While Nylon monofilament line is the mainstay of fishing lines, several newer line types are now available. Among them is fluorocarbon, a polymer with properties that make it an ideal material for fishing lines. It is denser, thinner and more abrasion resistant than monofilament. It also stretches less and is practically transparent in water, making it relatively invisible to fish. Anglers appreciate these traits and have made fluorocarbon a popular choice for fishing.
History
According to the Seaguar website, the history of fluorocarbon fishing line dates back to the mid-1960s when chemical engineers in Japan noticed that fluorocarbon polymer would work well as fishing line, particularly in Japan, where anglers are fastidious about bait presentation. A patent for fluorocarbon fishing line was issued in 1969, and manufacturing began in the early 1970s. Initially, U.S. anglers used fluorocarbon line only as leader material and for saltwater fishing. Since that time, it has gained a broader market, due largely to its unique physical properties that make fluorocarbon fishing line superior to standard monofilament fishing line.
Physical Properties
Fluorocarbon fishing line is made of a polymer called polyvinylidene flouride. It is very dense and has little to no stretch. Unlike monofilament line, flourocarbon line does not absorb water. These factors help to keep the line thin, yet strong. Another important characteristic of fluorocarbon fishing line is that it has a refractive index that is almost identical to water. The polymer is also resistant to UV radiation, making it more able to withstand extended exposure to sunlight without degrading. The line is impervious to contaminants, such as gasoline, sunscreen, insect repellents and other chemicals.
Advantages
The refractive index of flurocarbon fishing line makes it practically invisible underwater. The line also stretches very little, making it better at transmitting movements from rod to lure and for improving hook-setting capabilities. This trait is particularly effective in fishing long lines, where monofilament would stretch excessively. The higher density of fluorocarbon means thinner lines can handle great test weights. This reduced line diameter allows the angler to load more line on a reel. Increased density also helps the line sink more quickly to get lures down in the water to where fish are holding.
Disadvantages
Fluorocarbon tends to cost more than comparable weights of monofilament line. Also, because it is more slippery than monofilament, knots are somewhat difficult to tie in this type of line. Special knots, such as the Palomar knot or the Trilene knot, are required for tying tackle to fluorocarbon. The line is also stiffer than monofilament, making it more difficult to handle on lighter rods and reels.
Uses
Anglers use flourocarbon as a main fishing line in many situations, including both freshwater and saltwater. It also works well as a leader material when a heavier weight of monofilament is used as the main line. The fluorocarbon leader presents bait more naturally and is very popular with saltwater and flyfishing enthusiasts, who fish for species that are often line-shy.
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