We sometimes use affiliate links in our content. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This won't cost you anything but it helps to offset the costs of paying our writing team (Me) Thanks for your support!
Fluorocarbon fishing Line was invented in Japan back in 1971 by the Kureha Company. Over the years the advancement in fluorocarbon has seen it become one of the most popular choices for experts and beginners alike.
Through this post, I aim to look at the differences between Fluorocarbon and Monofilament lines.
For a great list of some of the best fluorocarbon lines available at the moment, head on over to my post at
Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Line Reviews
Many anglers think that Fluorocarbon Fishing Line doesn’t stretch, or is a low-stretch line. This is simply not true. The truth is that the fluorocarbon line stretches more than the monofilament. The reason for the misunderstanding is that it takes a greater force to get fluro line stretching.
Because of this, Fluorocarbon is great for leaders and the mainline in situations where you don’t want a lot of stretches.
Situations like targeting fish that live in holes such as Coral Trout. Or when fishing on wrecks where you don’t have much room for play. If you also take into account the high density of this line and its fast sinking ability, you end up with a super-sensitive line.
OK, so the line stretches, but it will take a long course to get there. The reason for this is the density I mentioned. The molecules are much more tightly packed together.
This makes the line noticeably heavier, while still being of the same diameter as mono of the same strength making the line sink. So why use it for fishing when it’s the same width and strength as mono? The benefits are many.
Advantages Of Fluorocarbon
Low Visibility
Probably the biggest benefit, and why so many chose fluorocarbon is that it’s nearly invisible underwater. The reason is that it doesn’t distort the light as it passes through the line. This is because it has almost the same refraction index as water.
As I am sure you are aware, this is going to be a big advantage when targeting those shy fish, especially in clear water. Not only that, but because it is nearly invisible, you can use a higher breaking strain without spooking the fish.
Abrasive resistance
This is a big one if you are fishing heavy cover areas such as when targeting Bass, Barramundi, and Mangrove Jack up the rivers. But also when targeting big (or small) fish on the reef, wrecks, wharves, piers, jetty, etc. the high abrasive resistance means more fish coming back to the boat or shore.
For this reason, fluorocarbon has become very popular and the top choice for many pro anglers when fishing heavy cover or dragging the bottom.
Sensitivity
No, I don’t mean it will get upset if you call it names (it might, so be nice) I mean in feeling the bite. Fluro line molecules are packed more tightly, and as such, transmit energy more efficiently than mono.
As your line is dragging, or your lure bounces or touches the bottom, you will still feel the bite. The fact that the line sinks faster, and takes more to stretch, means less slack in the water and more feeling for you.
Waterproof
Now I know what you are thinking, isn’t all line waterproof? Unfortunately no. Mono and some superlines absorb the water. Over time, this will add more stretch to the line, which in turn results in less sensitivity and feeling, and fewer fish caught.
Fluro is waterproof which means the line will stay the same, whether wet or dry. So fluro will keep its strength, sensitivity, and handling for many years to come.
Diameter
As I mentioned before, fluro is about the same diameter as mono of the same break strength. So why am I mentioning it again, because it’s almost invisible in water, you can use a higher breaking strain? Not only will you have more strength, but also higher abrasion resistance.
Best of all, this won’t affect how many bites you are getting.
UV Resistance
As we all spend a lot of time in the sun while chasing fish, our line does too. The sun’s harsh UV rays will weaken nylon over time, reducing its performance. With fluro, you don’t have this problem and seem to have no ill effects from being exposed to UV at all.
More Hookups
As mentioned, fluro has less low-end stretch than nylon mono and sinks faster. This means less line between you and the fish. When you are ready to set that hook, even at long distances, you don’t need to savagely pull the line as you do with mono.
Think more like when you are fishing with a braid, but with a bit more give.
I love using this line when targeting Coral Trout for this exact reason. You can find some tips on targeting these fish at
How To Find And Catch More Coral Trout
Knot Strength
The knot strength of the fluro line can be incredible, especially the Palomar or Trilene knots. A well-tied knot with fluro is stronger than mono. However, if not lubricated properly when tying fluro will fail.
If you are the type of person that forgets to wet the line when tying knots, you will find a lot of failures. But if you do remember, you will find stronger knots than you ever got with mono.
Disadvantages Of Fluorocarbon
As you can see, there are many great benefits to using fluorocarbon over mono as a main or leader line. But even with all these great benefits, you still have a few drawbacks.
Manageability
One of the first things you will notice when you start fishing with fluro is its stiffness. This means more line memory, making managing the line more difficult than mono and super lines. Over the years, with advancements in technology, this is becoming less and less of a problem.
Most of the premium fluorocarbon lines available now are more well-behaved, and hopefully, soon all fluro lines should follow suit.
Sink Rate
Now I mentioned before that Fluro will sink faster because of its dense construction. This is something to take into consideration when choosing the type of fishing you will be doing. For instance, fluro may not be the best choice when trolling topwater as it will cause the lure to sink further.
Also, not appropriate for fishing top baits. But for bottom fishing or running a lure close to the bottom, it’s a great choice. I recommend having a rod set up with one of each.
Shock Strength
As Fluro has a higher-end stretch rate than mono, It doesn’t have as much ability to handle hard hook sets and head shakes. You may find more break-offs because of this if using the same strength mono. Of course, you can use thicker lines because of their visibility underwater, which offset this.
To Wrap Up
I hope you have found this to be informative, and has cleared up a few of your questions about the Fluorocarbon line, and how it compares to Monofilament lines. If I have convinced you to make the switch, or at least give Fluoro a go, check out
Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Line Reviews
If you’re still not sure, head over to my other post to see the differences between Fluorocarbon and braid at
Braided vs Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
I fish with a combination of Fluorocarbon, Mono, and Braid lines depending on the circumstance. Don’t restrict yourself to using just one type of line, they all have advantages and disadvantages. If you have any questions or any comments, please feel free to leave them in the comment section below. As always
Tight Lines
Tony, Creator of Get Reel Fishin
