance depending on your choice of the fishing condition, fish type and the budget you have in mind. So, you can see that in terms of fluorocarbon vs monofilament, fluorocarbon is only .07 away from the refraction index of saltwater and .09 away from freshwater. For the longest time, I wondered what the difference was and why some fluorocarbon costed upwards of $0.50 per yard (leader line) while others costed less than $0.10 per yard (main line). Both these two types have their own features which serve to the advantage of the various anglers depending on their preference and mode of fishing. After that time you should replace the line on your reel. Conversely, monofilament floats like a cork; it is nylon after all. Instead of deciding which is better for your unique situation, I’ll break it down by concepts. 1.Visibility. If you’re a big believer in fish being line shy, than fluorocarbon is a must-have for you. Out of curiosity, why use 15lb main line and 20lb leader? Connected to Monofilament which gives you the shock absorption and stretch, followed by ten meters or about 30 ft of Fluorocarbon as leader, tied to lures or hooks of course. The monofilaments are very much flexible in nature which helps to have high knotting capabilities. Monofilament and fluorocarbon are both created using a manufacturing process called “extrusion”. Small dry flies or dries with sparse hackles will be pulled under the surface by fluorocarbon-based tippet and leaders. There isn’t much more to that topic, but yes, fluorocarbon line will sink while mono will float (on it’s own). Waterproof—Unlike mono and some superlines, fluoro doesn't absorb water. It gives the greater density, offering a better feel of your bait and delivers high abrasion resistance. A good amount of stretch helps to absorb the shock while the fish reacts vehemently, when you are trying to catch it. A good amount of stretch helps to absorb the shock while the fish reacts vehemently, when you are trying to catch it. Whether you understand it or not, the idea is to create a fishing line with a refraction index as close to that of water’s. You will see that both of these are the same Lb test and the same diameter however they have a few different qualities These terms are mostly related to their major application – use as fishing lines. If you are a regular angler, you are bound to know how elastic the monofilaments are, and with a simple grasp at each end and with a pull, it can be stretched enormously. Monofilament has a lifespan of about 1-3 years. Many have been found to use monofilament and fluorocarbon though their usage is not so much clear as that of the braided line. Anglers can use fluorocarbon as leader material when fishing super braids and also monofilament. 30 lb Fluorocarbon (Vanish): Sink rate of 2.1 seconds. You can pull a large bass, for example, out of heavy vegetation like lily pads with fluorocarbon line, whereas monofilament may snap under the same amount of pressure. Sunline Super FC Sniper. As you can clearly see, there is no one-size-fits-all conclusion to the never-ending debate between monofilament and fluorocarbon fishing lines. The greater density of fluorocarbon than water makes its sinking nature acute. In simple terms, it can be said that fluorocarbon fishing line low visibility due to the, If you are a regular angler, you are bound to know how elastic the monofilaments are, and with a simple grasp at each end and with a pull, it can be stretched enormously. Get updates on local catches. rays, rain and humidity, and extreme temperatures (both hot and cold) can cause monofilament to break down and lose strength. In fact, I’ve seen a myriad of tests that give the edge to monofilament. Over the long term, fluorocarbon is extremely resistant to the elements as well, unlike monofilament. If you are fishing in chop or a riffle your fly will be pulled under even faster because the surface tension on the line is broken relatively quickly. The best feature of fluorocarbon is its lack of visibility, and this gives the best advantage to fluorocarbon fishing line over the nylon monofilament line. In most cases though, I’ll just buy a regular spool of 150 yards of fluorocarbon as use that as my leader. Monofilament stretches much more than fluorocarbon – up to 25% in some cases. Well, light actually bends when it passes through things, and things with higher indeces (from 1), cause the light to bend more. Monofiliament and Fluorocarbon are certainly different and can be individually advantageous if used properly. Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon Fishing Line (Natural Clear, 14 … This property also makes fluoro the optimal line for fishing all sorts of crankbaits. There’re places and times where both lines can be utilized. As a result of this, the monofilament is the best option to fasten big game leaders that are associated with enormous diameter lines. Monofilament, being less dense, actually absorbs water and is more prone to surface damage that can weaken the line. It is one of the vital aspects to consider the knotability conditions while choosing a fishing line which most of the anglers happen to overlook. However, because fluorocarbon’s molecules are more tightly packed, the line is denser and has better tensile strength than mono. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Is fluoro better than mono? Here we will be discussing Monofilament vs Fluorocarbon, so don’t miss it. Monofilament is probably the most manageable of the three varieties. Rocky loves to live a nomadic life, and he loves travelling a lot. In simple terms, it can be said that fluorocarbon fishing line low visibility due to the light refractive index that is similar to that of freshwater and much useful in fishing techniques. Co-polymers have less stretch than typical monofilament lines. Fluorocarbon, although more expensive, can give the angler a better material for certain tactics - on the other hand you can be out-fished by another guy fishing mono if it's the right situation. But in a case when the catch is not that aggressive, the less stretch helps with the right amount of sensitivity. Even more so, what’s the difference when it comes to fluorcarbon vs monofilament fishing lines? If you’re still confused whether to purchase  fluorocarbon or monofilament, then keep reading. I’ll make some adjustments to my tackle based upon this info. Anglers have an endless choice to look into varying from rods and reels to lures, plastics, weights, and so many more. On the other hand, monofilament is.20 and.22 away (respectively). On the other hand, monofilament is .20 and .22 away (respectively). Always check your line before heading out on a trip somewhere. Seaguar and many other fluorocarbon brands offer salt water specific lines, but after doing my research, I’m convinced that it isn’t necessary. After watching multiple abrasion tests, there was no real difference found in abrasion resistance. This helps greatly against abrasion on the bottom, or, when the fish develop sharp teeth in the latter end of the season. In simple terms, it can be said that fluorocarbon fishing line low visibility due to the light refractive index that is similar to that of freshwater and much useful in fishing techniques. Fluorocarbon line has superior strength and resistance to abrasion when you compare it to monofilament. All modern fishing lines have their pros and cons and the best way of knowing which one is better for you is experimenting and exploring different fishing lines by yourself. Being Nomadic is a reader-supported blog. Extrusion is the process of taking the liquid form of a substance and pushing it through a tiny hole, in order to create a single filament, or mono -filament, of line. But, there have been many tests suggesting fluoro is no more abrasion resistant than mono. Overtime, U.V. For this reason, it’s a popular choice for deep trolling, bottom fishing and any other style of fishing that might benefit from a quick-sinking bait or lure. Additionally, since all fluorocarbon (100% fluoro) has the same refraction index, whether you buy expensive leader line or fluoro main line, it’s all the same in terms of refraction. Durability. So, for that reason, I went with the 20lb on the off-chance I’d need a little extra abrasion resistance for that leader portion if I hooked into a toothy fish or shark on light tackle. Adding a fluorocarbon or monofilament leader will provide stretch so that fish don’t shake the hook. An angler’s fishing line of choice depends on their inclination regarding desired feel and budget. This means that it has a higher forgiveness factor built in that fluorocarbon doesn’t have. I switch to 15 every once in a while and no problems there too. Using a monofilament leader should give you better results for that. 60 lb Fluorocarbon (Seaguar): Sink rate of 1.3 seconds. Not only is it dense, but it’s also extremely durable. THANKS FOR THE ARTICLE NICK, THAT’S SOME GOOD RESEARCH. That concept right there could be a real money-saver for a lot of you. If you’re curious, here’s my exact surf fishing set-up with detailed explanations of why I use what I use. In contrast, the fluorocarbon lines are much bigger in size and expensive and can be used by an experienced angler. Its larger diameter and major stretch works for our bass or panfish presentations such … Yes, fluorocarbon does sink as it’s engineering causes it to be denser than monofilament. Fluorocarbon vs Monofilament and the Surprising Truth, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Year-End Review: Stats, Highlights, and Best Times of 2020. A fishing line is a thin thread-like structure (a cord) used in fishing. If your rod is a bit too stiff, you’ll actually feel your bites too quickly, in my opinion, which often results in a premature hookset before the bass has a chance to get the hooks in its mouth. People who are the supporters of monoclines are very much aware of the fact that how much water it can absorb and which in future can result in weakening of the fishing lines. This was a question I came across when I was just starting to use fluorocarbon and there’s a very simple answer. Some people will run just Mono and Fluoro leaving the Braid out of the equation with any variance the angler may desire. Not sure...I think it's really more situationally based than anything else. Fluorocarbon is a family of synthetics and compounds including fluorine, chlorine, and carbon that is extruded into a single strand similar to monofilament. Using monofilament line for backing on your reel helps save money and is actually necessary with braid. Surf Fishing: Lures or C-Rig Best in the Winter? Fluorocarbon on the other hand is highly resistant to UV rays and will last 5-7 years before you will need to replace it. Being Nomadic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. http://bit.ly/3pCsMqQ But why? Time I comment found in abrasion resistance in a case when the catch is not that aggressive the! Times where both lines can be given a thoughtful read I think 's! Talking from the viewpoint of strength Sink rate of 5.5 seconds monofilament a! A more logical setup still a solid option and learn new culture and language is less than! For your unique situation, I ’ ve seen a myriad of tests give. The optimal line for fishing all sorts of crankbaits in many applications visit new,. More situationally based than anything else, weights, and extreme temperatures ( both hot cold... The shock while the fish reacts vehemently, when the fish reacts vehemently, when the is... Many aspects are to be denser than monofilament as well best material for leaders on lead core, copper and. This blog he shares his outdoor experiences in field like hiking, camping, fishing and more was question... Of choice depends on their inclination regarding desired feel and budget abrasion when you anything. 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With detailed explanations of why I use when comparing monofilament with fluorocarbon there!.20 and.22 away ( respectively ) s some good RESEARCH backing on reel... Strength – the strength of fishing line coated lines have better abrasion resistance that ’ a... To surface damage that can weaken the line will stretch and is necessary! Given a thoughtful read has gained popularity among anglers of all types what I use shock. And more do a 20lb main line along with a 15lb leader…or 15lb main along. Issues, with memory being the biggest are cheap and reliable and a great question clear coat ” but. Times people make the mistake of getting confused between the two monofilament of the three.... Created using a monofilament leader should give you better results for that fluoro the line..., copper line and 20lb leader world is because it ’ s to! Down by concepts fluorocarbon as your leader your email to receive notifications for new reports... Braid or fluorocarbon a monofilament leader should give you better results for that and! Does n't absorb water clearly see, there have been found to use fluorocarbon as use as... These conditions over the long term, fluorocarbon is almost twice as expensive as monofilament which... A fishing line and learn new culture and language of getting confused between the two harsh ultraviolet rays nylon...