Will the best Fluorocarbon please stand up!?!? 2024

TournyFish001 reply :

So yeah I almost broke down and bought sunline shooter but just couldn't bare spending $40 for 164yrds of it!!!!!

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewfluorocarbon2.html

So far I really like regular P-Line fluorocarbon- From the information in the link above it sounds as if no one really knows what is better or not. I have been buying by price point "best value" and how well it casts- other than that lets hear it what you have to say?

The_Natural reply :

Berkley Professional Grade Fluoro...as limp or more so than FC Sniper with more abrasion resistance. I purchased a couple of 2000yd spools of it from Tackle Warehouse I liked it so much. I haven't read a bad review of it yet.

Jake. reply :

My favorite is Seaugar InvizX. No complaints about it.

Thefishy1 reply :

I do perfectally fine with Berkley Vanish, I know that lots of people dont like it because they say that it breaks at the knot.

As for the P-line Flurocarbon it feels the same to me as the Vanish.

As with all the Fluro that I fish with the only problem that I have had with it was it breaking at teh knot, but that is easily fixed by wetting the line before you cinch the knot down.

But for me Vanish is the best because it only costs 10 bucks

roadwarrior reply :

Well, here is a NEW DISCOVERY. I spooled up a spinning reel yeaterday with Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra Soft #6, green. On the spool it almost looks like braid, but in my crystal clear pool it was TOTALLY invisible! I have been fishing #6 clear and #4 original Hybrid which are both "nearly invisible", but this was my first experience with "green". Man, I was shocked!

8-)

Ballpark Frank reply :

I have been using Trilene Professional Grade for a couple of months and am very happy with it. I had used P-line and like above, the only noticeable difference is the Trilene is a little limper. It costs a little more but you can get a rebate form the Berkley website.

Lucky Craft Man reply :

I have been using XPS Flouro for sometime now and am very pleased with it. The only problem is that I have to order to from Bass Pro (no local stores around). I'm glad to hear that the Berkley Trilene Flouro is good stuff, because I know I can pick that up locally.

Jimzee reply :

Another vote for the P-Line Fluoro. I started using it last year on a few of my baitcasters and really liked it. I will try a few others this year.

Raul reply :

Quote
I have been using XPS Flouro for sometime now and am very pleased with it. The only problem is that I have to order to from Bass Pro (no local stores around). I'm glad to hear that the Berkley Trilene Flouro is good stuff, because I know I can pick that up locally.

XPS fluoro is anything but El Cheapo, no wonder why you are pleased with it, it 's manufactured by Toray ( Japan ) for BPS, it 's really Toray Super Hard Strong with a different label and at a fraction of the cost.

The Next KVD reply :

Vicious Fluorocarbon. Costs about the same as Vanish but doesn't completley SUCK! (no offense to those that like it, just my mistake experience) Also I'm going to experiment with Yo Zuri Ultra Soft because Road Warrior really seems to like it.

fathom reply :

have used the xps the last month or so..so far, i like it better than the p-line and the cabela's no-vis.

it seems a tad more limp than the p-line and the cabela's but, the line diameter seems thinner, as well.

islandbass reply :

Wow, I can't believe that this far down the post that my reply is only the second one for invizx. The other luxury fc lines are more than I am willing to pay and on the other side of the coin, the performance I get from my 6# Invizx has me not wanting to see if the grass is greener.

This line is a superb fc line. I love its limpness and I have noted an increase in strikes over mono in the same strength.

The best thing is that in my area, it costs $12.97 for 200 yds. 8-) I can't believe it sells for over $15 at BPS.

TournyFish001 reply :

I think yo-zuri is junk well except for the rattl'n vibe.

roadwarrior reply :

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I think yo-zuri is junk well except for the rattl'n vibe.

Hmm...

It works well for me. The lack of memory combined with exceptional strength and abrasion resistance are the main reasons, but those attributes combined with a VERY stealthy or almost invisible presentation seals the deal.

ww2farmer reply :

I had a bad expierance with Vanish, but that was when it first came out a few years ago, I guy I know fishes it almost exclusivly and loves it, so I may try it again. I also, and this seems to be a rarity, had a bad time with Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra soft. I used #6 on spinning gear and really had no issues with it there, I used 10# on my crankbait rod and HATED IT. It seemed very VERY stiff, killed the action completly of some of my smaller baits. It was hard to break and very tough, but acted more like steel wire than fishing line IMHO. Maybe a bad spool? But I moved on and found other lines I like so no big deal. I might try the new Trilene 100% flourocarbon.

TournyFish001 reply :

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I had a bad expierance with Vanish, but that was when it first came out a few years ago, I guy I know fishes it almost exclusivly and loves it, so I may try it again. I also, and this seems to be a rarity, had a bad time with Yo-Zuri Hybrid Ultra soft. I used #6 on spinning gear and really had no issues with it there, I used 10# on my crankbait rod and HATED IT. It seemed very VERY stiff, killed the action completly of some of my smaller baits. It was hard to break and very tough, but acted more like steel wire than fishing line IMHO. Maybe a bad spool? But I moved on and found other lines I like so no big deal. I might try the new Trilene 100% flourocarbon.

These are the same issues I had with the yo-zuri, it is very stiff even the "ultra soft" the regular hybrid is nothing short of cable- I gave it a valient effort and fished 6# up to 12# both hybrid and ultra soft over the summer- I gave the rest of it away. There are much better lines out there IMO. I am going to give the new trilene fluoro a shot-

eyedabassman reply :

I will put my vote in for Gamma Edge, I tryed it last and I liked it alot. :

5bass reply :

I've been using Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon for a while now and it performs real well. I see no reason at all to change to another brand.

I don't believe the Yo Zuri lines are actually considered straight-up fluorocarbon, thus the name Hybrid. And if it was 100% fluorocarbon, it wouldn't be so cheap. Strong stuff but has very high memory in my opinion.

ABC123 reply :

Carbon Pro is what I use for leaders for both 'eye's and bass. I won't use anything else, period. It's not a good line for spooling up, IMO. I tried P-line, don't care for it. Yo-zuri is on my list to try, though it's not a pure floro. Seeing as I like Carbon Pro so much, I think I'm going to pick up a spool of Invizx for this year too. Spooling up floro is new to me, so I don't have too much to offer.

The_Natural reply :

Quote

Quote
I have been using XPS Flouro for sometime now and am very pleased with it. The only problem is that I have to order to from Bass Pro (no local stores around). I'm glad to hear that the Berkley Trilene Flouro is good stuff, because I know I can pick that up locally.

XPS fluoro is anything but El Cheapo, no wonder why you are pleased with it, it 's manufactured by Toray ( Japan ) for BPS, it 's really Toray Super Hard Strong with a different label and at a fraction of the cost.

Yep...I'll add that I also use the XPS fluoro. That and the Trilene Professional grade make up my fluoro arsenal. Raul is right on...the XPS is indeed Toray...and the Tackle Tour test proved it. It tested almost identical in all areas as the Toray super hard strong. It's a great buy...

Tokyo Tony reply :

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I don't believe the Yo Zuri lines are actually considered straight-up fluorocarbon, thus the name Hybrid. And if it was 100% fluorocarbon, it wouldn't be so cheap. Strong stuff but has very high memory in my opinion.

It is very strong stuff. The price you pay for ridiculous strength is memory in this case. I like it because it's stronger and more sensitive than other flouro-type lines I've tried. Less manageable, yes. Depends on what you're looking for I guess...

Branuss04 reply :

Quote

These are the same issues I had with the yo-zuri, it is very stiff even the "ultra soft" the regular hybrid is nothing short of cable- I gave it a valient effort and fished 6# up to 12# both hybrid and ultra soft over the summer- I gave the rest of it away. There are much better lines out there IMO. I am going to give the new trilene fluoro a shot-

+1. I bought 2 spools and gave both of them away as well(nothing against you RW).

I've been looking for a good flouro though, I might have to give trilene a shot too.

The_Natural reply :

This just proves everybody's opinion and experience is different. Not to back up Roadwarrior...but I have only used Yozuri regular...and I thought it was pretty soft and castable. Granted...I am a Pline CXX user. Some say Pline CXX has memory...it does somewhat...but I find it tolerable (hey...it's not trilene XL). Then again...some people can't drink scotch on the rocks 8-). Pline CXX is the barbed wire of fishing line. A recent test had the 10lb breaking at over 22lbs!

c_diesel2 reply :

I used P-line Halo last year on a few of my rods and have nothing but good thiings to say about the stuff....I also bought and used some BPS flor....it was just ok..kinda thick and stiffer compared to the halo

surfer reply :

I use InvisX for my braid leaders and Vanish 4lb for finesse. I haven't seen InvisX in 4lb or I would probably use it. I have seen my buddy land a 5.5lb bass on 4 lb Vanish. Attached is an underwater picture of a road runner tied on with 4lb Vanish green. The water is 12 ft visibility. I landed five 2lbers in 30 minutes without retying just before I took the picture.

I am also not a fan of YZ ultra soft 6#. Too much memory, but I am used to 10 lb braid witch is about as little memory as you can get.

Masshole Mike reply :

i bought a spool of vanish and hated it almost from the first cast.

been using yo-zuri hybrid in 6 and 8# test and don't have a complaint yet.

Bud reply :

Quote
So yeah I almost broke down and bought sunline shooter but just couldn't bare spending $40 for 164yrds of it!!!!!

Tackle warehouse has the Sunline Shooter for $33.99 a spool. You should try a spool of it great line. It will blow this other stuff out of the water.

FishTank reply :

Another for vote for Trilene Professional Grade. It has been fantastic for me. I will be respooling this spring and putting it on just about every reel I own. I have nothing bad at all to say about it. It is the first Fluorocarbaon that I have used that has had zero issues.

lubina reply :

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I have been using XPS Flouro for sometime now and am very pleased with it. .

Same here.

fishinnstudyin reply :

in my opinion.. if you got tons of money buy Gamma. Best line for the money.

I hated Yozuri Hybrid. I hated the memory on it and the weak knots.

I like P-Line, but its a tad stiff for me. Like it more in the smaller lb tests than larger lb tests.

Berkley Fluorocarbon is one sweet fluorocarbon as well too. Price wise, I stick with this fluorocarbon the most.

links_man2 reply :

Had used BPS XPS with no problems. Recently went to the Vicious Fluoro and so far really like it. I also like that I can get it locally rather than having to order it, plus at $7.96 for 250 yds it is cheaper than most all other Fluoro's including the BLS XPS.

TournyFish001 reply :

viscious is indeed economical but it is a nighmare on spinning reels as it is very VERY stiff- works well on casting setups though.

Mid-MO reply :

I've been using Seagur and the only problem with it is the memory is a little much for me.

I just bought Berkley's new fluorocarbon hoping to eliminate the memory problem. Everything I've heard, everywhere, seems to think this stuff is the best yet.

BPS I've never tried - but if KVD uses it (picky as he is about his tackle) - it must be pretty good stuff too.

BPSGuy003 reply :

In my mind there is no question here. SeaGuar InvizX is by far the best fluoro that I have used. I have tried XPS,Berkley 100%, Vanish, PLine, and both of the Yo-Zuri lines and I cannot say that any of them come close to the InvizX. This line has more than proven itself on more than one occassion including a 36" Pike from 30' deep without a single stray or fringe on only 8#. I will never again use a different line on my spinning reels until this stuff is discontinued...god help me. If it ever does...I will buy enough to last me the rest of my life. Seriously if you haven't tried this stuff...YOU NEED TO!!! ;D

RoLo reply :

The most popular line trait of fluorocarbon monofilament is "low visibility". Oddly enough, it has yet to be proven that low-visibility line will catch more bass (thinner diameter line, definitely). In addition, the difference in the refractive index of fluorocarbon and copolymer is inappreciable.

REFRACTIVE INDEX (mean values)

Water: 1.30

Fluorocarbon Mono: 1.42

Copolymer Mono: 1.47

Nylon Mono: 1.52

The second reason for using fluorocarbon is "abrasion-resistance". According to an extensive study conducted by TackleTour,

the difference in abrasion-resistance is greater between fluoro brands than it is between fluoro and nylon! Here's the lineup:

ABRASION-RESISTANCE

(DRY TEST)

BEST FIVE

Toray Solaroam ll 45% greater abrasion-resistant than Trilene XL Nylon

Bass Pro XPS 30% greater abrasion-resistant than Trilene XL Nylon

P-Line Halo 25% greater abrasion-resistant than Trilene XL Nylon

Sugoi 5% greater abrasion-resistant than Trilene XL Nylon

Maxima 7% LESS abrasion-resistant than Trilene XL Nylon

WORST THREE

Seaguar Invisx 35% LESS abrasion-resistance than Trilene XL Nylon

Yo-Zuri H20 35% LESS abrasion-resistance than Trilene XL Nylon

Triplefish 35% LESS abrasion-resistance than Trilene XL Nylon

STRETCH-RESISTANCE

BEST FIVE

Sunline Shooter 50% less line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

Maxima 25% less line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

Toray Solaroam ll 23% less line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

P-Line Halo 12% MORE line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

P-Line 12% MORE line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

WORST THREE

Seaguar Invisx 38% MORE line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

Gamma Edge 22% MORE line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

Cabelas No-Vis 20% MORE line stretch than Trilene XL Nylon

I may be wrong, but it seems to me that I've used titanium leaders that were no stiffer than some fluorocarbon I've used. Ironically, some of the worst performing fluorocarbon lines are the most popular simply because they behave most like nylon. As for me, I have no fishing outfit spooled with fluorocarbon line, but may use fluorocarbon for leader material when fishing live shiners with braid. Many fluoro brands are not available in heavy line tests over 30-lb test, but among the brands that are, my favorite fluorocarbon line (leader material) is "Maxima".

Roger

slomoe reply :

Great info Rolo. Thanks for the post.

Hooked_On_Bass reply :

Yeah, thanks RoLo!

Willzx225 reply :

RoLo - I am not trying to be smart at all but I am curious to your last post (excellent post at that- opened my eyes a bit!) But if you say that it is not proven that low visability line helps catch fish then what is the reasoning for using Fluro on your shiners? Does it have anything to do with the fact that Braid floats while Fluro sinks?

Willzx225 reply :

Oh yeah - I use XPS Fluro at the moment but I am testing out the Berkley 100% Fluro at this time and like what I've seen so far! I use Fluro for other reasons than just for visability. I like it for its sensitivity in bottom baits and I usually get more solid hooksets.

BrentD reply :

Sunline Shooter is well worth the price. You can put it on your reel once a year and you are done!! It is well worth the extra money spent.

RoLo reply :

Quote
RoLo - I am not trying to be smart at all but I am curious to your last post (excellent post at that- opened my eyes a bit!) But if you say that it is not proven that low visability line helps catch fish then what is the reasoning for using Fluro on your shiners? Does it have anything to do with the fact that Braid floats while Fluro sinks?

I had a feeling that someone might ask that question...I like that

You'll notice that I used the word "may", because I don't use always use a fluorcarbon leader. In any case, a fluoro leader may offer better abrasion-resistance than braid, but the main advantage is its stiffness. Braid is completely limp, while fluorocarbon has the body and memory to make good leader-material (especially in saltwater).

Quote
I use Fluro for other reasons than just for visability. I like it for its sensitivity in bottom baits and I usually get more solid hooksets.

If you're looking for maximum sensitivity and solid hook-sets, fluorocarbon can't touch braid.

Roger

Tin reply :

After seeing all the reviews on it and not seeing any real complants I'm definatley going to have to give the Berkley 100% a shot next year. It almost seems too good to be true though :

Fishing Doug reply :

Quote

The most popular line trait of fluorocarbon monofilament is "low visibility". Oddly enough, it has yet to be proven that low-visibility line will catch more bass (thinner diameter line, definitely). In addition, the difference in the refractive index of fluorocarbon and copolymer is inappreciable.

Roger,

Very informative post, as always.

Question for you on the above. If it has been proven that thinner diameter makes a difference, yet lower visibility does not, could the thinner diameter of braid potentially offset the higher visibilty? For example: 6lb BPS XPS flouro has a diameter of .009" and 10lb PowerPro has a diameter of .006", or, 33% smaller diameter. If so, you could have the same 'fish catching ability' by using braid with the added benefits of a more limp line and increased sensitivity. Thoughts?

Would like to hear anyone's thoughts on this as well. Looking to do something other than mono on my spinning rigs this year.

Thanks in advance,

RoLo reply :

Quote
could the thinner diameter of braid potentially offset the higher visibilty?

Doug, I believe the answer is yes, but I can't prove that. When we drop to a lighter line-test, I think the main advantage is reduced line-drag rather than reduced line-visibility. I remember when Fluorescent Yellow line was first introduced, and the whole angling community gulped!

Oh wait a minute, Hi-Vis line is only highly visible above the water surface, because under the water it's practically invisible. Yah Right.

I'm not suggesting that bass don't see the line, of course they do (even I can). But a creature that lives in a violent, rough-and-tumble world isn't likely to feel threatened by a fine thread streaming from its next meal. In fact, I'm sure a bass would seize a prey fish that had a snake streaming from its mouth. Not for nothing, I tie ALL my lures direct to moss-green braided line. Just think about all the foreign objects that bass routinely accept:

> Multi-legged creature baits (what really are they?)

> Large rotating metal blades

> Chatterbait heads (yummy)

> Fiber weedguards (?!?!)

> 3 Treble hooks dangling from an ugly chunk of hard-plastic (that's okay?)

BUT, once a bass gets a glimpse of that awe-inspiring filament called line, All Bets Are Off! (I don't think so)

On the other hand, I used to fly-fish for trout using wet & dry flies, and the first thing I learned was the importance of a Natural Drift. Incredibly, brown and rainbow trout will ignore a presentation with only barely perceptible line-drag. Bass may not have the eyesight of trout, but they have the ability to sort out natural unfettered motion from stifled unnatural motion (that's their job).

Dale Hollow Reservoir is a crystal-clear TVA impoundment that yielded the world-record SMB. Billy Westmoreland was a local guide on Dale Hollow who landed two smallmouth bass over 8 lbs (In Roadwarrior's caliber). Billy initiated what was almost a cult on Dale Hollow, the use of 4-lb test line. In that gin-clear water, bass aren't looking for line, what does a bass even know about line? When a bass is homing in on its prey, it's looking at one thing, "the prey". Among the fish with the keenest eyesight are tuna, billfish and trout, but all predatory fish are able to see minor unnatural nuances in motion that we cannot. Particularly in crystal-clear water, fish are able to detect minuscule violations of natural behavior. You and I can see the fishing line under the water (whoopee), but that's about it. If our lives depended on it, I doubt that we have the ability to perceive the same imperfections in delivery that turn bass off.

Yes, definitely give braided polyethylene a shot. Moving from mono to braid was probably the single-most gratifying change in equipment I ever made. Incidentally, Fish-Chris would probably tell you the same thing, another braid lover. Whether you select TUF line, PowerPro or Sufix is small potatoes, because the difference between mono and braid is where it's at. I'm using the term "monofilament" in the true sense of the word, which includes nylon, fluorocarbon and copolymer line.

Roger

Fishing Doug reply :

Quote

Quote
could the thinner diameter of braid potentially offset the higher visibilty?

Doug, I believe the answer is yes, but I can't prove that. When we drop to a lighter line-test, I think the main advantage is reduced line-drag rather than reduced line-visibility. I remember when Fluorescent Yellow line was first introduced, and the whole angling community gulped!

Oh wait a minute, Hi-Vis line is only highly visible above the water surface, because under the water it's practically invisible. Yah Right.

I'm not suggesting that bass don't see the line, of course they do (even I can). But a creature that lives in a violent, rough-and-tumble world isn't likely to feel threatened by a fine thread streaming from its next meal. In fact, I'm sure a bass would seize a prey fish that had a snake streaming from its mouth. Not for nothing, I tie ALL my lures direct to moss-green braided line. Just think about all the foreign objects that bass routinely accept:

> Multi-legged creature baits (what really are they?)

> Large rotating metal blades

> Chatterbait heads (yummy)

> Fiber weedguards (?!?!)

> 3 Treble hooks dangling from an ugly chunk of hard-plastic (that's okay?)

BUT, once a bass gets a glimpse of that awe-inspiring filament called line, All Bets Are Off! (I don't think so)

On the other hand, I used to fly-fish for trout using wet & dry flies, and the first thing I learned was the importance of a Natural Drift. Incredibly, brown and rainbow trout will ignore a presentation with only barely perceptible line-drag. Bass may not have the eyesight of trout, but they have the ability to sort out natural unfettered motion from stifled unnatural motion (that's their job).

Dale Hollow Reservoir is a crystal-clear TVA impoundment that yielded the world-record SMB. Billy Westmoreland was a local guide on Dale Hollow who landed two smallmouth bass over 8 lbs (In Roadwarrior's caliber). Billy initiated what was almost a cult on Dale Hollow, the use of 4-lb test line. In that gin-clear water, bass aren't looking for line, what does a bass even know about line? When a bass is homing in on its prey, it's looking at one thing, "the prey". Among the fish with the keenest eyesight are tuna, billfish and trout, but all predatory fish are able to see minor unnatural nuances in motion that we cannot. Particularly in crystal-clear water, fish are able to detect minuscule violations of natural behavior. You and I can see the fishing line under the water (whoopee), but that's about it. If our lives depended on it, I doubt that we have the ability to perceive the same imperfections in delivery that turn bass off.

Yes, definitely give braided polyethylene a shot. Moving from mono to braid was probably the single-most gratifying change in equipment I ever made. Incidentally, Fish-Chris would probably tell you the same thing, another braid lover. Whether you select TUF line, PowerPro or Sufix is small potatoes, because the difference between mono and braid is where it's at. I'm using the term "monofilament" in the true sense of the word, which includes nylon, fluorocarbon and copolymer line.

Roger

Roger,

Thanks again for sharing your thoughts on this topic. I have to say that I agree with you-we catch a lot of bass on lures that do not represent a single thing naturally found in the water,therefore, I can't really buy into the fact that bass are effected by the site of line.

Think I will spool up one or two setups with braid this year and give it a shot.

surfer reply :

I will take my own words with a grain of salt here since I am a novice in comparison with roger, but I think visibility dose play a measurable role. I think most of the other traits mentioned might be more important, but as long as we are choosing our equipment and it isn't too much more effort than you might as well consider visibility.

A fish is a fish is a fish. Not exactly. While most fish may not care about the thread of line coming out of their next meal some will. This may not hold true everyday or on every lake, but I have seen it.

It was a cold post frontal day on Garcia Receiver. A buddy and me were fishing shiners. I caught 4 bass he caught 0. The only noticeable difference we saw between our set ups was mono (nylon) vs. braid with 4ft floro leader. Same hooks, same bobbers and he just wasn't getting the bites.

RoLo reply :

Quote
I will take my own words with a grain of salt here since I am a novice in comparison with roger, but I think visibility dose play a measurable role. I think most of the other traits mentioned might be more important, but as long as we are choosing our equipment and it isn't too much more effort than you might as well consider visibility.
A fish is a fish is a fish. Not exactly. While most fish may not care about the thread of line coming out of their next meal some will. This may not hold true everyday or on every lake, but I have seen it.

It was a cold post frontal day on Garcia Receiver. A buddy and me were fishing shiners. I caught 4 bass he caught 0. The only noticeable difference we saw between our set ups was mono (nylon) vs. braid with 4ft floro leader. Same hooks, same bobbers and he just wasn't getting the bites.

I have a suggestion though if you run another experiment. When you place minnows on two different fishing outfits

you're fishing in two different places (inches count). A good way to run a comparison is to place two minnows on the same rig (branch-rig).

In this manner you'll be offering two minnows to the same location (almost), where one hook is tied to braided line and the other to a monofilament dropper. Even this test won't be bulletproof because the hooks are several inches apart, but if the experiment is repeated several times you may arrive at a reliable conclusion.

Roger

surfer reply :

Very true Roger. Small variables do count. I never intended to set up the experiment. It was just a by-product of fishing for the day.

2633

Will the best Fluorocarbon please stand up!?!? 2024

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