FC friend or foe? 2024
WRB reply :
It's been over 20 years since flourocarbon fishing line hit the market with claims of invisible to fish, low strecth line.
I bought into the hype becuase where I fish the water is clear and anything that could give me an advantage catching fish was welcomed. My 1st experience was salt water tuna fishing for albacore using mono with FC leader and it seemed to work better than straight mono on that trip with 1 exception; occasional knot failure.
Aaron Martens introduced me to Sunline Shooter FC line for bass fishing, he was convinced it helped him. Shooter in the early 90's was $30 for 300 meter spool, expensive compared to $8 for 600 yard spool of Big Game mono I was using back then. If FC gives you an advantage $30 was cheap. Shooter is still $30 a spool but the spool is 100 meters now.
After over 20 years of trying to believe FC gave me an advantage I am now convinced it's a disadvantage because of continued problems with random knot failures and difficult casting into dry winds without constant line management and lubrication. I want to believe I can feel my bottom contact lures better using FC, the truth is I can't. My success rate based on catch per man hour fishing hasn't improved and haven't caught any giant bass over 15 lbs using FC line. All my giant bass were caught on mono line, everyone of them.
FC line performance is inferior to premium mono for bass fishing because it has lower abrasion, knot strength and doesn't cast as easily.
This summer I removed my FC line and replaced it with premium monofilament line; I am now using Sunline Shooter Armilo Defier Nylon and Maxima Ultragreen copolymer and Big Game monofilament lines.
Tom
kickerfish1 reply :
I use both mono and fluorocarbon lines. I use very little braid or braid plus leader. By todays standards and everything being heavily driven by braided lines I am in the minority. For weightless plastics, jigs, and texas rigs I prefer fluorocarbon. For all purpose combos, topwaters, spinnerbaits, or chatterbaits I prefer mono.
CroakHunter reply :
@WRB What presentations make you choose big game over sunline or maxima and vice versa? I have recently switched to copolymer/mono in situations where most would use fc and couldn't be happier.
WRB reply :
On 8/25/2017 at 12:00 PM, CroakHunter said:@WRB What presentations make you choose big game over sunline or maxima and vice versa? I have recently switched to copolymer/mono in situations where most would use fc and couldn't be happier.
I switch from Sunline Super Sniper 7 lb to Max Ultragreen 5 lb for spinning finesse.
Sunline Sniper 10, 12 lb to Armilo 11 lb. for jigs and worms.
Berkley 12 lb mono to Armilo 11 lb for crank baits, top water, spoons etc.
Sunline Sniper 16 lb to Berkley Big Game 15 lb for night fishing.
Stayed with Armilo 25 lb for swimbaits, rats or wake baits and Fins 60 lb braid for heavy cover.
Tom.
smalljaw67 reply :
I tried fluorocarbon for a bit, I only made 2 seasons using 4 different brands and 3 different diameters. I use mono for everything except heavy flipping and frog fishing, those are the only 2 deals in which I use braid. I keep hearing about low stretch with fluorocarbon but in reality it stretches more than most premium mono, the difference is the density of fluorocarbon doesn't seem to stretch and it also doesn't rebound back like mono. The only advantage I found with fluorocarbon was the fact it sinks, when we fish cold water here, the smallmouth will be in wintering holes and it requires a slow presentation but sometimes a slight difference in size will have a big impact. That was the only time I saw fluorocarbon as an advantage, it allowed my buddy to use a 1/8oz jig and keep it on the bottom and the slight current would push my 1/8oz jig off the bottom so I had to move up to 3/16oz and it made a difference, I caught half the fish my partner did. That was one of the few times when fluorocarbon was better than the mono I was using, and personally if it is only 1 or 2 times a season then to me it isn't worth the price if it isn't a constant advantage over the mono I use.
Team9nine reply :
...but hey, whatever works for you - I'm almost 100% fluoro on my baitcasters and have been for almost a decade. I don't see that changing any time soon.
NYWayfarer reply :
On 8/25/2017 at 11:12 AM, WRB said:
FC line performance is inferior to premium mono for bass fishing because it has lower abrasion, knot strength and doesn't cast as easily.
This sums it up nicely. Trading one advantage, visibility, for three disadvantages doesn't seem like a good deal.
I like Fluoro for Trout fishing but even in that respect if I went down to 4lb or 2lb mono I would probably be better off.
NHBull reply :
With the exception of some leader material, I have given up on FC, but am still in the braid camp.
Perhaps this will change at some point, but I just don't like the feel of mono. If I was convinced my percentage would increase, it would revisit.
J Francho reply :
More and more, fluorocarbon is replacing what I use to use. I still use braid for a couple things, but I really don't like the stuff at all.
Catt reply :
I've fished braided Cotton, Dacron, Micron, Suture Material (Silk), Micro Dyneema®, Kevlar, & Spectra.
I've fished all kinds of copolymers, fluorocarbons, & monofilaments.
Fluorocarbon; has as much stretch as mono with far less abrasion resistance & shock absorption.
I did like Maxima but the Chameleon, what I didn't like was it was too hard to find.
I prefer Berkley Big Game because of its ability to adsorb the shock & fatigue associated with fighting big fish of all species. I also believe it's the most abrasion resistant monofilament bar none.
riverbasser reply :
Very surprised at this topic and the post in it. I consider myself at the bottom end of knowledge compared to those above me so I can't argue anything.
I personally use all 3 lines. Fluro being something I just made the switch too. Before it was mono for cranks and top water and braid for everything else. I was convinced to try fluro since an older very experienced guy I know uses it, it is now what I use for jigs/Texas rigs when not in heavy vegetation. I can see its issues with line management and have switched knots also by his reccomendation and have not had any failures.
I do not claim that fluro has no stretch but coming from fishing jigs with braid I don't notice a huge difference in sensitivity. While with big game mono I definitely notice a difference in feeling the bottom and strikes. Maybe this is my lack of experience but as much as I'd love to spool all my reels with big game and be done with the cost and the line conditioner and backing. I cannot change the way it feels in my hands and to me that's what's most important
Turtle135 reply :
I fish with Trilene XT monofilament pretty much 100% of the time (12, 14 and 17 pound test). I think the real reason I like this line so much is that their 14 pound test actually tests out closer to 20 pounds. It handles shock pretty well too. Two things that really bother me are breaking off a bass or gut hooking a bass (both are likely death sentences). When you fish water that looks like this then line visibility is not really a concern.
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 8/25/2017 at 11:12 AM, WRB said:It's been over 20 years since flourocarbon fishing line hit the market with claims of invisible to fish, low strecth line.
I bought into the hype becuase where I fish the water is clear and anything that could give me an advantage catching fish was welcomed. My 1st experience was salt water tuna fishing for albacore using mono with FC leader and it seemed to work better than straight mono on that trip with 1 exception; occasional knot failure.
Aaron Martens introduced me to Sunline Shooter FC line for bass fishing, he was convinced it helped him. Shooter in the early 90's was $30 for 300 meter spool, expensive compared to $8 for 600 yard spool of Big Game mono I was using back then. If FC gives you an advantage $30 was cheap. Shooter is still $30 a spool but the spool is 100 meters now.
After over 20 years of trying to believe FC gave me an advantage I am now convinced it's a disadvantage because of continued problems with random knot failures and difficult casting into dry winds without constant line management and lubrication. I want to believe I can feel my bottom contact lures better using FC, the truth is I can't. My success rate based on catch per man hour fishing hasn't improved and haven't caught any giant bass over 15 lbs using FC line. All my giant bass were caught on mono line, everyone of them.
FC line performance is inferior to premium mono for bass fishing because it has lower abrasion, knot strength and doesn't cast as easily.
This summer I removed my FC line and replaced it with premium monofilament line; I am now using Sunline Shooter Armilo Defier Nylon and Maxima Ultragreen copolymer and Big Game monofilament lines.
Tom
I could not agree with you more.
LxVE Bassin reply :
I only use mono as a backing and as a leader for topwaters. My main lines are either braid or flouro. Flouro definitely stretches but no where close to mono. I have not had any knot failures with flouro. I guess we all have different experiences which is the beauty of bass fishing.
flatcreek reply :
I'm in the Berkely Big Game camp.Have had too many break offs with fc in tournaments to suit me and have overall better success with BG.I still like that 10 pound Sufix braid with a leader on spinning tackle.I fish plenty of clear water as well and I spend more time fishing with the BG instead of bickering with the fc.Whatever floats the boat I guess.
WRB reply :
What I liked about FC line and the reason it has taken me so long to give up on it is it's lower coeffient of drag going through water then Nylon line and it weight allows it to sink faster then Nylon line. The combination of less drag and higher weight creates less belly in the line between the rod tip and the lure when using bottom contact lures. This can translate into improved lure contact or feedback.
The reduced knot strength, regardless how good you think you are with knot tying, is the rattlesnake in the wood pile. FC creeps under time and pressure like all polymers do, including Nylon. The difference is FC isn't hygroscopic and Nylon is, meaning FC sheds water and easily overheats with friction. Nylon strengthens with moisture, Easly lubricates with water and doesn't take a permanent set when deformed as easily as FC. When you tie a knot the line is under pressure for as long as the knot is tight, deforming the line. FC tends to flatten under the force of knots and the reason so many different knots have been developed to cushion the force of the knot. You never know when FC line will fail and that is why I will no longer use it!
Tom
sully420 reply :
Wow i think this is a great topic and i really appreciate Tom's insight on fc vs mono. I was super into fc for a while and still like it for certain applications like deep cranking and trolling for walleye but its expensive and lack of versatility as led me to only use it on one set up and as leader material. When i have more rod and reel combos i may use it more maby a flipping set up. I will also give big game a try when i get a top water combo for trebble hook baits and for shallow cranks and spinners. I definitely dont think beginners should be out there buying fc for everything because it is not forgiving and quality fc is expensive and needs extra attention to get positive results. At the end of the day we all just need to understand what are fishing needs are and what equipment we like to use and pick the line that best serves our needs and helps us get the most out of our equipment.
npl_texas reply :
On 8/25/2017 at 10:03 PM, Catt said:Fluorocarbon; has as much stretch as mono with far less abrasion resistance & shock absorption.
In my limited experience this is what I've found. I'm having to constantly retie and I'm not throwing in/around cover. I'm in the habit of making a pretty hard hook set and I've had the line snap more times than I care to mention.
I switched over to copoly and those issues are gone.
I'm thinking about going braid to fc leader on a couple of my trig setups to see how that goes.
Catt reply :
On 8/25/2017 at 10:30 PM, riverbasser said:I cannot change the way it feels in my hands and to me that's what's most important
Truest statement in this entire thread!
I didn't like any aspect fluorocarbon & it's weaknesses in my mind outweighed it's strengths.
I know Big Game's strengths, it's weaknesses, & how to use both to my advantage.
J Francho reply :
Much to your point, @Catt, you've developed a preference based on your experience, the water you fish, and your ability. I wish I could get there. I still run four specific types of line, depending on the purpose.
Team9nine reply :
Whatever works for you is great, and that's your choice. Personally, I won't be switching back to mono as my primary line anytime soon. For some, obviously, the reverse scenario applies. Good for us both. My only other comment is, do your own due diligence on the specifics of line types and their properties, and test a lot of this stuff out, both on the water and off. Don't just believe everything you read on the Internet, including these forums.
Lil fat guy reply :
On 8/26/2017 at 1:19 AM, WRB said:What I liked about FC line and the reason it has taken me so long to give up on it is it's lower coeffient of drag going through water then Nylon line and it weight allows it to sink faster then Nylon line. The combination of less drag and higher weight creates less belly in the line between the rod tip and the lure when using bottom contact lures. This can translate into improved lure contact or feedback.
From someone who has never used mono. Putting aside the visibility argument, if less belly is the main benefit, could you run flouro with a mono leader? This would of course assume the knot failures are at the lure and not at the leader connection. But it seems you could still get the increased sensitivity and perhaps not have as many knot failures this way. Just curious if you've tried it?
J Francho reply :
Just run one or the other, and practice your knots.
Darren. reply :
I've not been fishing FC for nearly as long as many of you
guys, but the price point keeps me from experimenting with
various types; however, I did settle with Gamma Edge for
leader line on the FC side of the fence....
As for whether or not it makes a difference, I really don't
know. I have done no recording of conditions and so forth
when I've used FC and not. That said, I do tend to use
Yo-Zuri Hybrid more these days.
6 and 1/2 dozen the other to me. I've got enough 600 yard
spools of YZH and 3 spools of Gamma Edge to last me for
many years of leader line! I just hope the bait monkey doesn't
disrupt my satisfaction with what I already have. 
fishwizzard reply :
I use a mix of all three lines, but braid is my least favorite. I have also used the Armilo Defier mono and really like it. I have used the 11lb and the 25lb. They both cast well, obviously the 25lb has some memory, but it is manageable even with a 1/2oz frog tired on. My only complaints with it are the lack of bulk spools and the lack of anything lighter than 11lb.
Can anyone recommend a good mono for finesse plastics in the 7-10lb range? The 11lb Armilo Defier is .0108" and YZ Hybrid 6lb is .010~", so I am looking for something thinner than either. I am currently using 7lb Sniper (.0086") and 8.4lb Seaguar Finesse (.0085"), so something around that would be great. I like both of these lines but give Sniper the nod for coming in bulk spools, but I would love to try some monos before I make a bulk buy.
Mike L reply :
I use Flouro for everything except for punching and very heavy vegetation but starting to use it more for that also. I just don't see any advantage to useing mono for anything...Sure you can make an argument for useing the stuff for certain top water presentations but it certainly isn't the be all advantage it's made out to be. I fish more tournaments than most on here and I'm convinced it help's.
Everyone's different and will use what they like and have confidence in as it should be.
I use either Shooter or Sniper depending on what, where and how I'm fishing, and have no intention of changing..If I did it certainly would not be to mono. For me there are better options.
Mike
Russ E reply :
its good to get several different opinion on flourocarbon.
I went from trilene xt to flourocarbon on my baitcasters awhile back.
at first I had knot problems. then i started using Zona's shark knot.
since then I don't recall breaking off a the knot.
the only issue I have with flourocarbon is, any kinks or nicks in the line makes it very weak.
after landing a big fish I always retie. in all honesty, probably should have done this with mono also, but it is critical with flourocarbon.
with others saying there is a lot of stretch in flourocarbon, I have not noticed this.
Going back and forth between my bait casters with flourocarbon and spinning gear with mono. mono seems to have significantly more stretch.
tried it on spinning gear, but is too stiff in my opinion.
time will tell if I stay with flouro or move back to mono.
At the moment I am having success with flourocarbon.
Jeff H reply :
I never bought into the fluorocarbon craze. Tried it but never got along with it and certainly didn't find any advantages with it. Count me among the dissenters.
crypt reply :
have tried all of 7 different brands over the years of flouro. and still only use Big Game............just can't get with it......maybe it's just me, but after reading other posts, it's not.
.ghoti. reply :
I use FC strictly for trout fishing. It truly makes a difference than. Otherwise, thennegatives far outweigh the positives for me. And, I hate braid. So, it's mono for me, all the time. Trilene XL was all I wanted for a long time. Until they came out with a new, "improved" formula. Improved right out of my life.
Been looking for a replacement for a while. Super Natural saw some use, and I was going to use it once all of my old stock of XL ran out. Then, Seaguar came out with Rippin mono. That will be my new go to line.
For my trout reels, I will be using Invizx, until I use up all of that I have on hand, and will switch to Finesse Fluoro.
Did I mention I HATE braid?
riverbasser reply :
On 8/26/2017 at 7:59 AM, Weedwhacker said:then i started using Zona's shark knot.
This is the knot I use for fluro as well and have yet to have any issues.
WRB reply :
On 8/26/2017 at 6:32 AM, Bunnielab said:I use a mix of all three lines, but braid is my least favorite. I have also used the Armilo Defier mono and really like it. I have used the 11lb and the 25lb. They both cast well, obviously the 25lb has some memory, but it is manageable even with a 1/2oz frog tired on. My only complaints with it are the lack of bulk spools and the lack of anything lighter than 11lb.
Can anyone recommend a good mono for finesse plastics in the 7-10lb range? The 11lb Armilo Defier is .0108" and YZ Hybrid 6lb is .010~", so I am looking for something thinner than either. I am currently using 7lb Sniper (.0086") and 8.4lb Seaguar Finesse (.0085"), so something around that would be great. I like both of these lines but give Sniper the nod for coming in bulk spools, but I would love to try some monos before I make a bulk buy.
Maxima Ultragreen 5lb is .0080, 6lb is .0090, Sunline Sniper 7lb is .0089, Maxima 5lb is stronger line than 7lb Sniper! I have used 8lb (.010) Ultragreen for winter jig fishing on casting reels, it's stronger then 10lb Sniper but too much memory for spinning reels IMO.
TW has 5lb Maxima Ultragreen available, if interested.
Tom
clh121787 reply :
Friend
dwh4784 reply :
Foe. I had too many break offs at the knot for my liking. Flouro is also the only line I've ever had break at a uni-uni leader knot. I'll just use a good quality mono for my leaders. Currently using Maxima Ultragreen.
XpressJeff reply :
I really like Power Pro and Suffix.
That's how I feel on the matter.
fishwizzard reply :
On 8/26/2017 at 11:15 AM, WRB said:Maxima Ultragreen 5lb is .0080, 6lb is .0090, Sunline Sniper 7lb is .0089, Maxima 5lb is stronger line than 7lb Sniper! I have used 8lb (.010) Ultragreen for winter jig fishing on casting reels, it's stronger then 10lb Sniper but too much memory for spinning reels IMO.
TW has 5lb Maxima Ultragreen available, if interested.
Tom
Cool, thanks for the info.
Columbia Craw reply :
It's all about options. Each line type has it's place and gives an angler options as to what they want for a specific application. Great dialogue.
JustinJ reply :
I have settled on trilene xl or Berkley bug game for everything I do except punching and frog fishing
Bulletman20XD reply :
Lots of good insight---I too tried FC and HATED it. I could not tell you how many times I set the hook on a fish and the knot snapped. An Elite Pro told me to try a different knot. I said why I use the same knot you use! Another Elite Pro told me that the reason why my knot was breaking was because I cinched it down too tight and burned the line when I tied it. This is the same way I do with mono so why is it breaking, isn't FC is supposed to be more abrasion resistant!!!! Another person told me I need to use a better quality (higher priced) FC line, the cheap stuff is no good. So I did just that. I put that spool on my cranking reel and you know it did pretty good and lasted a good while. When it was time to swap I bought the same stuff and put on it. Could not wait to get it off either. Could not tell you how many fish (and crankbaits) I lost in the first outing with it. So, now what I have left from a couple spools I use as leader material only when I'm fishing gin clear water and for drop shots (the leader down to the weight) lol.
I have used Berkley Trilene Big Game exclusively for nearly 30 years. Folks this stuff is HARD to beat! Can I afford $30 for a small spool of FC, sure I can but why when I have confidence in a 600 yard spool of Big Game I paid $6.50 for. Does mono end up having more line memory--Yep! But for $30 I can change line on everyone of my reels several times and not worry about it. Does FC help you catch more fish---Didn't make a believer outta me!!
Boomstick reply :
My take is I will only run a FC leader when fishing 6-8lb line and need the extra invisibility (which doesn't give me any issues with knots) or really need the extra sink of the FC. The rest of the time I throw on a mono leader to save some money, and perhaps time if it's a fatter line too. I don't use FC as a mainline and probably wouldn't bother.
I too am in the Big Game camp for mainline with the exception of 17lb line, which they don't seem to make in Big Game so I use Trilene XT. The Big Game is strong and cheap enough where I can keep fresh line on my spool. For leaders on braid, I will often use Trilene XL that I can keep in my tackle bag,
long island basser reply :
I like flouro, but also like mono and braid.
Ived used sniper in 14, 16, 18, and 20lb never had any negative issues.
This year been using sunline shooter defier armilo nylon in 13 and 15 on two setups and it's an excellent line.
Also use braid on a few setups.
I did have some issues with cheap flouro in the old days but not with sniper.
I also tried yozuri hybrid and cxx in the past and did not like ether.
To me yozuri felt like a rubber band, while cxx had more memory issues than grandma.
RichF reply :
I have no issues with fluoro. I've tried a ton of brands and only came across one that was 100% crap. I wanted to get into copoly just for the $$ savings but wasn't crazy about it. I might try a few more brands before I give up though.
ChrisD46 reply :
I'm in the undecided camp regarding FC lines (other than as a leader) . My confidence with FC is not so good as I doubt my knots (did I burn the line ?) and I doubt my hook sets (will the line fail or snap at the knot ?) ... *What I find interesting is the R&D going into new co-poly lines (nothing is really a "mono" any more ) . Companies such as P-Line , Sufix , Gamma , McCoy , Spiderwire , Izorline , etc. have made great strides in co-poly lines offered and I expect more to follow .
fishwizzard reply :
Speaking of abrasion resistance, I just had my first break-off due to it. I was dropshotting with 7lb Sniper as hooked into a plump 2.5lber that took a bit to get under control and landed. The hook was well lodged in the upper lip and despite being de-barbed, I had to grab pliers to get it out. Once I got the fish released I went to get my rod reset and discovered the hook was missing. I found it laying on the dock at my feet. I guess it must have broken off when I was unhooking the fish, but I have never had this happen before.
Not a great pic, but the knot (a trilene) was very frayed looking where it when around the hook eye, I assume from rubbing on the bass's lip during the fight. Not sure what could prevent this.
Russ E reply :
After giving fluorocarbon an honest try this year, I have moved back to Trilene XT and Maxima ultra green, on my nonbraid baitcaters. I tried sunline fc sniper, berkley 100% flouro, and berkley vanish.
I did not see any noticeable improvement in abrasion resistance.
did not notice any improvement in sensitivity. if you compare it to a stretchy line like trilene XL, maybe there is a difference.
most of the waters I fish are stained or have a green tint, so the supposed invisibility seemed irrelevant in my case.
Quality fluorocarbon is ridiculously expensive.
The main reason I am going back to mono is, I broke off several fish this year. something I rarely do with mono.
some of them were at the knot, but there were also several breaks away from the knot.
If it works for some of you great. In my case , breaking off multiple fish is unacceptable.
Mike L reply :
I just don't get why so many are having so many problems useing flouro..(well I kinda do)
As I stated in my post above...Use what you have confidence in obviously, but for me if I ever was gonna change lines it certainly wouldn't be to any mono.
Mike
Russ E reply :
On 9/15/2017 at 7:54 AM, Mike L said:I just don't get why so many are having so many problems useing flouro..(well I kinda do)
As I stated in my post above...Use what you have confidence in obviously, but for me if I ever was gonna change lines it certainly wouldn't be to any mono.
Mike
I broke off several nice fish in the last month for no apparent reason.
it was not at the knot. I got very frustrated. so I went back to mono for now. since then have not lost any fish to breakage.
PAbasser927 reply :
After my first season using straight fluoro, I am also going back to yozuri hybrid. I never had an issue with knots breaking but line memory on slack line techniques was an issue. Even storing the rod indoors and using generous amounts of KVD L&L the night before and during every outing. I went with 12# Tatsu since it is praised as the best and I wanted to give FC a fair shot. I just feel like at $40 for 150 yards, line memory should not be an issue. Maybe I just got a bad spool, but it wasn't for me.
That being said, I am very happy using FC for leaders on my rods that are spooled with braid.
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