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A Comparison Between Fluorocarbon And Monofilament Lines 

When comparing Fluorocarbon vs Monofilament fishing lines, choosing between them is crucial for most anglers. For instance, you can see that the monofilament line is more flexible and can be used for various fishing methods. However, fluorocarbon is more robust, has low visibility, has a thin diameter, and can withstand greater force.

Well, there is a big difference between monofilament and fluorocarbon lines. They both have unique characteristics that make them the best fishing lines in certain circumstances. But which is better for you? Naturally, you can make an informed decision about the line with the correct information.

Here in this guide, I’ll give you a detailed comparison between the fluorocarbon and monofilament lines. The pros and cons, features and when to use them, and much more will be discussed here in detail. So, Keep reading to find out how they differ.

What Is Fluorocarbon Fishing Line?

 

 

Fluorocarbon fishing line is made from fluoropolymer PVDF. This makes it almost invisible to fish because it has nearly an identical refractive index to water. Additionally, you can cast it from a distance without attracting attention.

Furthermore, it does not absorb water and is not affected by sunlight, gasoline, battery acid, or insect repellants.

When To Use Fluorocarbon Fishing Line?

 

 

• When casting and hooking a fish, you can use a fluorocarbon line to absorb the power of the cast and maximize the lure’s action.
• Fluorocarbon is most commonly used for freshwater and bass fishing with crankbaits, jerk baits, chatter baits, jigs, and swimbaits.
• As fluorocarbon is nearly invisible, this line is an excellent choice for fishing when fish are easily spooked.
• The low-stretch hook-setting power of fluorocarbon makes it a great braid alternate when flipping.
• Using fluorocarbon significantly reduces the chance of spooking fish that are line-wary when braiding is too noticeable in the water.
• There are a variety of situations in which fluorocarbon fishing lines are best suited. Particularly suitable for rivers, lakes, and streams with clear water and calm waters. It is durable and long-lasting.

Fluorocarbon Line Reccomendations

 

 

6 lbs – Excellent for clear water fishing, finesse fishing, and targeting trout.

8 lbs – Ideal for fishing with jerk baits and shaky heads. Suitable for all types of Walleye fishing.

10 lbs – Swimbaits, jerk baits, tubes, and crankbaits that require the maximum diving depth.

12 lbs – A solid line with a wide range of applications. A fantastic choice for crankbaits,  bladed jigs, spinnerbaits,  Carolina rigs, and Texas rigs.

15 lbs – Best used around hardcover and vegetation. Flipping jigs is also easier with it.

20 lbs – Jigs, Swimbaits, Texas Rigs, and any casting technique requiring heavy-duty gear. It has moderate castability and high abrasion resistance.

Pros & Cons Of Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

 

Pros

• The fluorocarbon line transmits a greater vibration level than mono because of its more intricate composition.
• Since fluorocarbon lines are incredibly rigid, they can overcome rock, wood, sand, and gravel without anguishing catastrophic failures.
• Fluorocarbon lines have less stretch, making them ideal for baits that require a strong hookset.
• UV resistance and temperature resistance are the main qualities of this line.

Cons

• Inflexible

 

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What Is Monofilament Fishing Line?

 

 

Monofilament lines are made of a single polymer fiber and are highly resistant to abrasion and impactTheyey have high tensile strength and are very flexible and the most common material used to make monofilament fishing lines is nylon.

It is manufactured in many colors and is available in various sizes, weights, and diameters.

Furthermore, to achieve flexibility, strength, abrasion resistance, and other essential properties, different nylon varieties are often blended in co- and multi-polymers.

When To Use Monofilament Fishing Line?

 

 

• Since the monofilament line floats, it is ideal for fishing with floating top-water bait.
• Monofilament fishing lines are usually used to catch bass, walleye, perch, catfish, carp, and other species.
• Similarly, chatter baits and spinnerbaits can benefit from stretching, so they will take the bait, grab the hook, and this filament line puts little pressure on your lure.
• They also work well in freezing temperatures and do not break easily.

Monofilament Line Recommendations

 

6lb: Suitable for panfish and trout. Spinning reels with smaller sizes are ideal for this product. Float fishing, spinner fishing, small crank fishing, and live bait fishing are all good uses for this reel.

8lb: In addition to being strong, it’s also small enough to be used as a float fishing rod or for other light fishing applications.

12lb: Great option for Texas rigs, pond fishing,  poppers, soft plastic jerk baits, jigs, and many other popular bass fishing techniques.

15lb: Monofilament of the 15lb Googan Squad works well with top waters, poppers, and spinnerbaits.

20lb: This heavy-duty line is ideal for spinning baits, large top-water lures, and live bait rigs.

Pros & Cons Of Monofilament Fishing Line

 

Pros

• Monofilaments are usually much more accessible to knots than other types of lines.
• Good knot strength
• suitable for a wide range of common fishing knots
• smooth and easily castable
• low visibility
• good color retention
• generally good abrasion resistance
• Floats on the surface of the water
• Economical price.

Cons

UV light causes it to degrade.

Comparison Between Monofilament & Fluorocarbon Line

 

As a fisherman, you know how vital your fishing line is. Though, it is solely meant to connect you with your lures, hooks, and fish. Thus, choosing the right fishing line for catching your target fish is crucial. Let’s look at the main differences between the monofilament and fluorocarbon lines.

1. Manufacturing Process

 

 

Aromatically, the manufacturing process of both types of lines is almost the same. They both are made from the extrusion processes. Extrusion is the process of melting a polymer, mixing it with additives, and injecting it through a nozzle. The difference, however, is the material used for the manufacturing process.

Polyvinylidene fluoride is the material that’s used to manufacture fluorocarbon fishing lines. Simply, the PVDF plastic pellets are melted down and extruded through a die, which has holes. Afterward, the line is stretched and cooled, rearranging molecules to achieve a higher degree of strength.

Conversely, a monofilament line is generally made with thermoplastic polypropylene and nylon. The main reason for using this material is its ease of extrusion, low cost, and high flexibility.

2. Strength and Durability

 

 

Undoubtedly, fluorocarbon line has more durability and toughness than monofilament line. As a result, you can expect it to be more abrasion resistant and resistant to many elements, such as extreme temperatures, humidity, and UV rays. In contrast, the monofilament line has high stretches and is more flexible, making it more shock-resistant than fluorocarbon.

3. Density

 

 

Density is another important aspect when comparing fluorocarbon and monofilament lines. Monofilament lines have a low density and high thickness. In contrast, fluorocarbon lines sink to the bottom of water due to their high density.

Consequently, fluorocarbon fishing lines are recommended for professional anglers trying to catch big fish and more bottom dwellers.

Since monofilament lines have a lower density than water, they are perfect for top-water fishing.

However, monofilament lines have more excellent permeability to moisture, making them weaker over time. Aside from that, it is less likely to catch larger or stronger fish in offshore locations.

4. Visibility

 

 

Simply put, fluorocarbon is barely visible in fresh water. Because it has a low refractive index in water, it makes catching fish easier since it won’t frighten them. By contrast, monofilament has more visibility and a high refractive index, making it more visible in the water.

Even so, it comes in various colors to attract fish in water depths. Different colors are most effective when applied to murky waters. Blue is best for saltwater, and clear fishing lines blend in more quickly when they also have a transparent appearance.

Understanding what color works best is essential. Just because it’s a bright color doesn’t mean it’s easier to see underwater. For example, Pink lines are almost invisible as it’s the first color that disappears as you go down in the water column.

5. Sensitivity

 

 

Elasticity plays a vital role in determining the sensitivity of a fishing line. The more elasticity the line has, the less sensitive it is. Fishing gear sensitivity refers to your ability to feel the bottom of the water or the bite of a fish.

The more sensitive your fishing gear, the more you’ll be able to sense what’s happening with your fishing rig while it’s underwater. Less sensitivity on your equipment means you may miss out on noticing whether a fish has taken a bite or if your rig has reached the bottom. And the result is a less productive session.

Since fluorocarbon is denser and more arduous than monofilament, it has higher sensitivity when compared to monofilament. However, monofilament lines are less sensitive because they are more elastic.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

 

1. Which is better for the environment?

 

The fact that fluorocarbon lines are not made of plastic makes them more environmentally friendly.

2. Can you spool a Reel with just fluorocarbon?

 

On spinning reels, heavier monofilament, and fluorocarbon lines perform poorly because their diameter is large enough to jump off the spool when cast. As a result, you’ll get immense backlashes that are very hard to fix.

3. Should you wet your fishing line before spooling?

 

Many anglers like to wet their fishing line with warm water before they tie it to a reel. They do this to keep the line taut and prevent it from becoming tangled when casting.

That’s A Wrap

In conclusion, monofilament and fluorocarbon are great fishing lines, but each has unique features that make them perfect for different situations. After following the guide mentioned above, the final decision is up to you, so choose wisely.

If you want a high-strength, durable line that is easy to cast and ideal for top waters and float fishing, fluorocarbon is the way to go. On the other hand, the monofilament line is suitable for those who want a more flexible line for catching a variety of species.

Don’t forget to check out my other fishing line comparison post at

Braided vs Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

I hope that this guide has helped you. If you still have questions about choosing the right line for your fishing needs, feel free to drop a comment below, and we will answer your question ASAP. Thanks For Reading. As Always

Tight Lines

Tony, Creator of Get Reel Fishin