Is fluorocarbon line good for baitcasting and spinning reels?
Each angler has their own opinion on which line works best and how to use it.
Fluorocarbon line is mainly used as a leader due to the fact that it’s almost invisible and it sinks to the bottom, making it a good choice in certain environments.
But it’s also known to create more problems than monofilament, and to be too expensive to be used as a main fishing line. Let’s dig deeper and find out whether or not you should use fluorocarbon line.
Can you use fluorocarbon line on a spinning or casting reel?
Let’s begin with baitcasters: they offer more control when fishing, so you don’t want to ruin that by choosing the wrong line. Baitcasters work with all three fishing line types: fluoro, mono and braid, but there are some important differences to keep in mind.
While fluoro offers many benefits, it’s not always advisable to use it as your main line with baitcasters. If you plan to use fluoro anyways, at least you shouldn’t use a line above 8 lb: a heavier weight will cause many problems (such as tangles), and it will also negatively affect your performance. For instance, you won’t be able to cast very far.
If you want to use fluorocarbon as your main line with baitcasters, stay under 8lb; however, consider that there are better options (such as braid) and that you can still use fluoro as a leader. If you need to use a heavier line, definitely go for braid: it’s more versatile, stronger and it lasts longer than other line types.
And what about spinning reels? These are the most common types of reels and the line’s choice here is mostly a matter of the angler’s preference. Some people use fluoro with spinning reels to enhance their finesse tactics, but novice angers may experience problems with this line.
Fluoro is known to be hard to manage and, similarly to baitcasters, it’s better to use a fluoro line under 8 lb to prevent tangles and bird nests. Heavier fluoro will also have a negative impact on casting distance.
Other lines are easier to use, but this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t go for fluoro; actually, it can be a convenient choice in some situations. For instance, fluorocarbon is great in windy environments, as your bait won’t move while in the water and will remain as still as possible.
Can you use fluorocarbon as a main line?
There’s no doubt that fluorocarbon is more expensive than monofilament, and that’s why most people tend to use it as a leader, rather than their main fishing line. However, fluoro can offer many benefits as your main line, in some applications.
For instance, it’s a great leader trolling line. Fluorocarbon is very abrasion resistant and is probably the best option if you want to be invisible in crystal clear waters and tempt fish to eat your lure.
It’s also a great choice for jig and worm fishermen, due to the line’s sensitivity and for instantaneous hook sets. If the budget is not a problem, you can definitely use it as your main line. Because of its durability compared to monofilament, it’ll be a solid investment.
Fluoro is also good if you’re fishing near rocks or debris, as it is stronger than monofilament and can take more stress. However, you might want to look for another line type when fishing with topwater lures or in dirty waters, when the benefits of fluoro are pretty much useless.
If you want to use fluoro as your main line, be sure to pick the right brand, as not all fluoros are created equal and some are especially manufactured to serve as leaders only.