Fluorocarbon is known to have many advantages, but its price tag is not one of them. Fluoro is significantly more expensive than monofilament and this is why most anglers prefer to use monofilament as a main line and choose fluoro as a leader only.
Let’s find out why there’s such a big price difference and whether the extra cost is justified or not.
Why is fluorocarbon so expensive?
Fluorocarbon is twice as expensive than monofilament simply because the manufacturing process is more costly.
As a result, the retail market price for fluorocarbon is higher than monofilament, whose main component is nylon.
However, not all fluoro lines are created equal: the first important distinction has to be done among fluoro leaders and lines.
A fluorocarbon which is especially made as a leader will not perform well if used as a main line, and vice versa. Some brands also produce hybrid lines which are placed in the middle between fluoro and mono.
Is fluorocarbon leader necessary?
Fluorocarbon brings many benefits when it’s used as a leader. If you aren’t getting any bites with mono, try switching to a fluoro leader, especially for finesse fishing in crystal-clear waters.
Fluoro tends to be less noticeable and may be a good choice to tempt shy fish and let them eat your lure.
If you’re fishing in muddy or dirty waters and you need to see your line, fluoro may not be the best choice for you. In these situations, switch to braid, which comes in many different colors, even red or yellow, to be immediately noticeable in the water.
Is monofilament or fluorocarbon better?
Monofilament is definitely cheaper, and this is why most anglers choose it over fluoro or braid. However, with fluoro you get many advantages: low visibility, good sensitivity and a thin diameter.
There are many benefits with fluoro that anglers can use to their advantages. If you feel that it’ll be the case for you as well, investing in fluorocarbon is a good choice, considered that it’s more durable than monofilament.
So, does it make sense to use fluorocarbon?
The only one who knows which line works best for you is yourself: you may need to try different options, before finding out what is better for the type of fishing you do. Each angler has his own preferences.
That being said, fluorocarbon has many benefits that justify its high price.
Monofilament is surely cheaper, but fluoro is more stretch resistant, will provide more sensitivity and help you fight the fish more effectively. Moreover, fluoro is stronger and more abrasion resistant than monofilament; thus, it makes sense to invest in fluorocarbon line as it will last longer than mono, and it won’t be degraded by UV light.
When it comes to fishing, what may be an advantage for some, is a flaw for others. Since fluorocarbon sinks, it’s a bad choice for those using topwater lures and it may spoil your efforts to catch fish.
Anyways, if a less noticeable line with zero stretch which sinks to the bottom is what you’re looking for, consider investing in fluorocarbon.
Due to its price level and its technical characteristics use fluorocarbon line on spinning and baitcasting reels is not always a good choice.