What is Fluorocarbon?
Fluorocarbon is a chemical polymer composed of carbon and fluorine and is very resistant to various environments, both chemical and physical. This polymer has characteristics such as abrasion resistance, stiffness and strength.
Fluorocarbon was invented in Japan by engineers of the company Kureha (Seaguar) in 1971 for the needs of the oil industry. Then the material began to be used for the manufacture of fishing fluorocarbon fishing line.
Today fluorocarbons in the industry can be in gaseous or liquid form. Can be used for the manufacture of various nets and fibers. As many manufacturers are engaged in the manufacture of fishing line under their own brands. The manufacturing process itself is very difficult to obtain fibrous filaments to make the surface very smooth and uniform along the entire length. Therefore, fishing lines from fluorocarbon in the price is higher than fishing lines made of nylon and kapron. However, the cost justifies itself, thanks to the positive features of the product itself.
Features of fluorocarbon fishing line
- The most important feature – it is imperceptibility in the aquatic environment,since the index of the refractive index of light fluorocarbon is very similar to that of water.
- Lack of “memory”. Thanks to this property, the cases of overlap are reduced to zero. After unraveling the fishing line, it remains in its original state.
- High resistance to abrasion, which allows you to use the fishing line in places with stony bottoms and coquina.
- At a long stay in water does not swell and does not change its structure, unlike conventional fishing line.
- Resistant to fluctuations and retains elasticity at relatively low and high temperatures (from-30 to +50 degrees Celsius). Resistant to ultraviolet and chemical influences.
What is fluorocarbon used for?
- Fluorocarbon is used in various types of fishing: feeder, fly fishing, spinning, float fishing.
- It is also equipped with winter rods and fishing poles.
- It is used to make leashes for different conditions and different fish.
- It is very good for use not only in summer, but also in winter. This is due to the fact that the material is resistant to low temperatures. Unlike other types of fishing line, it does not absorb water, thus does not break and does not deform in the cold.
- With all the positive points, you should not think that it is suitable for any fishing. Yes, fluorocarbon is irreplaceable when catching bass, but before pike sharp teeth can resist not always. And here you need to use large enough diameters of fishing lines, especially when wobbler fishing.
- Another excellent property of the fishing line is that it sinks quickly enough in the water, because the mass is heavier. Consequently, it is very well suited for bottom fishing, as well as in fly fishing.
- The main quality for which the fluorocarbon fishing line is valued is great invisibility in the water. This applies primarily to ultralight spinning fishing, when the use of fishing line significantly affects the effectiveness of nibbles in general. Especially in places with a large “pressure” or when catching cautious white predator (chub, yaz).
Invisibility is also very necessary when catching a fairly large predator (pikeperch, pike). Especially when the water is quite clear and clean. Here there is already a question of the strength of the fishing line. In most cases, it is less strong than a good braided thread of the same diameter. There is a way out here: since fluorocarbon line is less visible, you can increase the diameter of the leash without adversely affecting the nibble of fish. Often a thicker leash is useful because it slows down the fall of the bait during a pause and makes the wiring more delicate.
- Another useful property of fluorocarbon is the almost complete absence of “memory”. This is especially important when fishing with a spinning rod. When using a relatively rigid leash becomes noticeably less overlaps with the main line, and the leash remains in pristine condition.
- To the disadvantages of fluorocarbon fishing line can be attributed low tensile strength. Under significant loads, the properties change noticeably and the fishing line becomes more vulnerable to breakage. For this fishing line it is necessary to knit knots using a special technique.
- In prolonged contact with water fluorocarbon does not get wet and does not change its structure. This means that it does not lose its strength, unlike simple nylon fishing line. It can also be reeled in wet, it will not shrink when drying. In terms of extensibility, fluorocarbon occupies an intermediate place between braided thread and ordinary fishing line. This property is very useful and convenient when hooking fish with a bony mouth, in particular, a large pikeperch. Thanks to these properties, fluorocarbon fishing line is perfectly wound and lays flat on inertia and multiplier reels.
- Fluorkohlenstoff can be used both in fresh and salt water, as well as at any time of the year in any conditions suitable for fishing. Since it is not exposed to chemical influences and ultraviolet light, its structure, unlike nylon, does not change. Accordingly, there is no loss in strength.
- The only thing to avoid ist exposure to high temperatures from 60 degrees Celsius. It should not be left in the scorching summer sun. This is a material that does not need to be changed every season, it does not age, and does not lose its properties.
Knots for fluorocarbon fishing line
A knot for fluorocarbon fishing line should be very strong and subject to a lot of loop weaves. Here are a few of the most common knots:
“Albright” – most often used when there is a large difference in the thickness of the tied fishing lines, the diameter of one fishing line can be greater than the diameter of the other no more than 3 times.
“Carrot” – used to tie a small leash to a braided thread, the knot is very strong and accordingly invisible in the water.
“Palomar” – this type of knot is considered universal, they usually tie the line to the swivel or carabiner with a swivel, based on the conditions of fishing and the use of baits.
When tying different types of knots, it is necessary to make sure that the swivel has a smooth ring. Any irregularity or burr can cause the line to break and reduce its service life. Before tightening knots to the other fishing line and swivel – this place should be moistened with water, its friction will reduce when tightening.
To check whether the fluorocarbon in front of you or not, you can very simply. To do this, you need to light the tip of the fishing line. Fluorocarbon will not burn or roll up into lint, but on the formed edge there will be a lot of black ash due to burning carbon. This depends on the greater amount of carbon to other elements of the composition used.
It should be noted that the fishing line in the equipment of the fisherman occupies a special place, because it is on it there is a very large percentage of hooking and catching fish. With the help of a fishing line, the contact between the bitten trophy and the fisherman is realized. To catch fish easily and without problems, you need to competently build all the criteria of your fishing rod.
Fluorocarbon fishing line is very popular and has a number of features. Possesses a considerable number of positive aspects that will help to realize quality fishing and serve the angler for the benefit of more than one year. In various methods of fishing fluorocarbon takes a very important place along with braided cords and monofilament. Its use gives the angler certain advantages in many situations. This line is firmly in the arsenal of many sportsmen and fishing enthusiasts and today is available to everyone.
Autor: Bob Nudd ist ein erfahrener Angler mit über 20 Jahren Erfahrung und Gewinner vieler Wettbewerbe.
I remember trying fluorocarbon fishing line for the first time. It really helped me catch more fish since it’s almost invisible underwater. Super durable too! I was amazed how it didn’t tangle or break easily. Definitely a game changer for my fishing trips!