Fluoro Faults 2024

XF15-Loader reply :

So, my reels are on the way home from NY and I'm trying to figure out what they're getting spooled with. I've got a Curado Bantam that I want to spool with flouro for square bills but, I've heard bad things about flouro. I've heard it's finicky with knots, I've heard it will snap on your spool, and I've heard that it's difficult to work with during casts. So, are these concerns correct or should I just drop the 30+ on some flouro and hope for the best?

Whatcha think?

Thanks,

-J

hawgenvy reply :

Fluorocarbon can be problematic on spinning reels, but on baitcasters it's great stuff. It sinks better, is more sensitive, and is less visible underwater than standard mono. And it has a bit less stretch. Personally, I use Seguar InvizX or AbrazX. Consider using a palomar or San Diego jam knot, though, as some knots don't hold as well with FC, because it is more slippery than mono.

XF15-Loader reply :

Thanks for the reply, @hawgenvy. I guess I'm turned off by the idea of dropping the cash to find out if I like it or not...lol. Everything you've mentioned makes it very tempting.

With that said, most of my crank fishing is done w squarebills. I've done a bit of crank fishing this winter and have noticed that the 10# mono I have on my reel gets beaten up pretty good. Is abrasion a serious concern or is it no more a concern than w mono?

Sorry to be a PITA but the idea of losing fish to line breaks worries me even more than the cost of the line. ?

Thanks again!!

-J

FryDog62 reply :

Try Yo-Zuri Hybrid. I use either 10 lb or 12 lb on the baitcaster I use for squarebills and smaller cranks. As close to best of both worlds when comparing the advantages of mono or fluorocarbon and fewer of the disadvantages. A lot of guys on this site use that particular line with good success.

XF15-Loader reply :

On 3/7/2017 at 9:03 AM, FryDog62 said:

Try Yo-Zuri Hybrid. I use either 10 lb or 12 lb on the baitcaster I use for squarebills and smaller cranks. As close to best of both worlds when comparing the advantages of mono or fluorocarbon and fewer of the disadvantages. A lot of guys on this site use that particular line with good success.

You use 10-12 pound on your squarebills too?

MickD reply :

Relative to stretch, testing shows that it is not whether it is flouro or mono, the stretch is associated with specific line characteristics. So forget about that attribute of FC. Everyone has their own opinion, but there are a few characteristics of the lines that are not opinions, but are scientific facts. One is that FC sinks since its specific gravity is 1.5 times that of mono or braid. therefore it sinks better than the others, and is not suitable for surface lure casting. Another is that braid has almost if not zero stretch, and a much smaller diameter for the same pound test as mono or FC, so it is good for situations where you want max sensitivity, or ability to feel subtle bites. And if trolling or long casting, due to its small diameter, it will more easily allow you to go deep.

It is my opinion that FC is less manageable than mono or braid for both spinning and bait casting setups, but that is not universally agreed to Some can make it work, and others, like me, cannot. I will use it only for very specific applications, and at the lower pound tests. It generally is quite stiff and harder to manage than the other lines.

I don't think many will argue that FC is more fragile than the others when trying to free a backlash. When it gets a little kinked , it will break.

Braid takes specific knots to hold properly. It is slippery. Same to some degree with FC. Lubricate all knots with all lines, but FC is really sensitive to not doing so.

All lines have their strengths and weaknesses. I personally think that FC has too many weaknesses to justify it in most applications.

Silas reply :

I use 6,8,10 pound YOZURI on my squarebills with excellent results. It's breaking strength is more than its rating.

Buy BULK spools af each and change them on a whim.

No no need to buy the expensive fluoro for cranks.

Try the YOZURI first on your new reels to become acquainted with how they need to be set, then put your expensive fluoro on later and not have to worry about backlashes and kinks in experimentation with it.

XF15-Loader reply :

Thanks for the additional insight.

The reason I asked about the line weight is because I've seen guys recommend 15+ for squarebills.

How about copolymer? How does that compare to fluoro?

-J

FryDog62 reply :

On 3/7/2017 at 9:13 AM, XF15-Loader said:

You use 10-12 pound on your squarebills too?

Yes, I will use 10 or 12 depending on how much cover, rocks, branches I'm banging through on the retrieve since that is how I fish squarebills. Like others have said Yo-Zuri is a tad thicker and higher breaking strength than most other lines so you can dial back the pound rating some and still get many of the advantages. I'd put 12 pound YH up against any FC 15 pound line for casting and retrieving squarebills. Just my opinion but suspect there are others here that would feel the same way.

Give it some line conditioner too and I don't think you'll have the manageability problems you get with FC either. Maybe some, but not nearly as much. Don't overfill the spool, leave 1/8 of an inch from the top.

Montanaro reply :

The listed pound test for YZ is about 4.5 pounds (give or take .5) less than what it really is. 8lb tests close to 13 pounds. Also if you compare line diameters the 8lb yz is similar size to sunline sniper 12lb and Pline cx premium (copoly) 12lb. Yz simply lists their pound test low so average joe gets impressed when his 10 pound line brings in a car hood.

Turkey sandwich reply :

For durability and abrasion resistance, Hybrid has treated me very, very well. I also use braid main lines and rely on FC, co polymer, and mono for my leaders because in addition to its low diameter/strength, it lasts forever, is 10x more manageable than the other options, and allows me to swap out leaders for versatility. If you opt to just spool the Hybrid, line conditioner will keep you from losing your mind.

Jason Penn reply :

On 3/7/2017 at 9:43 AM, XF15-Loader said:

Thanks for the additional insight.

The reason I asked about the line weight is because I've seen guys recommend 15+ for squarebills.

How about copolymer? How does that compare to fluoro?

-J

don't worry about breaking 12# yozuri hybrid, it's stout

i'm a true fc fan. i use it for all bottom contact baits. seems like most folks here prefer braid/leader, but it just doesn't work well for me. i don't believe you need fc for moving baits though. i'm not saying it's not good for those, i just don't personally use it.

Tim Kelly reply :

FC is great when you're dragging a worm or fishing any slack line presentation, you get much better bite detection and it gets blown round in the wind less than mono and much less than braid. Personally I just don't believe it has anything to offer when fishing a crankbait. I would use P line CXX as it's indestructible! The downside to FC is that if you snag up and have to pull for a break it damages the line. You can see it gets a sort of craze to the surface. Mono is much more tolerant of that sort of thing.

Mono also appear to actually stretch a little less than FC, despite marketing claims, though I believe it actually stretches more readily at lower loads, which FC might not do, which might explain why people perceive FC to stretch less in actual usage. FC is slightly less manageable on baitcasting gear than mono, but mono like CXX is pretty springy too. I think the extra weight (density) of the FC on a baitcaster spool is what makes the reel slightly more prone to backlashing. FC hates being backlashed and any loops of line need to be carefully released before they get a kink in them, and casting a spool with a loop of line under it, where you can hear the loop spinning on the spool during a cast, will weaken it significantly too.

It's all horses for courses. FC is great, within it's limitations in the same way that braid and mono are limited to some jobs which they excel at while others there are better choices. For square bills I would give 12lb green P Line CXX a go. If it's super gnarly where you're throwing try 17 or 20. I am moderately convinced that the green colour is tougher than the clear or the fluorescent too by the way!

WIGuide reply :

I prefer FC for my squarebills. I use 12 lb Berkley 100% and it has worked very well for me. Difference I've noticed is that fluoro is more abrasion resistant than mono, but once compromised it looses strength faster than similarly compromised mono. I like having the initial abraion resistance especially with squarebills since they're usually fished around heavier cover. I'm just sure to check my line and retie accordingly. I tie a polomar knot and don't have issues with breakoffs or knot slippage, I've also never had an issue from backlashing either. I feel it offers enough advantages that I keep doing it

Fishin' Fool reply :

On 3/7/2017 at 9:43 AM, XF15-Loader said:

Thanks for the additional insight.

The reason I asked about the line weight is because I've seen guys recommend 15+ for squarebills.

How about copolymer? How does that compare to fluoro?

-J

Do some research on 12-15 pound PLine. I forget what version I have there are so many but it's good stuff and cheaper than FC. I have done alot of research that states Seagur Red Label FC is a good value for the $.

Edit- I think it was PLine CX.

junyer357 reply :

I use abrazx or invisx exclusivly for cranks now, and have for a few years. I prefer flouro for it. The abrasion resistance alone is worth it to me, since i love fishing rocks and structure,with a crank. I think the added diameter of 15# helps with abraision as well, but i have used 10 and 12, and down to 8# in winter just fine.

Yes it can cause problems if you backlash and it kinks. It doesnt do well with hard bends like that. If you set the reel/rod up properly for the lure it minimizes this, same as with any other line.

Yes it can be finicky on knots, i use the "shaw grigsby youtube video" knot and it works well for me. With any flouro knot, get it slobbery wet to lube it, and just cinch it snug and tight, dont tighten the dog snot out of it, it will damage the knot.

After years of fishing mono with cranks it is instilled in me hard to check my line for any knicks on the last few feet regularly. If i feel anything, i cut and retie. Thats good practice an any line, especially in rocky areas or other things that can cut line.

I will reccomend buying some kvd line conditioner and using it. Alot. I spray my line down as im spooling it. A few spritz about half spool, and a good dousing after i finish spooling and let sit overnite. Then i put a few spritz on it again each nite before i plan to go the next morning. This helps me keep memory down, as well as keep it supple and smooth.

Get a small 200yd spool of a decent line like invisx or abrasx, and try it. Decide for yourself if you like it or not. I personally love it, my dad hated it and went back to mono. At the end of the day its all up to you alone. Like braid or mono, it has its own quirks, advantages, and disadvantages. Only you can decide if its right for you.

cottny27 reply :

On 3/7/2017 at 8:05 PM, Jason Penn said:

don't worry about breaking 12# yozuri hybrid, it's stout

i'm a true fc fan. i use it for all bottom contact baits. seems like most folks here prefer braid/leader, but it just doesn't work well for me. i don't believe you need fc for moving baits though. i'm not saying it's not good for those, i just don't personally use it.

Heck I get away with the 10# Yo-Zuri even throwing 1/2oz spinnerbaits and square bills. I think it failed me once last year.

WRB reply :

No reason to use FC line for any crankbait. Go with a premium inexpensive mono like 12-15 lb Big Game and change it every 1/2 dozen trips or as needed.

If you want a line a little more state of the art try 19 lb Sunline Deifer Armillo Nylon.

Tom

papajoe222 reply :

What type of cover will you be targeting? One thing FC adds vs mono, is better sensitivity along with abrasion resistance. Personally, I stick with 6-10lb. YoZuri and retie frequently when targeting brush and deadfalls. The issue with line breakage on the spool is a result of kinking the line and spooling more line over it, for instance when you get a backlash. It forms a weak spot as does not wetting down your knots before snugging them down. If you can afford it and you believe it will up your game enough to justify the cost, go for it.

MickD reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 5:54 AM, junyer357 said:

I use abrazx or invisx exclusivly for cranks now, and have for a few years. I prefer flouro for it. The abrasion resistance alone is worth it to me, since i love fishing rocks and structure,with a crank. I think the added diameter of 15# helps with abraision as well, but i have used 10 and 12, and down to 8# in winter just fine.

Yes it can cause problems if you backlash and it kinks. It doesnt do well with hard bends like that. If you set the reel/rod up properly for the lure it minimizes this, same as with any other line.

Yes it can be finicky on knots, i use the "shaw grigsby youtube video" knot and it works well for me. With any flouro knot, get it slobbery wet to lube it, and just cinch it snug and tight, dont tighten the dog snot out of it, it will damage the knot.

After years of fishing mono with cranks it is instilled in me hard to check my line for any knicks on the last few feet regularly. If i feel anything, i cut and retie. Thats good practice an any line, especially in rocky areas or other things that can cut line.

I will reccomend buying some kvd line conditioner and using it. Alot. I spray my line down as im spooling it. A few spritz about half spool, and a good dousing after i finish spooling and let sit overnite. Then i put a few spritz on it again each nite before i plan to go the next morning. This helps me keep memory down, as well as keep it supple and smooth.

Get a small 200yd spool of a decent line like invisx or abrasx, and try it. Decide for yourself if you like it or not. I personally love it, my dad hated it and went back to mono. At the end of the day its all up to you alone. Like braid or mono, it has its own quirks, advantages, and disadvantages. Only you can decide if its right for you.

What happens when a fish "tightens the dog snot out of it?"

junyer357 reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 8:58 PM, MickD said:

What happens when a fish "tightens the dog snot out of it?"

Im sure it could damage it as well, but not as bad i would think. When you tighten the knot its only over a foot or two of line. With a fish its spread over the length of line out, not just knot and small bit of line

I can say that it has worked better for me to stop doing that.

Paul Roberts reply :

On 3/7/2017 at 10:16 AM, Montanaro said:

The listed pound test for YZ is about 4.5 pounds (give or take .5) less than what it really is. 8lb tests close to 13 pounds. Also if you compare line diameters the 8lb yz is similar size to sunline sniper 12lb and Pline cx premium (copoly) 12lb. Yz simply lists their pound test low so average joe gets impressed when his 10 pound line brings in a car hood.

This is common practice in the industry. Trilene XT, P-Line CXX, Berkley 100% FC, are all greatly under-rated in break strength/dia. Not so sure its a marketing gimmick as much as it's the best -maybe only- way to get effective abrasion resistance.

However, line diameter is the single most important factor in fishing lines in terms of presentation -and abrasion resistance too.

Caliyak reply :

On 3/6/2017 at 11:12 AM, XF15-Loader said:

So, my reels are on the way home from NY and I'm trying to figure out what they're getting spooled with. I've got a Curado Bantam that I want to spool with flouro for square bills but, I've heard bad things about flouro. I've heard it's finicky with knots, I've heard it will snap on your spool, and I've heard that it's difficult to work with during casts. So, are these concerns correct or should I just drop the 30+ on some flouro and hope for the best?

Whatcha think?

Thanks,

-J

The reason I don't touch FC, abrasion resistance. If not mentioned, it sucks. any little abrasion, fold or imperfection, the line section is worthless. If you don't catch it, that line will break and there goes the 5lb bass. And then you have to spray it and treat like a needy wife. Nope, not for me. Then it's pricey. FC is too high maintenance for me. I will stick to braid.

XF15-Loader reply :

Well let me tell ya what I decided to do and you tell me if Im utilizing my gear correctly.

I have the following set ups:

Lew's Super Duty > 40# 832 > St Croix Mojo Bass MH - Frogging

Lew's Tourney MB > 40# 832 > Falcon Buccoo MH - Frogging (may use as a utility rod)

Shimano Curado CU200 > 12# CXX > BPS Crankin' Stick - Cranks

Ambassadeur 3600SE > 10# Big Game > 6' BPS Xtreme M - You tell me!

Also, should I use a line conditioner on the CXX? And if so, its already spooled so can I just spray it on the spooled line?

Sorry to keep this going but I think I'm almost there...LOL.

Thanks,

-J

FryDog62 reply :

I think you're in business. Yes, you can use line conditioner once the line is already on. Sometimes, I'll apply again after the first cast and the line is out to coat the line towards the inner spool.

wdp reply :

I do all my cranking with 12 - 15# Seaguar Invizx. Never had a problem. It's probably the most user friendly fluoro that I've tried. It has some stretch apparently which might explain it. I never use line conditioner either & tie regular ole palomar knots. As stated, just wet the line very well before cinching.

Yeah, you can get line knicks & line rash in spots, just like any other line. So you check it often & retire as needed. You can find Invizx for a reasonable price. Academy Sports runs a special on it about 2 - 3 times a year.

Now I'm talking baitcasters here. Tried FC once on a spinning reel, ha ha. Never again. All my spinning set ups have braid or low lb test mono.

MickD reply :

On 3/8/2017 at 10:59 PM, junyer357 said:

Im sure it could damage it as well, but not as bad i would think. When you tighten the knot its only over a foot or two of line. With a fish its spread over the length of line out, not just knot and small bit of line

I can say that it has worked better for me to stop doing that.

I find that when properly lubed, tightening the snot out of it puts a set in the line that helps prevent the knot from loosening. The only knot problems I have is when I get lazy and don't put enough turns into the knot. I don't find FC to be as fragile when used as a leader as I do when it's on the baitcaster spool and it gets kinked trying to undo a backlash. Then it really cannot take much without failing.

I have to admit that we may be interpreting "tightening the snot out of it" differently.

offsidewing reply :

If it doesn't have treble hooks, I use fluoro. People love or hate fluoro. I love it, have no problems with it, and don't use line conditioner.

I change it out every 2 months. Then the first cast and last cast is always for distance to let line out and reel it in at a medium pace with tension from me pinching the line between my finger. I use 6lb on spinning reels and 12, 15, and 18lb on baitcasters.

Bonus points if you get the medium pace reference.

junyer357 reply :

On 3/9/2017 at 10:11 AM, MickD said:

I find that when properly lubed, tightening the snot out of it puts a set in the line that helps prevent the knot from loosening. The only knot problems I have is when I get lazy and don't put enough turns into the knot. I don't find FC to be as fragile when used as a leader as I do when it's on the baitcaster spool and it gets kinked trying to undo a backlash. Then it really cannot take much without failing.

I have to admit that we may be interpreting "tightening the snot out of it" differently.

Yea i belive we are off on dog snot tight.

For me it means pulling as hard as i can possibly pull on it for a few seconds, i still do it with braid.

On my mono and flouro knots now i just pull steady on it, watching the knot. Once i see its snug and tight and the winds are pulled down like they should i stop.

My worst kinks are from backlashes as well. Its not near the preoblem it once was since i upgraded reeels and better maintain them. Once the reel is set up i mainly backlash doing something stupid. Like throwing a shad rap upwind or hitting a dock or pylon.

Mosster47 reply :

On 3/7/2017 at 8:21 PM, Tim Kelly said:

FC is great when you're dragging a worm or fishing any slack line presentation, you get much better bite detection and it gets blown round in the wind less than mono and much less than braid. Personally I just don't believe it has anything to offer when fishing a crankbait. I would use P line CXX as it's indestructible! The downside to FC is that if you snag up and have to pull for a break it damages the line. You can see it gets a sort of craze to the surface. Mono is much more tolerant of that sort of thing.

Mono also appear to actually stretch a little less than FC, despite marketing claims, though I believe it actually stretches more readily at lower loads, which FC might not do, which might explain why people perceive FC to stretch less in actual usage. FC is slightly less manageable on baitcasting gear than mono, but mono like CXX is pretty springy too. I think the extra weight (density) of the FC on a baitcaster spool is what makes the reel slightly more prone to backlashing. FC hates being backlashed and any loops of line need to be carefully released before they get a kink in them, and casting a spool with a loop of line under it, where you can hear the loop spinning on the spool during a cast, will weaken it significantly too.

It's all horses for courses. FC is great, within it's limitations in the same way that braid and mono are limited to some jobs which they excel at while others there are better choices. For square bills I would give 12lb green P Line CXX a go. If it's super gnarly where you're throwing try 17 or 20. I am moderately convinced that the green colour is tougher than the clear or the fluorescent too by the way!

12lb CXX is insanely strong. I use it for glide baits and haven't ever had a problem. 8lb CXX is rated at a 21lb break strength and is what I use for magnum cranks.

10lb YZ hybrid is the best line I have found for square bills.

RB 77 reply :

Faults? The price! Haha. In all seriousness, probably the knot strength is the number one offender. With that being said I haven't really had a problem with he Palomar or the SD Jam knot.

Team9nine reply :

There are no fluoro faults, there are only angler faults If you don't feel comfortable with it, then you probably shouldn't use it.

XF15-Loader reply :

On 3/9/2017 at 9:39 PM, Team9nine said:

There are no fluoro faults, there are only angler faults If you don't feel comfortable with it, then you probably shouldn't use it.

Seeing that I've never used it, it's not a comfort level. Just don't want to pay 20-30 bucks for a spool of line and have issues. I've since decided to move in baby steps and start with a copoly to see how well that works for me. Perhaps next season I'll step up to staring fluoro.

-J

Team9nine reply :

On 3/9/2017 at 10:01 PM, XF15-Loader said:

Seeing that I've never used it, it's not a comfort level. Just don't want to pay 20-30 bucks for a spool of line and have issues. I've since decided to move in baby steps and start with a copoly to see how well that works for me. Perhaps next season I'll step up to staring fluoro.

-J

Sounds like a plan. Maybe "concerns" would have been a better word. Fluoro is what it is. I have it on nearly every bait caster I own, use it all season long without respooling and have even gone 2 seasons in some cases. I never use any line conditioner either - no problems here. But as you pointed out, others have a long list of "faults" they've had with the line. Only way to know is to try it. Well worth the money to me, but everyone is different.

Good luck this season!

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