Flourocarbon Leader Material

[mike5097]

I hav a question about the use of Flourocarbon leader material in 10 and 12 lb strengths for steelhead leaders.
Has anyone been using this stuff with any success?
I tried some Berkely Vanish for mainline a while ago and was pretty disappointed with it. Lots of line breaks, etc.
Has the technology improved?
Does the leader material have different characteristics than the line?
Will I have problems with leaders tying egg loop knots?
Any comments or tips will be appreciated!

[Artwo]

Mike,
Do a search on flourocarbon, I believe there was a big discussion about this a while back. Hope it helps.

JK

[Jennie@ifish]

Stomping her foot.
I HATE IT I HATE IT I HATE IT I HATE IT!
I lost way to many fish!

[Spooled]

I don't use it myself, but there is a difference between flourocarbon line and flourocarbon leader material. If you are going to use it for leaders, make sure you buy the leader material. It is stiffer and has abrasion resistence that the flourocarbon line does not. The leader material can only be used for leaders not mainlines. Also lubricate all knots with water when using flourocarbon line, as it does not handle the heat generated by pulling the knot tight very well.

I really don't see the logic in using it compared to Maxima. Maxima is way stronger and fish don't seem to be bothered by it. Just my opinion.

[Fishin Magician]

Spooled is right, maxima is the way to go. I tried the leader material and broke 3 fish off on the stuff in one day. needless to say I dumped the stuff and went back to maxima like I always do after trying the "latest and greatest" .

[ 04-30-2001: Message edited by: Fishin Magician ]

[Snagly]

I ranted and raved about this stuff every time the topic comes up. Here's the executive summary:

1. Vanish is the worst version of fluorocarbon ("FC"). Don't use it for main line or leaders.

2. There are at least a few brands of quality FC for leader material: Orvis Mirage, Seagur, P-Line and Stren come to mind. Make certain you buy 100% FC, not a blend, for leaders.

3. FC is more abrasion resistant than mono,plus it retains more of its strength once abraded or partially cut. That's the REAL reason I use FC in the ocean (not for salmon/ steelhead).

4. I've experimented with FC leaders for steelhead. Found that, if I did get more bites (not clear) I lost at least as many more due to poor knots.

5. DO NOT join FC to mono or copolymers with a blood knot or uniknot. It will pull out. Consider a surgeon's knot, but experiment w/ scales first. Better yet, use a swivel.

6. Tie your knots very, very carefully: lots of spit needed.

Philosophically, I don't think steelhead/ salmon know what line or leader is (and see it fine in any event down to 4lb line), so I don't care if FC is invisible. Most of the time I use Maxima Chameleon even in clear water and don't think it makes a difference.