Some links on this page are affiliate links, which do not impact our impartiality. We recommend the best product and then find out if it is available through one of our partners.
As an avid lure fisherman, fly fishing enthusiast or general predator fishing fan you need to invest in the best fluorocarbon possible. Fluorocarbon is almost invisible when in the water and has superior abrasion resistance and knot strength when compared to traditional mono or braid. It’s particularly useful when targeting powerful predators over rough, snaggy ground.
Of course, you also need to make sure you have a high-quality lure fishing rod (or a travel fishing rod), a sea spinning reel or coarse reel and some of the best-braided line around too. Your setup is only as good as the sum of its parts and some high-quality fluorocarbon mainline or leader may be abrasion-resistant and almost invisible. But it can’t make up for poor-quality rods, reels or mainline.
So, find the best fluorocarbon lines below, with each line broken down into categories like ‘the best fluorocarbon for big fish and the best fluorocarbon for fly fishing. We’ve tried to cover every eventuality.
What’s on this page?
What fluorocarbon line do we use?
It very much depends on what type of fishing we’re doing, but as a general rule, we always have some 10lb, 20lb and 30lb fluorocarbon on hand. If we’re fishing for large pollock in snaggy areas (like the Beara Peninsula), then some 30lb leader is helpful. Ditto when lure fishing for pike.
Whereas if we’re fishing for bass on the south coast, then some 20lb fluoro is more than adequate. When we do some more urban fishing in London for perch or smaller freshwater predators, 8-10lb fluoro does the job. Some Seaguar Blue Label is a make we love and it’s always in our tackle box when targeting powerful fish.
What makes a good fluorocarbon fishing line?
A good fluorocarbon fishing line must have;
- Abrasion resistance: A high-quality fluorocarbon line should have excellent tensile strength and be resistant to abrasion. It should be able to handle the pressure of fighting fish, withstand rough underwater structure, and resist breaking or fraying under intense pressure.
- Low visibility: Fluorocarbon lines have a refractive index close to that of water, making them nearly invisible when fishing. This is why quality fluorocarbon is so popular when fishing in crystal clear water(s).
- Sensitivity: Fluorocarbon is known for its sensitivity, allowing anglers to feel even subtle strikes and bites. A good fluorocarbon line enhances bite detection, helping anglers respond quickly and increase their hook-up rate.
- Low stretch: Typically fluorocarbon has a low stretch compared to other fishing lines like monofilament or braid. This low stretch enhances sensitivity, improves hooksets, and enables better control over the fishing lure or bait.
- Knot strength: A reliable fluorocarbon line should exhibit good knot strength, ensuring that knots hold securely without slipping or breaking during hookups and when you’re fishing in deeper, snaggy conditions.
- Durability: Quality fluoro should be durable and resistant to environmental factors like UV rays, chemicals, and water absorption. It should maintain its properties and performance over time, even when fishing in saltwater conditions.
The 9 Best Fishing Rods and Reel Combo in 2023
What is the best fluorocarbon fishing line?
Seaguar’s Blue Label Fluorocarbon is the best fluorocarbon fishing line. Used by many professional fishermen all around the world, this Japanese-made fluorocarbon is created by fusing two 100% fluorocarbon resins together. Hence its exceptional strength and abrasion resistance.
It’s not the best line for visibility (although it still scores very favourably) and isn’t the very best for stealth fishing or targeting ultra-skittish fish. But as an all-around line or leader, it is about as good as it gets. If you’re after some fluorocarbon that will perform under any circumstances, Seaguar’s Blue Label is superb. Then Savage Gear’s Soft Fluorocarbon is another tried and tested option we always have to hand. But any of the below will work well!
At a glance
The 7 best fluorocarbon fishing lines
Seaguar Blue Label FluorocarbonBest overall fluorocarbon
Amazon.co.uk
eBay
Fishing, Tackle & Bait
Tackle Direct
| Price history for Seaguar Blue Label 100% Fluorocarbon Leader (DSF) 25yd 20lb, Clear | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
- Breaking strain: 2lb-80lb
- Spool length: 25-80yd
- DSF – Double Structure Fluorocarbon, as two 100% fluorocarbon resins are fused together
- Stiff fluorocarbon with high abrasion resistance
Seaguar’s Blue Label Fluorocarbon is a world-renowned fluorocarbon leader that is the most abrasion-resistant option on the market. The manufacturing process fuses two 100% fluorocarbon resins together for incredible tensile strength. Whilst fluoro is primarily known for its suppleness and abrasion resistance, Seaguar’s Blue Label is the toughest on the market.
Seaguar’s super-quality fluorocarbon leader is a Japanese-made, low-visibility line used by some of the best fishermen on the planet. With incredible quality knot strength and low stretch, this leader is made for big fish and serious conditions. If you’re looking to land some specimens, you can’t go wrong with Seaguar’s Blue Label.
Berkley’s Big Game FluorocarbonBest fluorocarbon for big fish
Go Outdoors
Sportfish
- Breaking strain: 20lb – 100lb+
- High abrasion resistance and excellent tensile strength
- Corrosion resistant
- Designed for salt and freshwater fishing
Berkley’s Big Game Fluorocarbon Line is a supremely tough fluorocarbon fishing line with excellent tensile strength, designed to handle serious salt and freshwater predators. As with any quality fluorocarbon line, it is durable, hard to detect and has a very good stretch reflex, improving sensitivity and bite detection. Whilst this isn’t usually vital when targeting big fish, it makes for a really high-quality, versatile line and leader.
Generally, fluorocarbon is famed for its superb abrasion resistance and Berkley’s Big Game is at the top of the pile. Visbility-wise, the Big Game Fluorocarbon Line possesses a refractive index close to that of water, making it virtually invisible underwater. Its low visibility improves your chances of enticing bites from even the most cautious species.
Sunline Super FC SniperBest low-visibility fluorocarbon
| Price history for Sunline Super Flourocarbon Sniper 18 LB. 165 yd Natural Clear | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
- Breaking strain: 4-30lb
- Japanese-made fluorocarbon
- Triple resin coating
- High stretch, low visibility fluorocarbon
Sunline’s Super FC Sniper is well known for its exceptional casting performance, knot strength and high level of invisibility underwater, which makes it ideal for situations where fish are more skittish. Think mullet or bass in crystal clear water. The lower tensile strength line is the best available quality and, thanks to its low visibility and lightweight nature, is perfect for subtle fishing.
The Japanese-made line has a triple resin coating and high stretch reflex, which makes the line exceptionally supple. Perfect for long casts and knot strength. It’s trusted by professional anglers in tournaments when big money is on the line. The low-pound test is superb for light fishing techniques like dropshotting and the stronger line is absolutely tailor-made for bass.
Best Sea Fishing Lures in 2023
P-Line Tactical FluorocarbonBest lightweight fluorocarbon
- Breaking strain: 6lb-25lb
- Spool length: 110-250yd
- Japanese-made nylon fluorocarbon that is three times denser than traditional nylon
- High abrasion resistance and knot strength
P-Line Tactical Fluorocarbon is another fluoro that is almost perfect for targeting skittish fish or working in high visibility conditions. It is virtually invisible thanks to a refractive index almost identical to water, regardless of the prevailing conditions. The nylon-manufactured fluorocarbon is a fast-sinking, long-casting option made by the best line manufacturers in the world, the Japanese.
The 5-10lb line is perfect for finesse fishing as the lighter line’s stiffness, abrasion resistance and knot strength are top quality and perfect for smaller streams and rivers. The heavier models are sensational options for bass fishing in the UK, particularly in the peak of summer when the visibility is incredibly high and the water is still.
Savage Gear Soft FluorocarbonBest fluorocarbon for lifelike lure presentation
- Breaking strain: 4lb-111lb
- Spool length: 15-50m
- 100% soft fluorocarbon
- Shock absorbent leader with absorbent preventative properties
Savage Gear’s Soft Fluorocarbon is an ultra-soft, supple fluorocarbon leader that is virtually undetectable in the water thanks to its low refractive index. This super soft leader presents lures in an incredibly natural way and has an excellent hook set ratio. When combined with its high knot strength and sensitivity make this one of the best leaders for stealth fishing on the planet.
With an excellent range of breaking strains (from under 5lb to well over 100lb), its shock-absorbent properties make it capable of handling serious strikes. An all-around superstar. Even if softer fluorocarbons tend to be slightly less abrasion resistant than their hard counterparts, it’s made for finicky fish and bristling behemoths alike. The anti-absorption properties and UV and chemical resistance make this leader particularly durable and ideally suited to saltwater fishing.
Berkley Vanish FluorocarbonBest distance casting fluorocarbon
Karl's Fishing & Outdoors
| Price history for Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line & Leader Material Clear – Vanish, 250-Yard/8-Pound | |
|---|---|
|
Latest updates:
|
|
- Breaking strain: 2lb-50lb
- Spool length: Up to 2000yd
- Amplified sensitivity and bite detection
- High tensile strength and distance casting capability
Berkley’s Vanish Fluorocarbon does exactly what it says on the tin. With a refractive index almost exactly the same as water, it’s almost impossible to see. The incredibly versatile, translucent fishing line is sensitive and capable of handling windy, rugged conditions. The wide range of breaking strengths and lengths is a testament to its flexibility.
With a spool length of up to 2000yd, Berkley’s Vanish is a sensitive and durable line that doubles as both a mainline and leader, providing flexibility on the water. Trust in its high tensile strength, low visibility, and amplified sensitivity for precise bite detection. The 100% fluorocarbon construction refracts light like water, making it ideal for fish that tend to spook easily. Fortunately, the line isn’t just designed for fish that spook easily. The heavy-duty line is non-absorbing and maintains its abrasion resistance and durability when wet.
Airflo Sightfree G3 Fluorocarbon TippetBest fluorocarbon for coarse and fly fishing
- Breaking strain: 3lb – 20lb
- Spool length: Up to 100m
- Up to 60% lower in diameter than regular fluorocarbon
- Low refractive index almost invisible in water
Airflo Sightfree G3 Fluorocarbon Tippet is an ultra-thin, fast-sinking fluorocarbon primarily designed for stillwater and reservoir angling. It’s almost invisible to the naked eye thanks to a refractive index virtually identical to water, it’s an exceptionally good quality line.
Whilst the breaking strain is a little lower than traditional fluorocarbon lines, it is 60% thinner than traditional fluoro, meaning it truly is designed for finesse fishing. Supple, stretchy and highly abrasion resistant, this thin, fast-sinking line is the leader of choice of some of the best in the world. The slight stiffness supports a superior knot strength and whilst it isn’t best suited to fast-flowing waters, it is arguably the best stillwater fluoro in the world.
FAQs
What is fluorocarbon fishing line good for?
Fluorocarbon is virtually invisible underwater, due to its refractive index, making it ideal for clear water or easily spooked fish. It is fast sinking, allowing for a more natural presentation of lures and bait. With excellent abrasion resistance and high tensile strength, fluorocarbon is used as a leader or mainline when fishing in rough, snaggy conditions. The line’s sensitivity enables anglers to detect subtle bites and improve hooksets.
Does fluorocarbon catch more fish?
While fluorocarbon line offers several advantages – it’s highly abrasion resistant, sensitive, with high tensile strength and is almost invisible underwater – it doesn’t guarantee you will catch more fish. But it increases the chances of catching fish in the right conditions.
Its underwater invisibility makes targeting easily spooked fish or fishing in crystal clear conditions more effective. Its higher sensitivity rate and improved bite detection increase your chances of hook-ups. And a stronger abrasion resistance tends to grant you more time in the water.
When should I use fluorocarbon line?
You should use fluorocarbon line whenever you’re lure fishing in snaggy or rough conditions and when targeting powerful predatory fish thanks to its high tensile strength and abrasion resistance.
Fluorocarbon is also particularly useful in crystal clear conditions thanks to its low visibility in underwater conditions. With high sensitivity and excellent bite detection, targeting tricky-to-catch fish can be much more effective when using fluorocarbon.
Should you use fluorocarbon as a mainline?
You don’t have to use fluorocarbon as a mainline and it is more commonly used as leader material attached to a braided mainline, but it can be used as a mainline. Fluoro is commonly used as a mainline in finesse fishing scenarios, where sensitivity and subtle presentations are crucial.
But as fluorocarbon tends to be more expensive than braid or mono, using braid as a mainline and fluorocarbon as a leader is more commonplace.
Can you put fluorocarbon on a spinning reel?
Yes, you can put fluorocarbon on a spinning reel. Fluorocarbon is most commonly used in spinning or lure fishing situations and works very effectively on a spinning reel. If you’re attaching the fluoro as a leader, then it works well with any reel. As fluorocarbon is thinner in diameter and has low memory, which means you can fit more line on than something like monofilament and you’ll receive fewer line twists.
Can I spool my reel with fluorocarbon?
Yes, you can spool your reel with fluorocarbon. Fluorocarbon line is commonly used as a mainline on various types of fishing reels, including spinning reels, baitcasting reels, and conventional reels. You attach the line in a typical fashion (with an Arbor knot) and fill the spool to just before the edge of the rim.
Should I soak fluorocarbon before spooling?
You can soak fluorocarbon before spooling, but you don’t have to. Soaking fluorocarbon fishing line before spooling is a technique some anglers use to help reduce line memory and to make typically stiff lines like fluorocarbon more manageable.
While it is not necessary, soaking fluorocarbon can make it slightly more supple and easier to handle during the spooling process. But it will regain its stiffness relatively quickly, so unless you’re struggling to spool the reel, then don’t worry.
How long does fluorocarbon last on a reel?
Generally good quality fluorocarbon can last for a few years on a reel. But this is dependent on a number of factors including frequency of use, prevailing conditions, line quality and maintenance. Particularly if you’re fishing in corrosive saltwater conditions.
Higher quality line is more durable and resistant to UV, chemical and saltwater damage, which means it lasts longer. And as long as you rinse the line effectively, store it out of sunlight and reduce frayed or worn sections, it should last effectively.
Harry
Hi, I'm Harry. A keen, albeit exceedingly average fisherman. I've spent the last few years trawling London's waterways with - if I'm being kind - varied success and would love to help you avoid the mistakes I have made.
