Mono vs. Flourocarbon

[titanxt]

Due to the overwhelming number of responses to my "Best Mono" I have another question.

Some responders stated "since the question is "Best Mono..." I thought that maybe they were flourobarbon or braided users mainly.  What about flourocarbon line?  Is it better than mono?

Thanks!

[Bassinkorea]

I prefer fluro over mono because last year I mainly fished from the bank and needed to cast much further than the boaters. Over the long distances there is a lot less stretch in fluro resulting in more fish 

[pretjah]

now keep in mind i've only used vanish and vanish transition flourocarbon when i say what i'm about to say...

i've had nothing but trouble with it....

i'm expirementing with the copolymers and so far i like them ALOT better than straight florocarbon....

the concept of flourocarbon is awesome especially for cranking and jig swimming....however like i said i've had nothing but trouble with it....

i still use mono for about 70% of my fishing (might change a bit more now that i'm using the copolymers)

[Creel Limit Zero]

Depends on the situation, but in most I would say yes.  It sinks, so it'll get your crankbaits down lower.  At the same time because it sinks, when fishing a jig, worm, you will be in more contact with the bait so you will feel the bites better than mono.  It has less stretch, so you will have more hooking power.  It is stronger than mono, so it'll be smaller in diameter for the same rated strength.  Finally, it is less visible underwater, so wary fish will be more likely to bite in clear water than with mono. 

[Bassthumb]

Fluoro requires the use of different knots!  The palomar tends to break [for me] when I first used it on Fluoro.  I have since used the uni knot for all Fluoro work.

[Warpath]

Don't quote me, but I think fluoro is less heat resistant than mono.  So, when you are tying a palomar knot, you have to really soak it to get a good knot strength.  I had issues with a palomar with fluoro as well, and I use the double uni knot now w/o issues.

I noticed your other post "best mono", had a lot of Yo-Zuri Hybrid listed.  Thats technically not a mono line, it's a mono line covered by a fluoro line.  So, it has different properties entirely.

Eric

[Warpath]

Also, Vanish changed their formula a few years ago when they introduced Transition.  A lot of diehard Vanish users said the same thing, that it sucked.  However, I think they re-made the formula, and I've used it since and had little to no problems with it. 

I prefer Seaguar fluoro, and I would say I use it 75 to 80% of the time.  I only use mono for topwaters and crankbaits, and braid occassionally when I fish grassy situations.  There are a lot of good fluoro lines out there now. 

Eric

[bclemms]

I like the idea of flouro but can't seem to find one that I like in anything over 12lb test. I use Pline copolymer for nearly every application with exception to top water and heavy cover. I seem to get more bites, lose less fish and I don't have to sacrifice my paycheck for it.

[topcat]

Both are needful in my set ups in stained water I use Mono a lot......in clear water I use Fluorocarbon a lot........Mono has a lot of stretch and Fluoro has less......I think they compensate one another to get the job done.......

Topcat

[bob70]

Below are two links that will take you to tests done to determine line stretch between various monos, fluros and polethylene lines.

http://www.shallowwaterangler.com/features/line_stretch/index.html

http://pages.videotron.com/fishing/estretch.htm

I would prefer that the tests would have been done more recently however they do suggest that fluorocarbon do not always have less stretch than monofilament or co-polymer lines.

[titanxt]

Bob70,

Thank you for the links.  If I am understanding the information correctly, the difference in the amount of stretch between superline such as "PowerPro" and a mono like "Stren Original" is over 3-feet!  This gives me the feeling like mono and flourocarbon are rubbery.  I have fished with mono for years and really never noticed...

What does this all mean now?   I have a crappie and bass trip coming up and I think I will try some flourocarbon on my crappie jigging pole, but I might put some mono and some braid on my bass rods to see if I can tell a differences....

[bob70]

I use mono or copolamar lines primarily and use baitcasting rods 90 percent of the time.  For Carolina rigging I use 30-50 # test power pro or equivalent for sensitivity--bottom structure and fish pickup.

When fishing with a spinning rod for crappie I usually use 4# fireline or 6# power pro to increase sensitivity.  Especially useful when fishing for crappie when they are deep prior to ice up. If fish are shallow often use 4# Berkley XT.

When finesse fishing for LMB and SMB with a spinning rod I use 10 or 15 pound power pro as it handles better than equivalent mono. And, I can cast light jigs futher with it than the mono.  I use an abrasion resistant monofilament or Seguar Carbon pro leader material which is  abrasion resistant.  Fishing around rock I've lost too many lures when I dont use a leader.  I feel that power pro or equivlalent is vital because of so little stretch when making long casts to fish suspending jerkbaits.

I've tried Seguar Carbon Pro in 12 # test on a baitcasting rod and for the way I fish could not detect an increase insensitivity.  Many will disagree and I do not doubt them.