Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Line
By: Nick Updated: November 8, 2023
Choosing the right fluorocarbon line can have a significant impact on your fishing. In this article, I will walk you through my favorite fluorocarbon lines for different situations and the key characteristics you should think about when buying line.
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- Best Overall – Sunline Assassin FC
- Best Value – Seaguar Red Label
- Best Leader – Sunline FC100
- Best Finesse – Sunline FC Sniper
- Most Invisible – Seaguar InvizX
- Most Abrasion Resistant – Seaguar AbrazX
Best Overall Fluorocarbon
Sunline Assassin is one of the most versatile, high-quality fluorocarbon lines on the market. It uses P-Ion technology to improve its sleekness, abrasion resistance, and lifespan. It is super sensitive and casts like a dream. Assassin is my go-to fluorocarbon line.
| Sunline Assassin Diameter | 8lb | 10lb | 12lb | 15lb | 17lb | 20lb | 25lb |
| Inches | .0094 | .0104 | .0116 | .0134 | .0142 | .0150 | .0163 |
| Millimeters | .239 | .264 | .295 | .340 | .360 | .381 | .414 |
Best Value Fluorocarbon
Seaguar Red Label is a great inexpensive fluorocarbon line. I first tried Red Label when I was in college and on a tight budget, I was always surprised at the quality you got for the money.
I recommend Red Label for new anglers who want to try fluoro out without breaking the bank. It is stiffer than higher-end fluoro but that is to be expected with the price you pay. It has nice sensitivity with decent abrasion resistance. It is a great all-around fluorocarbon line and for the price you cant beat it.
| Seaguar Red Diameter | 6lb | 8lb | 10lb | 12lb | 15lb | 20lb |
| Inches | .008 | .009 | .010 | .012 | .013 | .016 |
| Millimeters | .185 | .235 | .260 | .310 | .330 | .405 |
Best Fluorocarbon Leader
Sunline FC100 is my favorite heavy duty fluoro to use as a leader. It is specially designed to be a leader for targeting large gamefish. It’s made with a triple resin for improved lure movement and durability to withstand abrasions and sharp teeth. It also help minimizes line memory to prevent line flattening and increase surface hardness, resulting in stronger knots with braided lines and preventing braid cutting of the leader.
| Sunline FC100 Diameters | 16lb | 20lb | 25lb | 30lb | 35lb | 40lb |
| Inches | .013 | .016 | .017 | .019 | .021 | .022 |
| Millimeters | .33 | .40 | .43 | .47 | .52 | .57 |
Best Finesse Fluorocarbon
Sunline Super FC Sniper is my go to line for finesse fishing. It comes in super light test, all the way down to 4lb. This covers all of my needs while also providing the top notch quality you expect from Sunline.
FC Sniper is 100% fluorocarbon, made with triple resin processing. This gives it high abrasion resistance, low memory, suppleness, long life and uniform line diameter. It’s low pound test lines are perfect for finesse techniques such as dropshots or ned rigs.
| Diameter | 4lb | 5lb | 6lb | 7lb | 8lb |
| Inches | 0.0065 | 0.0075 | 0.0081 | 0.0086 | 0.0093 |
| Millimeter | 0.17 | 0.19 | 0.21 | 0.22 | 0.24 |
Most Invisible Fluorocarbon
Seaguar InvizX is virtually invisible when underwater. It’s 100% Fluorocarbon line that has good sensitivity, strength, and exceptional abrasion-resistance.
| Seaguar InvizX Diameter | 4lb | 6lb | 8lb | 10lb | 12lb | 15lb | 17lb | 20lb | 25lb |
| Inches | .007 | .008 | .009 | .010 | .011 | .013 | .015 | .016 | .017 |
| Millimeters | .17 | .20 | .23 | .26 | .28 | .33 | .37 | .40 | .43 |
Best Abrasion Resistant Fluorocarbon
Seaguar AbrazX is the best abrasion resistant fluorcarbon line. It was designed specifically to withstand rubbing across rocks, weeds, and docks without breaking or weakening. Seaguar makes excellent line and it’s my second favorite brand for fluoro overall.
| AbrazX Diameter | Inches | Millimeters |
|---|---|---|
| 6lb | 0.008 | 0.205 |
| 8lb | 0.009 | 0.235 |
| 10lb | 0.01 | 0.26 |
| 12lb | 0.011 | 0.285 |
| 15lb | 0.013 | 0.33 |
| 17lb | 0.015 | 0.37 |
| 20lb | 0.016 | 0.405 |
| 25lb | 0.017 | 0.435 |
What to Look for in a Fluorocarbon Line
All fluorocarbon line isn’t created equal. Each brand has their own unique blend used to create their products. When I test a fluoro line I am looking at a few key attributes to distinguish which is high quality and which are ones to avoid.
- Color – One of the biggest advantages of fluorocarbon is it’s low visibility. High quality fluoro should be almost invisible underwater and stay clear. Poor quality fluoro will turn opaque white overtime, and some will shed a fine powder that coats your gear and hands.
- Sensitivity – When fishing fluoro, I am looking for a line that is sensitive, even when its slack. If it doesn’t transfer feel up the line I stop using it.
- Abrasion resistance – I want my fluorocarbon to be able to withstand rubbing against rock or cover without weakening or breaking.
- Smooth casting – When casting there are some clear winners and losers. I look for a line that is smooth and provides solid casting distance.
- Knot strength – Fluoro is known for being difficult to tie knots on. If a knot won’t hold on a line then I won’t risk using it.
Diameter: The Key to Casting, Lure Action, and Sink Rate
One of the primary considerations when choosing fluorocarbon fishing line is its diameter. Each brand and product line will have different line diameters. The diameter of the line affect both visibility, casting, lure action, and rate of fall of your lure.
Smaller diameter fluorocarbon lines offer several advantages:
- Longer Casts: Thin lines cut through the air more efficiently, allowing you to cast your bait farther. This can be especially beneficial when you need to reach distant fish.
- Enhanced Lure Action: A smaller diameter line has less water resistance, enabling your lures to move more naturally through the water. This can be a game-changer for techniques like finesse fishing.
- Faster Sinking: Thinner lines sink more rapidly, making them ideal for situations where you want your bait to reach the desired depth quickly.
Larger diameter fluorocarbon lines also have advantages:
- Higher Strength: Thicker lines tend to be stronger.
- Slower Sinking: In some cases a slower sink rate is beneficial. For example, if your fishing a crankbait that dives down 5ft and you need it to stay shallower, you can up your line size. A thicker fluoro line with that same crankbait may only dive down to 4ft.
Abrasion Resistance: Durability in Challenging Conditions
Another essential aspect to consider is abrasion resistance. Each brand/product line have different levels of abrasion resistance. This can impact their durability, castability, and sensitivity.
Lines with higher abrasion resistance tend to be stiffer, making them suitable for fishing in areas with rough surfaces such as rocks or barnacles.
On the other hand, lines with lower abrasion resistance offer increased softness, allowing for longer casts and improved sensitivity, particularly in clear water or when using lighter line tests.
High abrasion resistance offers the following benefits:
- Durability: When fishing in abrasive environments, a line with high abrasion resistance can withstand contact with rocks, logs, and other underwater structures, reducing the risk of breakage.
- Control: Stiffer lines provide better control and can be advantageous when trying to maneuver fish away from obstacles.
Low abrasion resistance is advantageous for:
- Sensitivity: Softer, less abrasive lines allow you to feel even the most subtle bites, enhancing your ability to detect when a fish is on the line.
- Casting Distance: The suppleness of these lines contributes to longer and smoother casts, which can be crucial in various fishing situations.
Understanding how the diameter and abrasion resistance of a fluoro line affects your fishing and being able to make adjustments based on specific fishing techniques and environments is a major step in taking your ability to the next level.
Frequently Asked Questions
What brand makes the best fluorocarbon?
Sunline makes the best fluorocarbon lines. They are my go-to brand for mainline, leaders, and finesse fluoro.
Does fluorocarbon have memory?
Yes, fluorocarbon does have memory. It has less than mono and more than braid.
How often should you change fluorocarbon line?
Fluorocarbon should be replaced every two years when fished occasionally (a couple of times a month). For anglers that fish every week will need to replace their fluoro line every 6 months.