Fluorocarbon material has made a real revolution among the fishing lines, from which the assemblies for fishing are knitted. It looks like a fishing line, but it has a number of advantages: increased resistance to abrasion (which is typical for leashes of metal) and invisibility in the water. If not for the relative high cost, it would have practically no competitors. Manufacturers did everything possible to meet angler’s demands and this material is sold in small spools. It is quite affordable, so anyone can buy fluorocarbon. As a rule, its use as a main line is not advisable. However, to choose the right fishing line is a challenge and we prepared the best choice of fluorocarbon lines on the market.
Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Line 2021 – Reviews And Top Picks
- Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon 1000 yards Fishing Line
- Length: 1000yrds
- Strength: 20lb
- Diameter: 0.006-0.16mm
- Sensitivity: High
- Visibility: Low
- Abrasion Resistance: High
- Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon 250 Yd Spool
- Length: 100-2000yd
- Strength: 2-60lb
- Diameter: 0.15-0.81mm
- Sensitivity: Moderate
- Visibility: Low
- Abrasion Resistance: High
- Stren Fluorocast Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
- Length: 100-200yd
- Strength: 4-17lb
- Diameter: 0.17-0.40mm
- Sensitivity: High
- Visibility: Low
- Abrasion Resistance: High
Name
LENGTH
STRENGTH
DIAMETER
SENSITIVITY
VISIBILITY
Price
Name
LENGTH
STRENGTH
DIAMETER
SENSITIVITY
VISIBILITY
Price
This freshwater line offers the knot and tensile strength and nearly invisible performance of 100% fluorocarbon. It’s ideal line for spinning. During the development of the line, Level Wind Technology was used. With 30% more knot strength high-density Red Label line offers bite-detecting sensitivity and premium, impact- and abrasion-resistant durability. It’s made with 100% fluorocarbon resins and Seaguar’s extrusion process for high-strength, toughness and softness. Clear fluorocarbon is virtually invisible to fish and much less visible underwater than traditional monofilament lines. Rated for fresh- or saltwater fishing.
We like
Red Label can be used in both spinning reels and bait casting reels and is suitable for both fresh water and salt water. The line offers remarkable impact strength and good abrasion resistance. Red Label is also UV resistant, chemical resistant, non-absorbent, high-density and impervious to cold conditions. Features ample casting yardage. The line is durable for both avid and amateur fishermen alike.
we dont like
The line twists and tangles very much when you pull it or knot it.
PROS
UV-resistant, chemical-resistant;
Abrasion-resistant;
Sensitive;
For fresh and saltwater;
Cons
Too tangling;
Easy-casting Berkley Vanish has become the top-selling mainline fluorocarbon in the U.S. and Canada. Manufacturer has been continuously improving the Vanish formula since it was represented almost 15 years ago. One of the great benefits of this line is that it’s 100% fluorocarbon! Pricing of fluorocarbon line has made it inaccessible to many anglers who would like enjoy the performance benefits of fluorocarbon. With Berkley Vanish Mainline, you can spool up all your fishing reels, casting and spin, and hit the water without post purchase depression. Hit the water in stealth mode and secure your catch of the day with Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line.
We like
The line features easy casting. It remains clear under water – 100% fluorocarbon refracts light similar to water. It sinks under the water – more sensitive and more direct profile from rod tip to lure Superior wet strength. Non-absorbing fluorocarbon maintains strength and abrasion resistance under water. Most fluorocarbons are stiff but Vanish is more flexible.
we dont like
The line has knot memory. It is also too slick.
PROS
Invisible under water;
Resistance against abrasion;
Simple to cast;
Flexible;
Cons
Too much casting memory;
Line is slick;
FluoroCast line by Stren is a true fluorocarbon that casts like a nylon monofilament. The high density line allows lures to run deep and is virtually invisible to fish. Being greatly sensitive, it provides excellent knot and shock strength for hard hook sets. The line telegraphs even the lightest bites. The strength of it allows withstanding the shock of savage strikes.
We like
This is Stren’s most manageable fluorocarbon for easy casting. Provides an excellent knot and shock strength. Superb underwater clarity. It sinks fast for targeting the strike zone.
we dont like
Can be easily stretched. The line is a bit thicker than it should be.
PROS
Ultrasensitive;
Super-strong construction;
Invisible in water;
Easy casting;
Low spool memory;
Cons
Stretchy;
Too thick;
FC Sniper Fluorocarbon line is 100% fluorocarbon that offers anglers the latest generation of fluorocarbon line available today. The low pound-test lines excel for all light line techniques like dropshotting. The line is great for fishing worms, jigs, or Senko-style baits. There’s no better fluorocarbon line than Sunline’s FC Sniper. This is a professional fishing line for anyone you strive for high-quality.
We like
Specialized triple-resin coating on Sunline’s Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon Line creates the soft, supple handling needed to cast with control, and it delivers the giving resistance needed during sudden, aggressive strikes. Equipped with low memory, excellent abrasion resistance and a constant uniform diameter. This clear, long-lasting line is made to withstand abuse.
we dont like
The line easily tangles. It has too much memory.
PROS
Soft, supple handling enhances cast control;
Low memory;
Excellent abrasion resistance;
Triple-resin coating;
Cons
Tangles;
Too much memory;
The Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Leader Material line comes various yard spools and it is strong, durable and reliable. This line has an improved formula that provides greater flexibility. Its non-absorbing fluorocarbon material maintains firmness and abrasion resistance under water. When submersed, the line remains clear. The fluorocarbon fishing line refracts light in a way that is similar to water. Tying knots with Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon fishing leader is made easy with its super smooth coating makes it a breeze joining braid to Vanish Fluorocarbon.
We like
The line designed with the best Vanish formula ever. It remains clear under water – 100% fluorocarbon refracts light. Provides superior wet strength. Non-absorbing fluorocarbon maintains strength and abrasion resistance under water. The flexibility of the line is improved. Easy to use line holder spool with leader management system.
we dont like
The packaging of the line is different from the picture.
PROS
20% better shock strength;
Remains clear underwater;
Low stretch;
High abrasion resistance;
Does not absorb water;
UV resistant;
Long shelf life;
Fast sinking;
Cons
Packaging differs;
KastKing is the top winning brand that produces Fishing line of the high quality. FleuoroKote line is a combination of KastKing Copolymer Fishing Line and high-tech 100% fluorocarbon coating that reduces the line’s visibility when it’s deep in the water. The combination of the two materials maximizes the advantage of fluorocarbon invisibility with the low memory and superior castability of copolymer. So you can have similar qualities and performance of fluorocarbon at a lower price like this one fishing line. The diameters of the FluoroKote are smaller than other monofilament lines that gives you more reel capacity and increased depth with diving baits.
We like
Low stretch, high strength, superior abrasion resistance, higher density, and greatly reduced visibility make KastKing FluoroKote ideal low cost line. It sinks faster with low absorption. The unique fluorocarbon materials make the line extremely durable, offer great knot strength, and exceed in sensitivity. KastKing FluoroKote Line is extremely versatile, giving anglers an opportunity to fish almost any conditions and techniques.
we dont like
The line may come off the spool and lead to tangling.
PROS
Super abrasion-resistance;
Low stretch;
Virtually invisible;
Sinking faster;
Soft Fluorocarbon coated;
Cons
Comes off the spool;
Tangles;
Seaguar Blue Label 100% fluorocarbon leader material allows you to use a smaller test leader than nylons or fluorocarbon for unmatched bait presentations. Seaguar Fluorocarbon is preferred by professional anglers for its ultra-low visibility, tensile and knot strength, and superior abrasion resistance. Seaguar is the best choice for trolling, live lining, chumming, and chunking situations. Seaguar is the only fluorocarbon leader that blends its own resins; providing it greater knot strength, higher tensile strength, heavier molecular weight.
We like
The leader features 34% better knot strength. Fluorocarbon leaders’ advanced strength allows use of smaller pound test. Ideal for larger species in fresh or salt water. FC Leader is much less visible underwater than monofilament line and virtually invisible to fish. FC is also UV resistant, chemical resistant, non-absorbent, and impervious to cold conditions. Made from 100% Seaguar resins.
we dont like
The line has rather poor performance while ice fishing. Some consumers claim the line is fake as it doesn’t have any information on the package.
PROS
Abrasion-resistant;
Fast sinking;
Low visibility;
UV-resistant;
Cons
Not suitable for ice fishing;
Can be fake;
P-Line FloroClear is a combination of tough co-polymer with a fluorocarbon coating that reduces the line’s visibility when immersed deep in water. The combination of the two materials enhances the strength of the fluorocarbon line with the addition of the co-polymer and gives the low stretch and abrasion resistance characteristics of fluorocarbon to the co-polymer. The line diameters are less than P-Line CXX and the breaking strengths are also lower for each line rating. This line handles quite well on a spinning reel and can be used in the higher strength ratings even for finesse fishing.
We like
With Floroclear’s fluorocarbon coating the line is virtually invisible once it enters the water. This gives anglers the advantage of a more stealthy presentation, which will guarantee more strikes and hookups. With a special silicone treatment, Floroclear has reduced memory and increased castability. From small finesse baits for bass to huge plugs for stripers in the surf, this line just plain casts.
we dont like
Fluorocarbon line is not coated. A lot of consumers ordering 600yd receive 400yd that is wrong to the description.
PROS
Abrasion-resistant;
Low stretch;
Virtually invisible;
Low memory;
Cons
No coating;
400yd instead of 600yd;
The line by Seaguar turns out to be soft, supple and castable among other models of this brand. It features great sensitivity, so you definitely won’t miss the bite. Fill your spool with a main line specially designed to use in freshwater. It’s virtually invisible for fish, with advanced hook-setting power, smooth casting and great knot strength.
We like
INVIZX can be used on casting or spinning reels in freshwater. It has exceptional abrasion resistance and knot strength. The line is absolutely 40% softer, which means extremely low line memory. InvizX is also UV resistant, chemical resistant, non-absorbant, and impervious to cold conditions. Made of 100% Seaguar resins.
we dont like
The line can be tangled easily. The memory of the line turns out to be rather high than it’s claimed.
PROS
100% Seaguar resins;
Excels in clear water situations;
Abrasion-resistant;
Soft;
UV-resistant;
Chemical resistant;
Cons
Tangles easily;
Too much memory;
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.
Leave a reply
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.