There are basically three types of fishing line – monofilament, braid, and fluorocarbon. The type you use will depend on several things: preference, type of fishing, and method of fishing are a few.If you are a beginning fisherman, the US Fish and Wildlife Services offers some tips on getting started here.
In this article, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages for these types of lines. Later, we will review the top 7 fluorocarbon lines. Successful fishing requires being prepared – knowing your fishing line helps you to be prepared for the best fishing experiences.
Table of Contents
Comparison of Best Fluorocarbon Line in 2019
| Brand | Spool Size/Yards | # Test | Color | View on Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sunline | 200 | 8 | Clear | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Seaguar Blue Label | 25 | 50 | Clear | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Seaguar Fluoro | 25 | 12 | Clear | Check Price Read Reviews |
| P-Line | 27 | 12 | Clear | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Seaguar Invizx | 200 | 8 | Clear | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Trilene | 200 | 10 | Clear, Green Tint | Check Price Read Reviews |
| Seaguar Red Label | 200 | 8 | Clear | Check Price Read Reviews |
Monofilament
Nylon monofilament was introduced by Dupont in 1938 and began commercial production in 1939. It was until 1958, however, when Dupont introduced its new Stren line that it actually caught on. Stren was thinner and had a more uniform quality than the previous monofilament.
Fishermen everywhere fell in love with this new, improved monofilament that made fishing easier because it worked with different types of reels and for different methods of fishing. Monofilament remains one of the most popular fishing lines to this day.
Advantages:
- Cheapest
- Most elastic – works as a shock absorber to help prevent fish from breaking off
- Less visible in the water
- Crimped connections and knots hold better
Disadvantages:
- The elasticity is not as great for casting as it is for bringing in the fish – it can shorten your cast
- It absorbs saltwater, which can weaken it
- Not as abrasion-resistant and UV-resistant as other brands
Braided Line
While many people think braided line is relatively new, it was actually the go-to line before monofilament was introduced. In England during the 15th century, fishermen made their own braided line by braiding horsehair. Braided silk was also a popular fishing line because the silk was stronger than horsehair.
However, early brands of fishing line had a few drawbacks. There was little to no stretch in the line, making it easier for the fish to break itself off during retrieval. Braided line did not hold knots well and was less abrasion-resistant than monofilament. It is also more visible in the water than other types. Once monofilament was introduced, many fishermen discontinued the use of braided line.
During the 1990s, superlines and microfilaments were introduced. These lines were ultra-thin and super-strong, though maintained the problems of visibility, poor knot strength, and backlashing. Today’s line of braided lines has been improved and do not present the earlier disadvantages, so some fishermen, especially saltwater fishermen, have turned back to braided line.
Advantages
- Almost no stretch, making it extremely sensitive to the smallest bite
- The limited stretch also helps to control lure action
- Braided line is thinner, so you can get more on the spool
- Cuts through the water better than monofilament – making it great for trolling
Disadvantages
- More visible than other types
- Has the least amount of abrasion resistance
- So thin and strong that it can cut fingers
- Specific knots are required
Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon is the least visible type of line and is preferred for leaders in clear water by many fishermen. Like monofilament, fluorocarbon is a single strand. Fluorocarbon lines were originally used in Japan. Japanese fishermen used it to make leaders because of its low visibility, strength, and resistance to abrasion. However, early fluorocarbon was extremely expensive.
Today, fluorocarbon line is used as leaders for saltwater fishing and fishing where dense vegetation and/or rocks are present. Fluorocarbon line works well with deep water jigs, worm fishing, spinnerbaits, and shallow running crankbaits.
Advantages
- Because fluorocarbon has almost the same light refraction index as water, which makes it virtually invisible
- Does not soak up water, so it maintains its strength whether wet or dry
- Most abrasion resistant fishing line
- The low stretch aspect makes it sensitive enough to detect the smallest bite but enough stretch to prevent the fish from breaking off during retrieval
- Stiffer than mono and less likely to tangle
Disadvantages
- High line memory that can affect casting distance
- Most expensive
- Fluorocarbon is denser and sinks faster than other types which makes it difficult to manage when using topwater lures
- Knots will not hold unless you tie while the line is wet
7 Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Line Reviews in 2019
#1. Sunline Super FC Sniper
If you are looking for the best fluorocarbon line for bass fishing, Sunline Super FC Sniper should be on your list of considerations. Bass love to hide in cover so they cannot be detected by their predators. Sniper fishing line is extremely strong and abrasion-resistant enough for fishing in deep cover and over rocky surfaces.
Headquartered in Japan, Sunline has been providing quality fishing line since 1977. Sunline is the largest manufacturer that concentrates only on fishing line in the world and their products are available is over 40 countries. Sunline is dedicated to developing stronger, thinner fishing line that improves the fisherman’s chances of success.
- Resistant to UV rays and other chemicals
- 100% fluorocarbon
- Triple resin processing makes it moisture-proof, shock-resistant, and abrasion-resistant
- Strong enough for fishing in cover while sensitive enough to immediately detect a bite
- Low memory makes casting easier with fewer knots
- Does not recover from the stretch as well as other fluorocarbon lines
#2. Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon Leader
For the big fish that require a strong leader to catch, Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon Leader line is one of the best-rated fluorocarbon fishing line. Steel leaders are not always the best type of leader to use. Some fish are spooked by a steel leader. I fish for Spanish Mackerel a lot, and steel leaders greatly reduce your chance of reeling one in. In these circumstances, an almost invisible leader is what works best.
There are different types of leaders for different species and methods of fishing. A leader can measure between 3 and 10 feet. Again, the species and method of fishing will determine this. A basic fishing leader consists of a swivel, leader line, and hook/lure. Simply tie the end of your regular line to the swivel, tie the leader line into the other side of the swivel, and tie your hook or lure onto the opposite end of the leader line. You are good to go.
- The invisibility of this line allows you to use a higher strength line without worrying about the fish seeing it in the water
- Superior knot strength eases the worry of knots slipping while retrieving heavy or aggressive fish
- Abrasion and UV-resistant for longer use
- Denseness makes it sink quickly without being detected in the water
- Does not inhibit the action of your lure – it looks natural in the water
- Can be a little stiff to work with when tying knots
#3. Seaguar Fluoro Premier
Bass are aggressive and hit extremely hard. Seaguar Fluoro Premier is one of the best fluorocarbon lines for bass fishing on the market. With great knot strength and impact strength, this Premier fishing line gives you confidence for the strike and confidence that your knot will hold throughout the fight. There is almost no experience like feeling a bass strike!
Seaguar fluorocarbon fishing line was introduced in Japan in 1972 at the Osaka Fishing Tackle Exhibition. The patent, designed by a chemical engineer and an avid fisherman both working for Kureha, Japan, was granted in 1969. The two men worked diligently to design a fluorocarbon fishing line that would provide anglers with the strength and invisibility needed for successful fishing.
- Double-structure fluorocarbon design provides better knot strength
- Small diameter provides more strength without using denser line
- Levelwind Technology offer smooth handling with less worry about wind knots and tangles
- Suitable for saltwater shock leaders
- Almost invisible underwater
- Some anglers complain that the line is too brittle and breaks easier than they wish
#4. P-Line CFX Fluorocarbon Leader Line
The P-Line CFX Fluorocarbon Leader Line is one of the best fluorocarbon fishing lines. The point of fishing with a leader is to have a strong, invisible presentation that makes your lure or bait look as natural as possible in the water. Fish can be spooked if they detect your fishing line and you will miss out on catches that you might otherwise have. P-Line CFX provides one of the best sneak attacks possible.
P-Line was first introduced in the American market in 1982. The copolymer-based technology used to manufacture P-Line fishing line offered a thin diameter and supple line that resulted in greater casting distances and a more natural bait/lure presentation. P-Line strives to continue providing high-quality and innovative fishing line to anglers worldwide.
- High invisibility prevents spooking fish and offers a more natural presentation
- Abrasion-resistance keeps the line stronger and in better shape than other types of line
- Fast sink rate gets your lure below the surface and ready to work quicker than other lines
- UV-resistance provides a longer life for the line
- Low stretch factor has just enough “give” to prevent the fish from getting off the line
- Can be a little difficult to tie knots
#5. Seaguar Red Label Fishing Line
When you are considering one of the best fluorocarbon fishing lines for trout fishing, be sure to check out the Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon fishing line. This fluorocarbon line is also one of the best fluorocarbon lines for spinning reels and casting reels. It is soft and sensitive, yet strong enough to get that big catch in.
Trout most often dwell in water that is cool and clean while providing cover and protection from predators. Since trout prefer clear water, it is vitally important to use fishing line that provide the least amount of visibility and allows you to provide the most natural action of your lure/bait.
- 100% fluorocarbon for low visibility
- Abrasion-resistance allows you to fish in the densest cover
- Works well in hot or cold weather
- UV and chemical resistant provide longer use
- Non-absorbent fluorocarbon line provides the same qualities whether wet or dry
- Some anglers stated knot strength is not as expected
#6. Seaguar Invizx Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Seaguar Invizx Fluorocarbon fishing line is designed to provide a dominating performance in freshwater. It works well on spinning or casting reels and the supple line allows you to cast further and with more accuracy. Whether you are chasing that massive large-mouth bass or dropping a minnow for a Crappie, this line will not let your down.
A strong knot is one of the most vital parts of preparation. If your knot is not tight enough, you risk the chance of the knot slipping out when an aggressive or heavy fish in on the line. There are several types of knots to choose from, including the Clinch knot, Loop knot, blood knot, and Palomar knot. Click here to learn how to tie the tightest knots.
- Withstands hot or cold weather with no loss in manageability
- High-density for a faster sink
- Abrasion, UV, and chemical-resistant
- Invizx is one of the most invisible fishing lines
- Superior strength for holding knots and setting hooks
- More expensive than other Seaguar fluorocarbon fishing lines
#7. Trilene Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
Another well-known name in the fishing industry, Berkley has been provided high-quality, affordable fishing supplies since 1937 when a high school student started his own business making and creating fishing flies. Berkley introduced one of their most popular products in 1959 – Trilene.
One of the best and most popular lines of Berkley products, Trilene is now available in a 100% fluorocarbon fishing line. Berkley Trilene Fluorocarbon Fishing Line has the action of nylon monofilament with the advantages of fluorocarbon line. From a trusted name like Berkley, you can trust this line to get the job done.
- Works extremely well on spinning reels
- Fishes like monofilament – flexible and manageable
- So invisible, the fish will not detect it in the water
- Provides a natural presentation of your bait or lure
- Suitable for fishing in dense coverage or rocky river beds
- Not as sensitive as some fluorocarbon line
Final Thoughts
Though fluorocarbon is more expensive than other types of fishing line, the advantages far outweigh the cost for avid and/or professional fishermen. The leading advantage is the abrasion resistance fluorocarbon offers. This results in longer use and less respooling.
Invisibility is also one of the greatest advantages. As we discussed earlier, some fish just will not strike if they see the line in the water. The best presentation is the most natural presentation. Since it has almost the same light refraction index as water, the fluorocarbon line is virtually invisible in the water.
As technology improves and production of fluorocarbon is fine-tuned, the prices will continue to fall, which makes fluorocarbon an option for the casual angler as well as the professional.
After considering the aspects that we have discussed in this article, I feel the best fluorocarbon fishing line is the Berkley Trilene Fluorocarbon fishing line.
Not only is it manufactured by a trusted name in the fishing industry, this professional-grade fishing line combines the flexibility and manageability of monofilament with all the bells and whistles of fluorocarbon.
One Final Thought
Fishing line is the most important connection between you and your fish. Quality fishing line can mean the difference between having a good day on the water or water all the good ones get away.
Fishing line endures a lot of abuse and can become weak after a while. Factors that can weaken fishing line include exposure to sunlight, dragging the line through dense coverage or over rocky river beds, the fish’s teeth biting the line, and the stress on the line while you are fighting a big fish.
No one wants to lose a big catch, especially if it can be prevented. Take a proactive role so that you are always prepared for the best outcome. Inspect your line before and after each use. Run your fingers up the line to feel for nicks, small cuts, or rough spots that can become weak links in the water.
When using colored fishing lines, faded colors can indicate weakened line. The best action when you detect any of these problems is to change your line. Changing your line is especially important if your fishing rod has been stored for long periods of time. Don’t start your fishing season on a sour note – respool if needed.
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