Choosing the best 2024 fluorocarbon for your rod and reel set is never easy. It's easy to get lost in the profusion of fluorocarbons that have flooded the market in recent years. By examining a number of criteria, such as knot strength, shape memory, price and line quality, here is our selection of the best 2024 fluorocarbons based on our field tests.
What is a fluorocarbon and why is it useful?
Before selecting the best fluorocarbon for each type of fishing, it's important to look at its definition and characteristics. A fluorocarbon is a polymer fishing linewhich, because of its characteristics, is less elastic than a conventional monofilament. As a result, the Fluorocarbon transmits more vibration to your rod during retrieve.
Beyond that, the fluorocarbon's great strength is that it is largely invisible under water. Indeed, the fluorocarbon has almost the same refractive index as water. This makes it difficult for fish to detect, which is a big help in clear water or on educated fish. This "slight" detail makes a big difference and has quickly been adopted by anglers. Last but not least, fluorocarbon is highly resistant to abrasion. This element is very useful for fishing in overgrown areas, on the fly or at sea.
Clearly, using fluorocarbon today is a must-have in modern fishing. Sensitivity, discretion and resistance to abrasion are just some of the advantages you need to exploit thanks to the properties of fluorocarbon.
What is the best fluorocarbon diameter for each type of fishing?
Of course, this is a very personal subject and varies from angler to angler. However, we think there are some basic rules to bear in mind when you want to choosing the best fluorocarbon for your reel. Here's what we can tell you from experience to help you make the right choice.
Fluorocarbon from 6 to 8 Lbs: The best diameter for finesse fishing.
At Rodmaps, we use this diameter range extensively for fine spinning fishing. You can use this type of diameter in drop shot, neko rig, wacky or fishing with these soft jerkbaits. Although quite thin, this type of diameter can easily withstand rushes from perch, black-bass or pike-perch while resisting rubbing against an obstacle.
Fluorocarbon from 10 to 12 Lbs: The best diameter for hard lure fishing.
In our opinion, this diameter of fluorocarbon works very well on all type of hard lure such as crankbaits or jerkbaits. However, note that fluorocarbon sinks. It is therefore not recommended for use in topwater like stickbaits or poppers. To sum up, We use this type of diameter for all hard lures except topwaters.
Fluorocarbon from 15 to 17 Lbs: The best diameter for fishing with metal lures.
At Rodmaps, we suggest use this type of diameter for spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. By definition, these lures are designed for fishing in congested areas. It is therefore important to use a larger diameter fluorocarbon to resist snagging and abrasion.
Now that we've seen all the details, let's get down to business. Once we have these elements in hand, which is the best fluorocarbon in 2024 you could choose? ? That's what we wanted to find out.
Varivas Shock Leader 100%: The best fluorocarbon 2024 for off-road
We believe that Varivas Shock Leader 100% is, in our opinion, the very best in fluorocarbon. Virtually invisible, not very elastic and highly resistant to abrasion, this fluorocarbon is perfectly suited to finesse fishing or heavier big bait fishing.
We also trust it completely when fishing in congested areas and when extracting fish quickly from cover. At Rodmaps, we've been fishing with this fluorocarbon for years, with no failures to date. It's not the most economical fluorocarbon, but it will save you a lot of trouble.
A comprehensive Varivas Shock Leader 100% is for us the best fluorocarbon 2024 for all lure fishing techniques.
Sunline Siglon: Best fluorocarbon 2024 for fine fishing
We discovered this fluorocarbon a short while ago on a recommendation and we were clearly seduced! The Siglon FC is a top-of-the-range fluorocarbon at a very reasonable price! It has a very good balance between abrasion resistance, good elasticity and excellent glide when cast. This last aspect makes it an excellent alternative for finesse fishing techniques. It is used for drop-shot, wacky and soft jerk fishing.
Excellent casting ability, low memory and invisibility make it an exceptional choice for your finesse techniques. Here's why we think the Sunline Siglon is the best choice for your finesse techniques. Best fluorocarbon 2024 for all finesse fishing techniques.
Powerline Special Leaders : The best fluorocarbon 2024 for hard lure fishing
We believe that Powerline Special leaders is the best fluorocarbon 2024 for hard lure fishing. This fluorocarbon is heavier than nylon and other conventional fluoro. As a result, it is perfectly suited to crankbait and jerkbait fishing, making them dive very quickly. This fluorocarbon offers excellent value for money. Its low elasticity and sturdiness make it the fluorocarbon of choice in our opinion when fishing with crankbaits and jerkbaits. 2024 .
So, if you're looking for an inexpensive, versatile fluorocarbon, we recommend the Powerline Special leaders .
Daiwa J-Fluorocarbon: The best fluorocarbon 2024 value for money
We often tend to think that Daiwa only produces reels and rods. Not so! They also develop superb braids, lines and fluorocarbons for all lure fishing techniques.
The J-Fluorocarbon is a fluorocarbon of Japanese manufacture with all the rigour that goes with it. With its great flexibility and low memory, this fluorocarbon can be used as a leader or line body for crank casting or spinning for fine fishing.
This fluorocarbon is available in a wide range of diameters for both trout and pike fishing. The big plus point is its price. So here's why we think the Daiwa J-Fluorocarbon is the best fluorocarbon 2024 for its value for money.
Fluorocarbon Gamma: The most resistant to abrasion
Fluorocarbon Gamma distributed by Marryat is the only fluoro mixing copolymer and 100% fluorocarbon and featuring Gamma's exclusive "Altered Molecules" process. In short, this process offers higher knot strength, abrasion resistance and impact resistance than its competitors.
We tend to use this fluorocarbon most often when fishing for obstables: rocks, grassy areas, etc.
In short, a 4×4 fluorocarbon that won't let you down in dangerous areas for your lures.
Useful links to complete this article:
Braid or Nylon: which line to choose for lure fishing?
How to choose your casting reel?
Lure fishing: Which fishing rod to choose according to the lure used?
Casting or spinning: which choice to adopt?