What To Look For
When shopping for a fluorocarbon fishing line, focus on finding a line that casts as smoothly as possible. Casting fluorocarbon is a major concern, as the line is normally not as flexible as monofilaments and most braided lines. Major strides in increasing line flexibility have led to line ssuch as Berkley Vanish, which is a smoother-casting fluorocarbon line than most other brands as long as you avoid trying to cast too far or with too much force.
Common Pitfalls
The most common pitfall anyone that uses fluorocarbon fishing line experiences is that the line tends to tangle in the reel or as it comes off the reel spool. This will occur with Berkley Vanish line as well, especially if you do not spool it onto the reel carefully. Fluorocarbon fishing lines also require great care when tying knots in it, as an improper or carelessly tied knot will not hold up. Berkley Vanish line requires specific knots, such as the palomar knot or the Berkley braid knot, to stand up to a large fish.
Where To Buy
Berkley Vanish is available in most major retail stores' sporting goods sections, such as Walmart. It is also a staple in most tackle shops, with your local tackle shop probably carrying the line or having the ability to order it through catalogs.
Cost
The price of fluorocarbon fishing line has always been much higher than that of comparable test monofilaments and braided lines. For Berkley Vanish, a 250-yard spool of 8-lb. test costs in the range of about $11. The price increases as the pound-test gets higher, but not by much--as evidenced by the $13 range for pound-test as high as 20 lbs. for a 250-yard spool.
Insider Tips
The key to tying knots for fluorocarbon fishing lines such as Berkley Vanish is to keep it wet with saliva during the entire process. This is especially true as you cinch the knot. Do so with as much lubrication from saliva as you can muster on both the line and the eye of the hook or lure. Tighten knots slowly and deliberately when using Berkley Vanish, and you will see them hold at a much increased rate than if you made them sloppily and without lubrication.
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