If you’ve ever looked into the fluorocarbon fishing line, the price take probably left you in sticker shock. It’s true that fluorocarbon fishing line is more expensive, and in fact, it’s because of the higher price tag that a lot of novices – and even experienced – anglers put it back down and opt for the more budget-friendly monofilament line instead.
The reason for the higher price tag of the fluorocarbon line has to do with the fact that it’s made of PVDF. This special type of plastic is more expensive on its own, so it only stands to reason that the fluorocarbon fishing line is going to be more expensive.
Why is fluorocarbon fishing line more expensive? Why might the extra cost be worth it? To find the answers to these questions and more, keep on reading.
What is Fluorocarbon Fishing Line?
Fluorocarbon is one of the three main types of fishing lines (monofilament and braided are the other two options).
Often simply referred to as “fluoro”, fluorocarbon is made of polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), a special type of plastic.
Basically, the PVDF is heated up and melted down, and then a nozzle is used to extrude the melted material.
The size and nozzle that is used to extrude the melted PVDF will determine the gauge of the line.
The material is cooled down before it’s further processed and transformed into the fishing line found at bait shops and sporting goods stores.
What are the Benefits of Fluorocarbon Fishing Line?
Fluorocarbon fishing line offers several benefits, some of the most notable of which include:
1. Durability
When comparing standard nylon monofilament and fluorocarbon fishing lines of the same diameter, fluoro wins, hands down.
Fluorocarbon is much more abrasion-resistant and it isn’t affected by the harsh UV rays of the sun like nylon monofilament is.
It’s waterproof, too, and it won’t absorb water, so the line lasts a lot longer.
The durability makes the fluorocarbon fishing line the ideal choice when you’re fishing for more aggressive species, or when you’re casting in more extreme environments.
2. Low visibility
While its durability is certainly noteworthy, an even more impressive feature of the fluorocarbon fishing line is its low visibility.
The low visibility rate of this type of fishing line is due to the fact that it is comprised of melted PVDF, and PVDF has unique light distortion properties.
It’s because of its low visibility that fluorocarbon fishing line is a much better option when you’re targeting fish that have a skittish nature and tend to get spooked, as the risk of scaring them off will be reduced.
3. Sensitivity
The construction of fluorocarbon fishing line makes it highly sensitive.
This is because the molecules in the material are so tightly packed, which allows for a higher degree of energy transfer than in monofilament, making fluorocarbon highly sensitive.
It also sinks faster than other types of lines, which results in less slack between your lure and your rod.
See more benefits in the video below:
What are the Downsides of Fluorocarbon Fishing Line?
Despite the amazing benefits that the fluorocarbon fishing line offers, nothing is perfect.
There are some downsides to this type of fishing line, including:
1. Sink rate
As mentioned above, the fluorocarbon fishing line sinks quickly, which may be a beneficial feature for some circumstances, but not for all.
For example, the fast sink rate means that it isn’t very suitable for top water baits or lures that sit are meant to sit suspended in the water.
On the plus side, the fast sink rate does make fluoro fishing line a good choice if you want to keep the bait close to the bottom of the water.
It helps weightless presentations sink, too.
READ: Does The Sinker Go Above Or Below The Hook?
2. Stiffness
Fluorocarbon fishing line is much stiffer and it has more memory than monofilament and braided fishing lines.
This stiffness means that this type of fishing line is more difficult to manage.
While there are newer varieties of fluoro that do appear to be more manageable, it still it’s still pretty stiff and isn’t as easy to handle as monofilament and braided fishing lines.
3. Knot stretch
In order to cinch down a knot in the fluorocarbon fishing line, you’ll need to wet it first.
If you don’t wet the line, chances are it isn’t going to hold and will end up failing; not exactly something that you want to happen when you’re casting.
READ: Can Fluorocarbon Be Used As A Leader?
Is the Higher Price Worth the Cost?
The answer to that question really depends on your specific situation.
For some anglers, yes, the higher price tag would certainly be worthwhile.
For instance, if you plan on fishing in harsher environments, such as choppy waters, or in areas where there’s a high level of rocks, trees, and other obstructions, or if you’re going to be targeting more aggressive fish that have a tendency to fight, then yes, fluorocarbon fishing line would be worth the higher price tag, as it’s much more durable.
Additionally, if you’re going to be targeting fish that tend to get scared off, the higher price of fluorocarbon fishing line would likely be worth your while, too.
The visibility of this type of fishing line is super-low, which reduces the risk of scaring off fish, which hence increases your chances of success.
Summing It Up
It’s because of the specialized plastic material that fluorocarbon fishing line is made of, combined with the numerous benefits it offers, that fluoro is more expensive than other types of fishing lines.
While the price might be higher, depending on your goals, the increased price might just be worth your while.
Tight lines, bend rods, and may all your fishes come true!