Another flourocarbon discussion

[adamwstewart]

Has anyone read Tackletour's review of flourocarbon lines? I was intrigued by the results. I'm eagerly anticipating results of a stretch test, if they ever get around to doing one.

I have a theory about flourocarbons (I personally like P-line original flouro for C-rigs and jig casting), specifically regarding the sensitivity issue. Maybe sensitivity in the lines doesn't have as much to do with stretch as it does with density of the material itself. Tackletour indicated they often couldn't tell the difference between mono and flouro stretch characteristics although they did not specifically test the property.

It is commonly attributed that flouro is more sensitive because it has less stretch (like a braided line). But maybe, due to its greater density than standard monofilament, it transfers vibration energy better.

For example, sound (a type of vibration) travels faster through air at sea level than at altitude (say 30,000 feet) because the air is much denser at sea level--the molecules bounce into each other with less time in between contact. Sound travels even faster through solid objects, apparently. This logic would seem to hold with fishing lines: vibrations in a less-dense line wouldn't travel quite as fast (or as distinct) as through a more-dense line.

Of course, there may be a problem with that logic--is vibration transmission totally a game of density of material, or a game of line stretch, or a combination? I raise this issue because it would seem braids are much less dense than either mono or flouro--braid floats. Yet it is most sensitive of all.

What do you guys think? Sorry if I've rambled...

 

[Andrew]

I think it would be a combination of both. And i read that tackletours article also a few days ago. I found it really interesting too.


I still use pline pure fluorocarbon and personally think its the best out of probably ten brands of fluorocarbon i've tried.


Here is the link if anyone else is interested in reading the article.

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewfluorocarbontest.html

 

[beetlespin]

If you want some good stuff get some Seaguar Invisx.

 

[Liveliner]

Thanks for linking Tackletour.

I read the test and understand the wide range of results. All the lines tested seemed to have their own strengths and weaknesses. I have been using 100% fluorocarbon leaders for years and can not accept the need to fill a reel to the spool with fluorocarbon. I know that there are FC lines that cast better than others and there are folks who swear by their favorite. However what is the real intent of the Fluorocarbon line being used in the first place? It is what is at the first few feet of your line at the lure that matters. I want low visibility, I want abrasion resistance and I want as much strength as possible especially at the knots. To heck with the casting because it should not even be a consideration. The main line on your reel should be a highly advanced mono or braid that will greatly out perform all the Fluorocarbon lines in casting and reel performance. I only use fluorocarbon at the lure end of my lines. I will use from 4' to 6' and for certain saltwater species up to 8' of FC leader. The knot is the only difficult factor to master in the Fluorocarbon lines. The best lines for me to do what I want are generally the worst at breaking at a poorly designed or tied knot. Therefore I have several tried and proven knots that will allow you to maintain a high percentage of your line strength.
My ideal setup for my Quantum Cabo 40 is 25# test Power-pro mainline tied to 6' of Seagar 20# test 100% Fluorocarbon leader connected with a "Slim Beauty knot". The lure is then tied to the fluorocarbon with a "Cosmos Loop knot" similar the "Rapala Loop knot". I will put that rig /setup up against anything you can put together.
It will out cast and out preform all your reels filled to the spool with any of your Fluorocarbon lines.

But then again, Just My Honest Opinion(JMHO) and to each his own.

 

[Fuzzy]

BassMasters just had an article about line. It said that flourcarbon actually stretches MORE than mono, but because it has more nylon, its more sensitive. I personnaly found the sensitivity part, not the stretching part. Maybe I will have to read it again, I was tired...

 

[beetlespin]

Flourocarbon has no nylon. It may stretch as much or more than nylon at the end of the day but I think it stretches different if it does. I do not think it has the initial stretch of nylon. I use it extensively. Flourocarbon is made from flouropolymers that are a totally different class of materials than nylon.

Lance

 

[bullet]

to liveliner, i have tried to use fc's for leader the way you describe but i have had bad knots slipping apart and also broken cf leaders causing lost fish can you give links to your set-ups (knots). i know it works because one of the best fishermen ion our club uses power-pro yellow braid with 20# seaguar fc leaders on spinning reels and he brings in many many more and bigger bass than i do?