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Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Mark Armstrong
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When you’re trying to choose a fishing line, you may have noticed that there are many different types available, which can be confusing. You may have also noticed that fishing lines made from fluorocarbon tend to cost more. So what is fluorocarbon and do you really need a fluorocarbon fishing line?

To help you get a better idea of what fluorocarbon actually is and how it might help you, we have put together this guide. So hopefully we can help you choose the best fluorocarbon line for your next fishing trip.

Fluorocarbon Lines: Top Picks

What Is Fluorocarbon And Why Use It?

Fluorocarbon is a compound material made up of both organic and synthetic elements. It is tightly packed, meaning it has a higher density and will tend to be heavier than some other types of lines.

Because of this extra density, the line isn’t affected when it’s submerged in water, meaning its strength and properties remain the same whether it’s wet or dry. It also is invisible under the water, which can be beneficial when you’re fishing, as the fish are unable to see it and subsequently be scared off.

It can also be possible to use a fluorocarbon line as a leader with another type of line, so you can combine the benefits of the fluorocarbon with the benefits of other types of lines.

Fluorocarbon Advantages

  • It is invisible. This can be a particular advantage when it comes to fishing in clear water, as the fish will be unlikely to see the line.
  • It is highly durable. It is resistant to abrasions and can stand up to UV light without being damaged.
  • It has a low stretch, meaning it should have better hooking power.
  • Because of its greater density, it can be a good choice for fishing deeper in the water and along the bed, as the line will sink.
  • It has high sensitivity, so you should be able to feel the bite a little easier than other types of line. Also, with the added density, it means that the line should remain taut while in the water, which can boost the sensitivity.
  • It doesn’t absorb water, which means it works the same, with the same strength and resistance, whether it’s dry or underwater.

Fluorocarbon Disadvantages

  • The greater density of fluorocarbon can be a disadvantage when it comes to fishing closer to the surface, as the line and your bait will sink. 
  • It can be more expensive than a monofilament line.
  • Although it’s abrasion resistant, if it does suffer any nicks, this can cause the line to lose its invisibility. However, these can be cut off or the line can be replaced.

Fluorocarbon Line Features To Look Out For

Length And Strength

When you’re choosing a fluorocarbon line you will need to consider the type of fish you want to catch. This will determine the strength and the length of the line that you might need.

If you plan to use the fluorocarbon line as a leader then you may not need quite as long a line but you will still need to consider the strength and weight of the fish and the capacity of your rod and reel. You might also want to take into account the weight of the line you’ll be using with the leader.

Most fluorocarbon fishing lines can be used with either bait casting reels or spinning reels, although some fluorocarbon lines may not be as easy to work with on a spinning reel and may require some additional techniques. This is likely because of their increased weight and greater density compared to other types of lines.

> Best line for spinning reels

Where Are You Fishing?

Before you choose a fluorocarbon line, ask yourself where you plan to fish. If you plan to fish in muddy or murky water, then a fluorocarbon line may not be ideal. The invisibility of the line won’t be as effective if the water you’re fishing in isn’t clear.

This is because fluorocarbon and water have a similar refractive level. If the water is filled with other particles, such as mud, then the refractive properties won’t be the same.

Additionally, if you plan to fish with topwater lures or small bait, you may not want your line to sink too deep.

For trolling in clear water, a fluorocarbon line could be useful, as the fish will only see the bait swimming along and not realize it’s attached to your invisible fishing line.

> Top trolling motors for kayaks

Durability

Durability will likely be a big factor when you’re choosing your fishing line, as you probably don’t want your line to break right in the middle of reeling in your prize catch.

Most fluorocarbon fishing lines will be abrasion resistant and because fluorocarbon doesn’t absorb water it should retain the same level of abrasion resistance and strength even under the water.

Fluorocarbon tends to be thinner than other types of lines but because of its higher density this should mean it’s stronger than other types of line of a similar diameter. But it can have a similar strength to a nylon monofilament line of the same diameter, but with the added feature of underwater invisibility.

Pro Tip

​When spooling your fluorocarbon line, it can be a good idea to soak it in water beforehand and also before you create any knots. This can help the knots to hold better.

Video: How To Spool Up Fluorocarbon Line

9 Best Fluorocarbon Lines For Fishing

1: Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Berkley Fishing LinePin

This Berkley fishing line is 100% fluorocarbon, so it can remain almost invisible under the water. This can be useful when you’re fishing in clear water during daylight hours, as the fish will be unlikely to see your line, and should just see the bait at the end.

It comes in a range of lengths and line strengths, from 110 yard and 2 pound line up to 2000 yard and 20 pound line, with various combinations in between. This can make it a good choice for using as both a fishing line for your spool or as a leader with another line.

Like all fluorocarbon lines, it has a high level of abrasion resistance, which can be beneficial if you fish in areas with structures. It also has high sensitivity and is designed to be easy to cast.

2: Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon Leader

Seaguar Blue LabelPin

The Seaguar Blue Label is a 25 yard line made from 100% fluorocarbon. It is designed to be used as a leader on the end of your fishing line.

It has high abrasion resistance and features double structure technology in how the fluorocarbon line is manufactured. This can give it added durability and it can allow you to get a better cast.

Video: Seaguar® — What Is Double Structure Technology?

It comes in a range of strengths, from 2 pounds right up to 60 pounds, so you can choose the right weight for the type of fish you plan to catch.

It comes in a range of strengths, from 2 pounds right up to 60 pounds, so you can choose the right weight for the type of fish you plan to catch.

3: KastKing FluoroKote Fluorocarbon Coated Fishing Line

KastKing FluoroKote Fluorocarbon Coated Fishing LinePin

If you don’t want to splash out on a solid fluorocarbon fishing line but would like some of the benefits, then the KastKing FluoroKote could be a good choice. It is a copolymer fishing line that is completely coated in 100% fluorocarbon.

This means it can sink a little faster than other types of lines, closer to that of a fluorocarbon line. Because it’s coated in fluorocarbon, it also benefits from reduced visibility when under the water, although it may not be completely invisible.

This line could give you a little higher sensitivity compared to a monofilament line and could also be a good choice to use as a leader. It is 300 yards long and comes in a range of strengths, from 4 pounds up to 30 pounds.

4: Seaguar Invizx Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Seaguar Invizx Fluorocarbon Fishing LinePin

The Invizx fluorocarbon fishing line from Seaguar is made from 100% fluorocarbon and measures 1000 yards in length. It has 0.011 inch diameter, making it thin but very durable and strong. The strength and weight of the line ranges from 6 pounds up to 25 pounds, giving you a broad range for different fishing styles.

Being completely fluorocarbon, it is virtually invisible under the water, meaning it should be undetectable by any fish you’re trying to catch. Only the lure at the end should be visible by the fish.

This line is highly sensitive, so you should be able to feel the slightest bite at the end, allowing you to potentially catch more fish. Its high density also means the line will sink quickly, allowing you to get your bait to the bottom.

The fluorocarbon also means this line doesn’t absorb water and is resistant to UV rays and abrasions, as well as cold temperatures. This fishing line is designed to be easy to cast and can be used with both bait casting reels and spinning reels.

5: Berkley Trilene Fluorocarbon Professional Grade FIshing Line

Trilene Fluorocarbon Professional Grade FIshing LinePin

This Trilene fluorocarbon fishing line from Berkley is 100% fluorocarbon, built to a professional grade. It’s available in a range of line lengths, from 25 yards to 2000 yards and comes in a range of strengths, from 4 pounds to 20 pounds. This lets you get the correct length and weight for your style of fishing.

This line boasts having a higher strength per diameter of line compared to some other types of fishing lines. Like other fluorocarbon lines, this one is also designed to be invisible to fish while under the water, without losing its strength and properties.

It has been built for high impact resistance and it’s also resistant to UV damage and abrasions. Its high sensitivity means you should be able to easily feel any fish taking a liking to your bait.

6: Berkley Vanish Transition Fluorocarbon Line

Vanish Transition Fluorocarbon LinePin

All fluorocarbon is basically invisible under the water, which can be great when you’re trying to catch fish but not so great if you want to see where your line is. With the Berkley Vanish Transition fishing line, you can get the best of both worlds.

This 100% fluorocarbon fishing line is designed to change color above the water line, so you can easily see where it is. As soon as the line hits the water, it then becomes invisible, so that the fish cannot see it.

This can give you an advantage, as you can see when the line moves, so you don’t need to have the rod in your hands. It also has a high sensitivity to let you feel the slightest touch from nibbling fish, and because the line sinks faster, you also have less slack between your rod and the bait.

This fluorocarbon line is designed to have added shock strength, as well as be easier to hold a knot.

7: Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon Fishing LinePin

The Sunline Super FC fluorocarbon fishing line is made from 100% fluorocarbon with a triple resin coating to give you that extra strength and additional abrasion resistance.

It comes in a variety of lengths and strengths, ranging from 200 yards up to 1200 yards and 4 pounds up to 20 pounds.

The triple resin coating can also help make the line more supple, which can be easier to cast. But it is still designed to retain its sensitivity so that you can feel the bite of a passing fish.

The added abrasion resistance can be helpful if you’re fishing in areas with cover or obstacles, as your line should still maintain its invisibility and strength.

8: Yo-Zuri HD Carbon Fluorocarbon Leader Line

Yo-Zuri HD Carbon Fluorocarbon Leader LinePin

This Yo-Zuri HD Carbon leader line is made from 100% fluorocarbon and comes in a range of sizes, from 30 yards to 100 yards and 8 pounds to 200 pounds.

It is designed to be used as a leader so can be used with other types of lines. This means you can get the benefits of using fluorocarbon and combine them with the convenience and preference of another type of line.

Because this leader line is fluorocarbon, it will be invisible to the fish under the water, which could help you have a more successful fishing trip. This could be a good choice if you’re looking for the fluorocarbon advantage but you don’t want to give up your monofilament or braided line.

This also means you can use a lighter weight line on your reel and attach your bait to the leader in order to get the bait to sink more quickly. This can be a good idea to use with live bait, as the fish you’re trying to catch won’t see the fluorocarbon leader line but they would see your braided line.

9: Stren Fluorocast Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Stren Fluorocast Fluorocarbon Fishing LinePin

The Stren Fluorocast fishing line is a fluorocarbon line designed to be easy to use. It is 100% fluorocarbon but is designed to cast like a nylon monofilament line. It is also built to have improved knot strength, which could be useful when catching a fighting fish.

Another useful feature is that it is designed with improved shock resistance, giving it added strength against breaking. Being fluorocarbon, this fishing line also has high abrasion resistance and doesn’t absorb water for added durability both in and out of the water.

It can be a great choice for fishing in clear water, as the line will be invisible to fish, which should mean they are more likely to take your bait.


Reelin’ It In – Conclusion

Now that you’ve read about fluorocarbon fishing lines, you should have a better idea of the type of line that might work best for you. Hopefully you’ve learned a little more about what makes fluorocarbon lines unique and why they might benefit your next fishing trip.

Keep in mind that the best fishing lines are usually a personal preference and it can mostly depend on the type of fishing you do and the environment in which you tend to fish.

If you have anything to add or have any fluorocarbon experiences you’d like to share with us, leave us a comment. And if you think your followers could benefit from this guide, share it with them.

Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Line - PinterestPin

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