I would like some imput on flourocarbon. I'm going to be fishing a PB Spotty only tournament in Newport next weekend. The water there has been very clear lately. So I'm considering using flourocarbon. Having never used it I have several questions.

1. Does it make a difference?
2. How durable is it compaired to mono?
3. If I only use it as a leader, how long should the leader be, and what knot should I use to attach it to the main line?
4. Have any of you used Berkley Vanish? How does it compare to the other flourocarbons?

Thanks for the help.

JP

Hey there JP,

I've just completed the bare bones of an article I'm doing on today's Super Lines. All Fluorocarbon lines are not equal. The biggest difference between the brands is that some are 'pure' fluorocarbon while others are a co-polymer with varying degrees of fluorocarbon blending and or coating.

I think the main reason people want to use what fluorocarbons claim to offer is because they want to use the heaviest test line possible, while still meeting the low visibility criteria of much lighter lines.

Many fluorocarbons makers claim their advantages are: 1) abrasion resistance, 2) low-stretch, 3) low visibility, 4) less UV damage, 5) low-memory. Again, some of it's relative. Heck, the way you fish it (top shot, leader, stubby) has a bearing on if it gives you the advantages you want. One thing for sure, most fluorocarbons have a larger average diameter than other types of line. This can translate into lower line capacity (some baitcasting reel spools are really small), often has a higher specific gravity (it floats more, especially in saltwater)and, has a higher resistance in the water. (get dragged around in the currents easier) There are exceptions.

I've used Vanish and like the feel of the line. It's demonstrated the attributes mentioned above. I use 4lb for surf fishing grubs.

Some answers:
It does make a difference.

It depends. Some monos have special coatings that have superior durability to those of fluorocarbon and vice versa.

Leader length is just a matter of conditions.

Check out some of the websites that discuss the pro's and con's of different types of lines. There's a big fight between Seaguar and Berkley on line quality.

Hope someone has more real-world input for you.

tsurikichi
a.k.a.JapanRon

I've seen Flouro make the difference between having a slow day and having a good day but not always the case. It can make the difference under the right conditions (clear water and high light). I like to use it for blue water fishing (tuna, yellows, or basically offshore)also good for coastal fishing in clear water conditions. When the water is off color I prefer to fish line with color because I always have and I have confidence it. I have been told that light doesn't travel through line with color as easily making it more invisible in the water but I caught tons of fish on clear. I think there's a lot of personal prefference involved. My favorite is green (not Neon) but pink Ande, as well as both Izor, and P-Line Blue have all worked well for me too.

So to answer your question-, Yes I do think it works under the right conditions.

- I splice about a 4-5ft leader on and I use Izor Flouralcarbon.

I've tried Berkely Vanish or Stren Vanish which ever I've never had much luck either of those brands. I just don't have no confidence in them because when I did use them I lost fish and I've seen others do the same. I havn't tried Seagur so I can't comment ont he durability of the brand. Pick up some Flouro and put it in your box. The next time your fishing in clear water conditions try it out and It should work for you.

JerryG

Thanks for the insight Ron.

Jerry, I don't believe I've seen Izor flourocarbon. Where can I get some?

JP, what spotty tournament is in the bay? Is it open to the public? Bum

I just ran accross a spool of P-line CFX Fluorocarbon 6# that I had stored away in my ancient tackle box that I don't use anymore. $8.99 for 27.2 yds.! Kind of pricey. Santa must have slipped that in when I wasn't looking because this tight wad would never have paid for that. :D

At any rate, I'm going to give it a try this weekend.

It's private, sorry. He violated the secrecy rule the organizer asked for. JP, we gotta spank you now.

As for flouro, I have used P-line's CFX 100% leader material in 6# and really like it. Haven't used any others though, nor a full reel of flouro.


Big Hammer Swimbaits-Fishco/Hammerhead Jigheads
www.swimbait.com
Pro-Cure Scents
www.pro-cure.com

JP- I bought several spools about a year ago and it's almost time to go get more. If my memory serves me well I believe I picked it up at Savon Tackle in Santa FE Springs or I might have gone to Jonnys' sportshop in Passadena. To be honest I don't remember if it was Jonny's or Savon but if you give either of these guys a call I'm willing to bet they both carry it. Not to dis credit any other posts but based on my personal experiences the vanish stuff fell short of my expectations. I never had problems with line giving under it's breaking strentgh with the lines I normaly fish . I do supose it's possible that I could have got some bad spools but again this has been my experience with Stren and Berkey Mono as well. I have had never had any problems with Izor, Andy, P-Line, Maxima, and Triple Fish brands. P-Line makes a good product and you should be able to find it at any tackle shop. The price is a bit high but It's qaulity stuff. So there's my 2 cents again.

Oh Grandmaster David, bring on the spanking, and we'll see who gets whooped. Besides EB is aware of what I've done.

Do you prefer I use the feather boa or peacock feathers on you? LOL! See you sat. AM, good luck!


Big Hammer Swimbaits-Fishco/Hammerhead Jigheads
www.swimbait.com
Pro-Cure Scents
www.pro-cure.com

The boa will be fine but only if you wear your stockings and garter...LOL!!!!

Check out this post: http://www.sport-fish-info.com/dcforum/dcpages/DCForumID8/9472.html#2