Buyer’s Guide – How to Choose a Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Fluorocarbon fiber is made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Manufacturing technology is similar to the production of monoscales made of nylon. The plastic granules are melted, forming a homogeneous mass, which, in order to equalize the polymer molecules, is cooled in water, and then pulled into a fishing line of various thicknesses. More budgetary option is nylon monofilament with a fluorocarbon coating.
What it can be used for?

When catching on the feeder rig you need a thin diameter of 0.1 – 0.2 mm for knitting the leashes. They are not visible in the water, so it can significantly increase the number of bites of cautious fish.
For fishing predatory fish is widely used diameter of 0.3 – 06 mm. Invisibility in water is very handy when catching a buck, which is known for its sharp eyesight and extreme caution. A thicker fluorocarbon line can resist even sharp pike teeth and a catfish brush. The use of invisible leashes from this material can change the situation in favor of the angler and when catching a passive pike perch. Optionally, you can use the ready-made options. They are equipped with a quality swivel and buckle.
Fluorocarbon is used as a 1-3 meter leash before the bait in combination with more contrasting braids and nylon fishing lines for spinning.
It is used to reduce the visibility of leashes that are placed during fishing above the bottom surface (usually for feeder catching).
What you should pay attention to
Diameter
The cross-section or the diameter of the line is the most important characteristic. Because it determines the tensile load, and even to some extent, the softness and elasticity of the fishing line.
Breaking strength
The majority of anglers are guided by the higher indicators written on the package. However, you should take into account the small nuance. The high-quality sport fishing lines, which have the certificate of the International Union for Predator Fishing – “I.G.F.A. TEST “, the tensile strength is often purposefully increased. In other cases, the difference between the declared and true breaking strength of a fishing line is often explained by the company’s advertising policy. Naturally, the strength of the line must be at least 85-95% real.
Elasticity
Elasticity of fishing line characterizes its potential to stretch under the influence of force. This parameter is very important, and it must be especially taken into account by the spinners. Low-stretch fishing line makes it possible to effectively catch fish from the bottom, because it makes it possible to “feel” the relief of the bottom of the reservoir, and, consequently, to correctly bait.
Softness
This feature makes it possible for long casting. Not elastic, soft fishing lines are almost devoid of “memory”, do not save the spiral shape when dropped from the spool, and, consequently, the bait on such a line flies further. Although the softer the fishing line, the more its tendency to tangling. And this negatively affects its strength.
Color
For any fish you need to select a line of strictly established colors. Although the fact of the existence of colored and fluorescent fishing lines, which makes it possible for spinners to more clearly record the most delicate bites, it proves a completely different concept. Although, if to consider the transparency, then the fluorocarbon line is absolutely the best choice.
Abrasion-resistance
To some extent, the abrasion-resistance of fishing line depends on its outer layer, which is Teflon or similar coatings. A smooth and dense surface interferes with such negative aspects as water absorption and as a result a light adhesion to the water surface.
Density
When you catch on the float fishing tackle, which is located on the water surface of the fishing line, the wind moves and thereby pulls the rigging behind it. It turns out to be a problem for angler. Fluorocarbon fishing lines have a great density.
Advantages of Fluorocarbon Line

- It is almost completely invisible in the water. This is the most famous advantage of such a fishing line. Fluorocarbon is practically invisible in water because of the refractive index close to the water coefficient – 1.42.
- It has a tougher surface than the usual line. It is more difficult for a predator to have a bite.
- It does not swell and does not lose strength while staying in water for a long time.
- It does not lose its properties under the influence of sunlight; it can be safely in the sun even on the hottest summer day.
- Preserves high elasticity in the frost.
- It has a very high elasticity. When casting with a coil, it, unlike the nylon line, descends smoothly, without the formation of rings.
- It has a high resistance to abrasion. It will not be erased and cracked, even with due to the most active fishing with the use of a coil or without.
- Fluorocarbon 2.5 times sinks faster than nylon, which is convenient for float fishing.
Disadvantages of Fluorocarbon Line

- It has low, in comparison with the usual mono lines, resistance to breaking loads.
- It has problems with knot connections. It does not hold normal knots well.
- It is much more expensive than other types of fishing line.
- It has rather high rigidity.
Conclusion
The effect of the line’s visibility in the water for the fish is important and that’s why the fluorocarbon line is definitely worth it! But it should be used as a leading material, not more than 1 meter in length. Also, such fishing line will be very useful for anglers in the winter, when the fish are especially fastidious to the thickness of the line. Choosing a fluorocarbon line, you have to remember, that it simply cannot be cheap. Buying a real fluorocarbon line, one should consider its designation “100% Fluorocarbon” or “100% PVDF”, otherwise, you get common nylon line with fluorocarbon coating, which doesn’t have the same features as fluorocarbon line.
Is the fluorocarbon any more difficult to cast and operate?
The only problem you might encounter when using fluoro is that it’s rather stiff. Thus, setting up a fishing reel and actual casting may indeed be a bit tricky for beginners.
I may sound sceptical, but does fluorocarbon really work?
Well, it depends on what you want! If you are looking for an invisible fishing line – you can’t find better. Fluoro is a lot denser, highly-waterproof, and usually stronger than standard fishing lines. If these are what you are looking for, then it works, 100%.
I want to try out a couple of options from your fluorocarbon fishing line review for saltwater fishing. Do you have any recs?
I usually do freshwater, as seawater fish are usually bigger and can put up quite a fight. The easiest option would be to choose the strongest and most abrasion-resistant lines like Seaguar Red Label, Berkley Vanish 250 Yd Spool ad Seaguer Invixz.
What are the characteristics of the top fluorocarbon fishing lines? I’ve heard even the top fluorocarbon lines aren’t good for spinning reels. Is it true? I’m asking because I only got a spinning reel and I’m looking for an invisible line.
First up, it should be dense, low-memory and waterproof. In addition to invisibility, any line that has these characteristics would be amazing. My personal favourite is Stren FluoroCast.