Fluorocarbon Line

 

Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon is becoming increasingly popular with UK anglers.

Fluorocarbon is a (relatively) new type of fishing line which has become increasingly popular with UK anglers over the last few years. Fluorocarbon fishing line is different to monofilament as it is made with polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a type of thermoplastic. The molecules which make up fluorocarbon are denser, heavier and more closely packed together than in normal monofilament, giving fluorocarbon fishing line unique properties. While there are a number of drawbacks to fluorocarbon line, an increasing number of anglers are finding a place for this type of line in their fishing.

Fluorocarbon first emerged in Japan in the 1970s, but only appeared in UK sea fishing in the 1990s and take-up was slow – it has only been in the last few years when it has become widely available. As fluorocarbon line has a higher density than regular monofilament line it will sink in the water (monofilament floats and needs to be weighted down to sink). This can be an advantage in light rigs and helps keep rigs made with fluorocarbon on the seabed where fish are feeding. As fluorocarbon shares the same refractive index as water it is near-invisible once under the water – a significant advantage to anglers fishing in clear water or for species which may be spooked by bright or visible line. It is also tougher, stiffer and more abrasion resistant than monofilament line of the same diameter, and will stretch less meaning that bites are easier to detect and anglers can more easily feel what is happening at the end of their line.

Using fluorocarbon comes with some disadvantages. It is considerably more expensive to purchase than the equivalent strength monofilament line, which can become prohibitive if it is being used to fill up entire reels. The stiffness of the line also means that it can be difficult to tie knots, although with practice many anglers find that they can create secure and strong knots with fluorocarbon, with the uni knot working well with this type of line.

Using Fluorocarbon

LRF
Fluorocarbon is often used by anglers using LRF methods to target small species.

The is an ongoing debate in UK angling over the best way to use fluorocarbon. Some anglers are happy to fill up their entire reel with fluorocarbon and use it as a mainline when beachcasting, while others see this as a pointless waste of (expensive) line and also claim that the stiffness of fluorocarbon makes this type of line difficult to cast with and reduces casting distances. For these reasons, some anglers choose only to use fluorocarbon for hooklengths and in rig making. Fluorocarbon is popular in LRF where fluorocarbon leaders of 2 – 5lb breaking strain are often used. This allows a heavier line (usually braid) to be used as a main line, while lures are presented to the fish on the near-invisible fluorocarbon.

Using fluorocarbon for hooklengths offers several advantages over monofilament line. Its low visibility means that fish such as bass or mullet which can be very selective feeders in clear water will not be put off and its abrasion resistance means that anglers fishing over rough ground will find that fluorocarbon hooklengths are much less likely to be damaged than those made from normal monofilament line. The stiffness of fluorocarbon also means that hooklengths will stand out and away from the rig body, lessening the chance of rigs tangling when they are cast out, and its sinking nature means that fluorocarbon hooklengths will stay closer to the seabed. Most anglers use 20 – 30lb breaking strain fluorocarbon for their hooklengths, as this will be around the same diameter as monofilament line of the same strength.

Fluorocarbon line can divide anglers. Some see it as offering few advantages over monofilament, despite its higher price, while other anglers believe that it has properties which enhance and improve their chances of catching fish, making it worth the additional cost. The only way to find out is for anglers to try using fluorocarbon themselves.

Sakuma Fluorocarbon line in 20lb breaking strain can be purchased from Sea Angling Shop by clicking here.