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Unlike standard monofilament line, fluorocarbon fishing line isn't
derived from nylon, but from a polymer known as polyvinylidene fluoride. As fascinating as this may be, what difference does it make for us fishermen?
Well, it makes quite a lot of difference - with one really significant benefit over plain old nylon monofilament line.
One of the good things about fluorocarbon fishing line is that it has an unusually low refractive index - close to to that of water - which makes it almost invisible when it's in the water.
Wonderful news for us; not so good for the fish!
And there's more...
Not always. Clearly it's good stuff - its greatest attraction to us anglers being its near invisibility in water, but that only counts for anything if the water itself is clear.
And it's expensive, so if you regularly fish in murky water like the Thames Estuary - or at night - then don't bother with it. Stick with the less expensive nylon line, or braid fishing lines as for you, fluoro lines won't represent good value for money.
But for those of us who fish in clear waters, my view is that the major benefits offered by fluorocarbon line justifies its high initial price. After all, anything that helps us catch more fish...
Use it for hook snoods, the line in terminal rigs, and as leaders for plugs and crankbaits - but not with topwater lures, as fluorocarbon line sinks and will spoil the action of the lure.
I now rig all my lures with Fluorocarbon Fishing Line icon when trolling in the clear water of the Caribbean, and while I can't be certain that it's improved my catch rate - maybe I've just got luckier - it seems that way to me.
But there's little benefit in using it for your main reel line. Save it for your leaders and terminal tackle.
So, to summarise...
Just one more thing...
I've heard some anglers say that they've had problems getting knots to hold in fluorocarbon fishing line.
I use the Uni-Knot, or crimped connections in heavy line, and have had no such problems.
Jan 25, 21 12:36 PM
Saltwater fishing plugs are eminently collectable, but be warned! Some are designed to catch the fisherman's attention first and the fish's a distant second, so choose with care
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A daisy chain is simply a string of teasers rigged line-astern of your trolling lure. But how is it that these decoys can make such a difference to your catch rate?
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Nothing but a few bucktail jigs in your lure box? No problem, if you were to be limited to just one lure for all your saltwater fishing trips, this would be the one to have
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