Braided Fishing Line Guide: Types, Uses, and Expert Tips

Braided fishing line is widely used by both freshwater and saltwater anglers. It is the strongest fishing line for a given thickness. There are different types of braided fishing lines which include 4-strand, 5-strand, 8-strand, and 9-strand. Each type is similar but weaved in different ways. Each company braid is also slightly different depending on the type of polyethylene (PE fibers) used which include spectra, Dyneema, Gore, Izanas, and Dacron fibers.

A braided fishing line is thin but is opaque rather than translucent. This means that it is typically more visible to the fish. Using the right color braid for the fishing conditions does help make the braided line less visible. Also, the braided line is not as abrasion-resistant as the monofilament line. For visibility and abrasion resistance issues, a leader line is commonly used when fishing with braid. Braided line is also static meaning it has very little stretch which can be an advantage or disadvantage depending on the fishing conditions.

Power Pro Spectra Line Diameter Chart

Power Pro Spectra is the most widely used braided fishing line. This is because it was one of the first braided lines and it has a great reputation for being strong. It is a great line to use on conventional reels but there are better braids to use on spinning reels. This is because the braid is made with 4 strands which are also called carriers. This braid is thin compared to monofilament but is not as thin smooth, or round as 8 carrier braided lines. To find the mono equivalent thickness it was compared to Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament.

Being smooth and thin is a huge advantage when casting so this is great for spinning reels. For conventional reels, if the line is too smooth or thin it can cut into the line on the spool. This is mostly an issue when using conventional reels with more than 30 pounds of drag. For this reason, using a 4-carrier braid that is 80-pounds or stronger is commonly used. Some bass fishermen also like 4-carrier braid on their baitcasting or spinning reels as the line itself is a bit rougher which allows it to cut through lily pads and weeds. A braided line has some abrasion resistance when rubbing in a fish’s mouth, body, or on the ground but not as much as a monofilament or fluorocarbon line.

Power Pro Maxcuatro Line Diameter Chart

Power Pro Maxcuratro is a 4-carrier braided line. It is thinner than standard power pro spectra because it is made with a microfilament which is Honeywell Spectra HT. The box says it is 25 percent thinner but does not state which lines is being used to compare the diameters. It is about the same diameter as a line that is 10 plus pounds less when comparing it to standard power pro.

Line color options are moss green, yellow, and aqua green. Again the mono equivalent thickness was found comparing it to Berkley Trilene Big Game Monofilament. This will be the case for all charts unless otherwise stated.

J-Braid 8 Strand Braid Line Diameter

There are actually three types of J-Braid which are J-braid x4, J-braid x8, and J-braid grand x8. All of these are made with polyethylene fibers. The chart above is for J-braid x8 and J-braid grand x8 which have the same listed diameters. Most 8-carrier lines are not quite as abrasion-resistant as 4-carrier lines. However, J-braid grand x8 has Izanas fibers which makes it more abrasive resistant than the 4-carrier and is less likely to flatten out than the standard 8-carrier. This makes it one of the best braided fishing lines on the market.

The J-braid lines come in chartreuse, green, white, and multi-color which is a metered line. This means the line changes color every 10 meters. This makes it easier for anglers to know the current depth of the lure or bait.

Berkley X9 Braided Fishing Line Diameter

Berkley X9 is similar to 8 strand braid but it is woven around an additional core line making it a 9-carrier line. This helps keep the line thin and round. Like most 8-carrier lines this braid excels in casting situations with spinning reels or baitcasting reels. It is considerably thinner than the standard Power Pro braid. The line comes in crystal, which is white, flame green, and low-vis green. Berkely X9 braided lines are made in the USA.

Berkley Thermally Fused Fireline Line Diameter

Berkley Fireline is made by thermally micro fusing Dyneema which is an ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene. The line diameter is actually a bit thicker than standard Power Pro which is not typical of an 8-stand braided line. The fusing process makes it more abrasion resistant and helps prevent UV damage.

I use to have black fireline on my spinning reels for bass fishing and really liked the performance. Many years ago I did get a bad spool that broke way below the listed line strength so I started using other braided lines. It comes in crystal, smoke, and flame green.

SpiderWire Stealth Braid Line Diameter

SpiderWire comes in 3 different line types. These are SpiderWire Dura-4 which has 4-carriers, SpiderWire Stealth which has 4-carriers, and Spider Wire Smooth Stealth braid which has 8-carriers. SpiderWire smooth stealth actually has slightly larger diameters than the standard stealth braid. It is still a smooth round line that is great for casting. Dura means the line is made with Dyneema which is the type of polyethylene fiber.

This stealth braid comes in American camo, blue camo, high-vis yellow, moss green, pink camo, and translucent. The line is fluorocarbon coated which is thought to make it more translucent and less visible. In reality, the color and thickness of the braid affects the visibility more, and being fluorocarbon coated does not help much.

Sufix Braid Line Diameter Chart

Sufix 832 is made with seven Dyneema carriers and a Gore fiber core. This makes it a 8-carrier braided line. It lists that it has 32 weaves per inch but this is not a common specification given with fishing lines. It is similar in thickness to standard Power Pro Spectra.

The Gore fibers help make this line hydrophobic meaning that it repels water which helps prevent ice buildup on the line. For this reason, it is a good braid for ice fishing and there is a Sufix 823 ice braid version. Color options are camo, ghost, yellow, green, neon lime, and coastal camo.

Tuf-line Braided Dacron Line Diameter

Tuf-line is a Dacron line and not what most people think of when they think of braid. That is because this braid is actually thicker than standard monofilament. It is made of polyethylene terephthalate which is similar to most other braids which are made from polyethylene. Now a think braided line is not typically desired. However, it does make a good backing material on large conventional reels.

When spooling up my Penn 80 for large tuna I used dacron backing with a 130-pound monofilament line on top. This made it so less monofilament line needs to be changed out each season. Spooling large conventional reels with a thin braid gets really expensive. So again starting with a thick Dacron line is a way to spool to reel in a more economical way. The chart above compared Tuf-line Dacrom to Ande Premium monofilament which only goes up to a 400-pound test. The values higher than that are extrapolated estimates. Values in between were interpolated.

Number of Strand Carriers in Each Type of Braid

The number of strands or carriers is the number of weaves that are used to create the single braided fishing line. Most braided lines use to be 4-strand and this is a great fishing line that is still widely used today. Braid is so popular that companies have increased the number of strands to change the performance of the line. A higher number of strands has both advantages and disadvantages. For conventional reels, a 4-strand braid is still a great option as the line is not as smooth and less likely to cut into itself.

Higher strand brands tend to be more round and smooth. This is ideal for far casting. Since the line is fine and smooth it is actually less abrasive and does not cut through lily pads and weeds as well. In addition to changing the number of fiber stands the type of fibers used and weave patterns can also be varied to change the line properties. For this reason, it is good to try a couple of different types of braided lines to see which one works best for your fishing conditions.

Visibility and Color of Braided Line

The visibility of a braided line matters for the angler to be able to see the line above water and for the fish to not see the line underwater. Dark moss green is the standard color of most braided fishing lines. This is interesting because it is not the best color braid to use in most cases. In dark lowlight conditions, in thick vegetation, or if a dark bottom is a background then dark green is not very visible underwater. However, in bright conditions and where the sky is the background, it is actually quite visible. Most of the time when fishing the fish are looking up and the lure or bait rather than down.

White and light green braid is actually the least visible line color under the water in most cases. White and light green are also easy for the angler to see above water. For this reason, these are the colors I would recommend using. I use a white braid when fishing in the ocean and prefer a light green for stained water and freshwater fishing. Typically I also use a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader to further decrease the visibility of the line.

The video above shows the visibility of braided fishing lines above and below the water.

Abrasion Resistance of Braided Line

It is important to know that braided line is not typically as abrasion-resistant as monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line for a given pound test. This is not surprising as the line is much thinner in diameter. Each type of braid varies a little in terms of abrasions resistance. A standard 4-stand braid is slightly more abrasion resistant than a standard 8-strand braid. Standard 4-strand braid also has a rougher surface and is more abrasive when cutting weeds.

Fireline is thermally fused which makes it more abrasion resistant and J-braid grand x8 is made with Izanas fibers which are more abrasion restraint than standard PE fibers. Abrasion resistance is not the only factor when selecting a braided line though. An 8-strand braid is smoother and allows for further casting. To overcome the low abrasion resistance of braid lines it is common to add a monofilament, fluorocarbon, cable, or wire leader. I almost never fish braid directly to the lure or bait.

Braid Line on Spinning Reels

Braided line excels on spinning reels. This is because to reel can hold significantly more line and cast further. One issue to watch out for are spools that are smooth and not ready for braided lines. If this is the case ten or more monofilament wraps should be added to the spool and the braided line should be added on top of the monofilament. A line-line connection knot is needed for this to work. A double uni-knot is a great option.

All braids will work on spinning reels but the spinning rod should have ceramic guides rather than all meter guides. This is because the line can dig into the metal making a sharp edge that eventually frays and weekends the line. This is not always an issue but is something to keep an eye on. An 8-strand braid is round and smooth. This makes it so the line is quiet on the reel and quiet when coming through the guides on the rod. Being smooth also helps reduce friction when in line comes off the spool which allows for further casting. Personally, I like using a braided line on spinning reels when using a line over a 10-pound test. With a line under ten pounds, a monofilament of fluorocarbon line is still a great option.

Braid Line on Baitcasting Reels

Using braid on baitcasting reels makes casting so much easier. Using a baitcasting reel is someone difficult as the monofilament line can easily birdnest if the correct amount of pressure is not added to the spool when casting. A braided line does not have spring to it which makes it way less likely to birdnest. If you struggle using a baitcasting reel switching to a braided line often solves most issues. The only downside is that you will likely need to add a fluorocarbon leader at the end of the line to help reduce line visibility.

Braid Line on Conventional Reels

A braided line on conventional reels has advantages and disadvantages. The spool will hold way more line which is great but is also more expensive. If the braided line is too smooth and thin it can dig into the braided line on the spool. For this reason, using a 4-strand braided line over 80 pounds is a good idea. Braided line allows for diving plugs and planners to dive deeper as there is less line resistance. When trolling surface lures, this is not always desired. I love using an 80-100 braided line when fishing deep in the water column, whether it is deep drooping, halibut fishing, or vertical jigging. When trolling offshore I actually prefer a 60-pound monofilament line on conventional reels.

Braided Line Materials

Most braided line is made of polyethylene (PE) or more specifically PE fibers. The different types of polyethylene fibers used for braided fishing lines are Dyneema, Spectra, Izanas, Gore, and Dacron fibers. Fiber density or thickness is often referred to by denier strength. Meaning the microfiber density determines the strength-to-thickness ratio. Most braided lines will market this by saying the line is made with Dyneema PE microfibers for example. The easiest way to objectively determine this is to look at the strength vs thickness of different braided fishing lines. That is why the braided fishing line diameter charts above are so helpful.

It is important to note that braided fishing lines are not biodegradable. For this reason, no fishing line should ever be disposed of in the water and all lines should be properly disposed of when getting a new line. Braided lines have a self-life of 7-10 years and can stay usable for up to 5 years but this depends on the environment in which they are being fished and stored.

Captain Cody Wabiszewski

Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!

Fluorocarbon fishing line has several distinct properties that separate it from standard monofilament line. The primary reason anglers reach for fluorocarbon lines or leaders is reduced visibility underwater. While marketing claims of “invisible underwater” are exaggerated, there’s science behind why fluorocarbon can be less detectable to fish.

Fluorocarbon has an index of refraction of 1.42, while standard monofilament is around 1.55 and water is 1.33. Since fluorocarbon’s refractive index is closer to water, it bends and reflects less light in certain conditions. The thinner the line, the less visible it will be. When fish can be seen but aren’t biting, switching to a thin fluorocarbon leader is a tactical adjustment that often produces results.

Key Benefits of Fluorocarbon Leaders

Superior Abrasion Resistance

The second major advantage of fluorocarbon is its enhanced abrasion resistance compared to monofilament. This becomes crucial when targeting species like bass, snook, and tarpon with rough, abrasive mouths that can wear through standard lines. The abrasion resistance is particularly valuable when pursuing billfish such as sailfish, marlin, and swordfish, whose bills can quickly fray lesser materials.

Density and Sink Rate

Fluorocarbon is denser than standard monofilament and sinks in water. This characteristic reduces slack when dropping baits and jigs, providing better sensitivity and control. The line’s stiffness helps prevent underwater bunching but can sometimes limit the action of smaller live baits.

Practical Applications

For fishing lines over 20 pounds, standard monofilament is typically used for the mainline because fluorocarbon becomes too stiff at higher weights. Using just a fluorocarbon leader instead of spooling entirely with fluorocarbon is also more economical. Fluorocarbon leaders particularly shine when paired with braided main fishing lines, combining the strength and sensitivity of braid with the low visibility and abrasion resistance of fluorocarbon.

Fluorocarbon Leader Line Options

Ande Fluorocarbon Leader Line

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Ande makes high-quality leader material at a reasonable price point. Using a 20-pound test is perfect for bass fish and a 50-pound test is good for tarpon and striped bass. The wrist spool the line comes on is a good way to store the line. Fluorocarbon should last for up to seven years if stored properly. The spool contains 50 yards of the fluorocarbon leader line. I use Ande leader line for both freshwater and saltwater and think it is the best for strength and low visibility under the water.

Like most fluorocarbon Ande line is clear, abrasion-resistant, and heavier than water.  The line is stiff and does not stretch as much as traditional monofilament. When fishing with braid and fluorocarbon leaders there will be little stretch in the line. This can be good to get a quick hookset but does not absorb quick movements from strong fish. For this reason, reels with quality drag and somewhat flexible poles should be used when fishing with braid and fluorocarbon.

Seaguar Blue Label Fluorocarbon Leader Line

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Seaguar Blue Label fluorocarbon is one of the most most popular fluorocarbon leaders. This is a double structure fluorocarbon that uses two fluorocarbon resins that make the line in a co-extrusion process.  This line is low-visibility, abrasion resistant, has a high knot strength, and is fast sinking.

This line comes in 25, 50, and 100 yards spools. Typically leaders are about 5 feet long for fish like bass, crappie, trout, and tarpon. Leaders are often made ten feet or longer when fishing for tuna, yellowtail snapper, and mutton snapper which can be leader shy. Sometimes fish are not leader shy and even tuna which have great eyesight will bite a thick wireline. However, there are times when the water clarity, sunlight, and fish activity level make having a less reflective fluorocarbon leader an advantage. Sometimes just using a fluorocarbon leader is not enough and the angler should use a smaller diameter fluorocarbon leader. This is common when fish or highly pressured salmon, trout, and snappers.

When fishing in dirty water it is also important to keep the line clean. Dirt can build up on the line making it more visible. Wiping the line with a clean cloth can help make the line less visible at times. Also if fluorocarbon was on a small spool if often has coil memory, stretch the leader line straight to make it less visible.

Seaguar Blue Label Big Game Fluorocarbon Leader

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This is the same Seaguar Blue Label fluorocarbon but is found at a much higher strength. The fluorocarbon leader line comes in a 32.8-yard spool in a reusable mesh bag with a zipper. When making shock leaders for wahoo or swordfish with a braided mainline standard monofilament line should be used because it has more stretch. Heavy fluorocarbon is used because it is less visible and abrasion-resistant. The leader for billfish should be fluorocarbon or heavy monofilament as the bill rubs on the line a can break the monofilament line easier.

When trolling offshore for tuna, marlin, and mahi-mahi it is common to use 100-200 pound, fluorocarbon leaders. The leader will need to be attached with crimps as the line will be to thick to tie with most fishing knots. When using an 80-pound line fishing knots like the palmer knot can still be used. Some anglers even use 200-pound fluorocarbon when a wahoo might be caught when trolling for other pelagic fish. Wahoo teeth can defiantly cut 200-pound fluorocarbon but some wahoo lures typically catch the corner of the mouth and the teeth will be over the lure, not the line. The heavy line offers some protection from the initial bite but the line still might get cut.

Fluorocarbon Leader Selection Considerations

Diameter and Strength Balance

When selecting a fluorocarbon leader, consider both the pound test and the diameter. The thinnest diameter fluorocarbon leader on the market is often the best choice for highly pressured or line-shy fish. For a 20-pound test leader, diameters typically range from 0.370 mm to 0.45 mm depending on the brand and model.

Leader Length

The appropriate length of your fluorocarbon leader depends on fishing conditions and target species. My typical leader length for casting setups is about 5 feet, which prevents the connection knot from having to pass through rod guides while casting.

For trolling applications, a 6-foot leader attached with a quality ball-bearing swivel works well in most scenarios. Some species like mutton snapper may require leaders exceeding 30 feet, while yellowtail snapper might necessitate dropping from 20-pound test fluorocarbon to 10-pound to generate strikes in clear water.

Line Care and Presentation

When fishing in dirty water, keeping your fluorocarbon leader clean is essential. Dirt buildup on the line increases visibility, so periodically wiping the leader with a clean cloth can improve stealth. Similarly, fluorocarbon stored on small spools often develops coil memory. Stretching the leader straight before use makes it less visible to fish.

Fluorocarbon Leaders vs. Fluorocarbon Line: Understanding the Difference

Before diving deeper into applications, it’s important to understand the distinction between fluorocarbon leaders and fluorocarbon fishing line:

Fluorocarbon Leaders

Fluorocarbon leaders are specifically designed to be tied to your mainline as the final section before your terminal tackle. These leaders are typically sold in shorter lengths (25-100 yards) and are optimized for:

• Maximum abrasion resistance
• Minimal visibility
• Optimal knot strength
• Higher pound test ratings (often up to 200+ pounds for big game applications)

Leader material is generally stiffer and more durable than full-spool fluorocarbon line, making it ideal for the business end of your setup where encounters with fish and structure occur.

Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Fluorocarbon fishing line is designed to be used as your mainline, spooled directly onto your reel. Compared to leader material, it features:

• Better castability through reduced memory and stiffness
• More manageable handling characteristics
• Generally lower pound test ratings (typically 2-40 pounds)
• Slightly less abrasion resistance than dedicated leader material
• Often comes in larger spools (200+ yards)

When spooling with fluorocarbon line, you are getting the benefits of fluorocarbon throughout your entire setup rather than just the leader section, but at the expense of some durability and potentially increased cost.

Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

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Berkley Vanish fluorocarbon is a fishing line not just a leader material. That being said the line is very similar in diameter to most fluorocarbon leader materials. It is also abrasion-resistant. For these reasons, it would work well as leader material for braided or monofilament lines. The line is made with 100 percent soft low-memory fluorocarbon and is not fluorocarbon coated. I would recommend using this line rather than any monofilament line under 10 pounds.

This line is also flexible and easy to cast compared to other fluorocarbon lines. For small diameters around 4-6 pounds, the line is very flexible. The line is made in 30 and 40-pound tests which are higher than most fluorocarbon lines. This is because the line will not cast as far with spinning reels. However, the heavy fluorocarbon line can be used on conventional fishing reels.

Stren Fluorocast Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

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Stern Fluorocast is another good fluorocarbon fishing line. It is made for tests between 6 and 17 pounds. Using a fluorocarbon line is easier than using braided or nylon monofilament with a leader as there is an extra knot in that setup. That knot reduces the over line strength and creates a weak spot that is around 80 percent of the overall line strength.

The 17-pound Stern Fluorocast has a diameter of 0.40 mm which is the diameter of 20-pound Berkley Vanish. For that reason, I think Berkley Vanish is a better product but the two lines are very similar. These lines are sensitive for felling bites and offer some stretch to absorb shock while catching a thrashing fish. This line has good knot strength, low visibility underwater, and is a sinking line that helps get baits and lures deep in the water.

Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

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Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon is a fishing line not what is typically used as leader material. It is 100 percent fluorocarbon, abrasion-resistant, low-visibility, has good knot strength, and is very sensitive. This would be a good line to use on conventional reels when trolling. I think the Berkley Vanish is the better fluorocarbon line but some anglers prefer Seaguar fishing line.

When to Use Fluorocarbon vs. Other Materials

Fluorocarbon vs. Monofilament

Fluorocarbon leaders are almost always advantageous over standard mono leaders. For fishing lines under 10-pound test, using fluorocarbon for the entire line often makes sense. For spinning and baitcasting reels, a braided mainline with fluorocarbon leader provides optimal casting distance and stealth.

Fluorocarbon lines up to 40 pounds can be effectively used on conventional fishing reels. The material offers a balance between the stiffness and stretch of monofilament and the no-stretch quality of braided line. When abrasion resistance or low visibility is crucial, fluorocarbon is the superior choice.

Fluorocarbon vs. Wire Leaders

While fluorocarbon excels against abrasive fish mouths, it won’t prevent cuts from the sharp teeth of sharks, wahoo, or mackerel. For these toothy predators, single-strand wire or multi-strand cable leaders remain necessary despite their increased visibility.

Some species like salmon and halibut aren’t particularly leader-shy, so standard monofilament can sometimes be used without reducing catch rates.

Common Questions about Fluorocarbon Leaders. 

Does fluorocarbon leader make a difference?

Yes, a fluorocarbon leader line can make a difference in some situations. It has several differences that can be considered an advantage or a disadvantage depending on the situation. First, fluorocarbon can be less visible than monofilament because the index of refraction of 1.42 which is close to the 1.33 value of water. Second, fluorocarbon is dense which makes it abrasion resistant, thin, and sinks in the water. Sometimes when fishing a small floating topwater lure a sinking line is not desirable. Also since the line is denser, it is also stiffer than nylon monofilament which makes it more difficult to cast if it is used for the entire length of the line.

Fluorocarbon is great to use a leader in most cases. Fluorocarbon helps against abrasive mouths of fish like bass, tarpon, and snook. However, it does not prevent sharp teeth from a shark, wahoo, and mackerel from cutting the line which is why single strand wire or multi-strand cable is typically used. Also, some fish spices like salmon and halibut are not leader shy and a standard monofilament line can be used without changing the catch rates.

How much fluorocarbon leader should I use?

There are two important factors that determine the visibility of fluorocarbon to fish. The length of the leader and the thickness of the leader. Fourcarbon is less visible to fish but is not invisible. Some days fish are aggressive and will bite on a thin metal wire. Other day’s conditions are such that fish are skittish and will not bite large rigs with a heavy line. My typical leader length for casting is about 5 feet. This makes it so the knot does not have to go through the eye of the pole reducing the casting distance.

When trolling a good leader length is 6 feet and the lure should be attached with a good ball bearing swivel. Some fish such as mutton snapper requires a long 30 foot plus leader lengths. Other fish like yellowtail snapper might require going from a 20-pound test fluorocarbon to a 10-pound test fluorocarbon in order to get bites. Thinner fishing lines are less visible to fish than thicker lines.

Should I use monofilament or fluorocarbon?

Fluorocarbon leaders are almost always a good idea. When using a fishing line that is less than a 10-pound test fluorocarbon for the entire line is a good idea. For spinning reels and baitcasting reels using a braided mainline allows for the furthest casting. When using a braided line fluorocarbon leaders should almost always be used. Fluorocarbon lines are made up to 40 pounds which can be used on conventional fishing reels. This line is stiffer with more stretch than a braided line and less stretch than a nylon monofilament line. If abrasion resistance or using a low visibility line is important fluorocarbon should be used. Abrasion resistance can be important from the standpoint of the fish’s mouth as well as the bottom or other areas that the line might rub on.

What are the best knots for fluorocarbon leaders?

The best knots for fluorocarbon leaders are the unit knot and the Palomar knot for attaching hooks. When attaching the leader to a braided or monofilament line the double uni knot is quick and effective. Perfection loops and dropper loops are also commonly used to tie leaders. The video below shows the best fishing knots to use for all types of fishing situations.

Do I need a leader on braided line?

In almost all cases leaders are a good idea with a braided line. Some fish like halibut and catfish are not leader shy and so braided line can be used without a fluorocarbon leader. Sometimes the desirable leader’s strength should be more or less than the mainline. In these cases, a heavy braided line, single-strand wire, multistrand cable, or fluorocarbon line should be used as the leader.

The visibility of a braided line depends on the color of the braid and the color of the environment. Common colors of braided lines are white, yellow, black, and green. White is probably the best color at having love visibility in clear water. When fish look up the sky is a light color and white is good camouflage. In stained, murky, or low light conditions a dark green is a low visitability braided line.

What is the leader line?

A leader line is the last 3-20 feet of line that is connected to a hook or lure. It is connected to the mainline with a swivel or line-to-line connection such as the double uni knot. The leader line can be a variety of materials including a fluorocarbon line, nylon monofilament line, multi-strand cable, single strand wire, braided line, or even a rope such as a solid braid nylon core ganyen leader line. It is common to use a leader line that is stronger than the mainline to account for any damage that may come to the line from rubbing on the bottom, cut by the fish’s teeth, or when rubbing against an abrasive fish’s body.

Which is stronger mono or fluorocarbon?

The strength of a given fish line depends on several factors. There is the line strength, knot strength, shock absorbance, abrasion resistance, and cut resistance. The line strength can be from 2 pounds to 400 pounds but the diameter of the line increases as the line gets stronger. It is good to compare the thickness of the line at a given pound test. In this article, the line diameter is given for a 20-pound test line. Fluorocarbon and monofilament have similar line diameters and it varies depending on the brand and model of the line. The thinnest diameter fluorocarbon leader line on the market is Seaguar gold. For a 100 percent fluorocarbon fishing line that is used for the entire spool, the thinnest diameter is Berkley Vanish.

How long does a fluorocarbon line last?

A fluorocarbon line lasts longer than a standard nylon monofilament because it does not breaks down as fast from UV light. The shelf life of fluorocarbon is about 7 years. Once fluorocarbon is on a reel and used it should be replaced once a year at the beginning of the season. If it is rarely used it should last two or three years. When using an old line always test the knot strength by pulling hard on the line. If it does not break easier than expected it should work. Once you have a line break with properly set drag it is time to replace the fishing line.

Is fluorocarbon good for baitcasters?

This short answer is no fluorocarbon is not good for baitcasters. Fluorocarbon is not as soft as standard nylon and will bird nests easier. Some fluorocarbon brands are softer than others. If it is a fluorocarbon fishing line and under 10 pounds an experienced angler could use a baitcaster reel. A braided fishing line is the easiest to use with a baitcaster and then a fluorocarbon leader can be added.

Can you use fluorocarbon as a mainline?

Yes, fluorocarbon line from 2 pounds to 40 pounds can be used as the mainline. Fluorocarbon under 10 pounds works best for spinning reels. Large fluorocarbon can be used on convection fishing reels when trolling and jigging. When trout, steelhead, and salmon fishing a fluorocarbon mainline is nice because a leader is not needed. A fluorocarbon mainline is also nice when fishing for yellowtail snapper.

Should leaders be heavier than the mainline?

Yes in most cases a leader should be stronger and heavier than the mainline. This is because the line might rub against rocks or be damaged by the fish’s teeth. Fluorocarbon is great leader material because it has low visibility and is abrasion-resistant. Another good leader material is single strand wire or multi-strand cable when fish have sharp teeth.

Is a fluorocarbon line really invisible?

No fluorocarbon line is not invisible above water or underwater. This is mostly a false marketing technique to get anglers to buy a really expensive fishing line. It is less visible under certain conditions. When direct sunlight hits a fishing line the reflection can scare away fish. With fluorocarbon, the reflection is still there but it is not as much. The thinner a fishing line is the less visible it should be. This is why using a 2-6 pound test is common when trout fishing for example.

Is fluorocarbon hard to cast?

Yes, fluorocarbon is harder to cast than a nylon monofilament or braided line of the same strength. This is because the line is denser and stiffer than these other lines. The result is that it will not cast as far. There are advantages of using fluorocarbon though and if the line is under a 10-pound test is should be cast about the same as the other lines.

Can you use fluorocarbon on a spinning reel?

Yes, a fluorocarbon line can be used on a spinning reel. It will not cast as far as a standard nylon line or braided line. Braided lines cast the furthest since they are lightweight and extremely flexible. Braided lines are quite visible to the fish though which is why fluorocarbon leaders are almost always used.

What’s better braided or fluorocarbon?

Braided line and fluorocarbon are two very different types of line and are better in different situations. For a mainline fluorocarbon is only common for less than a 10-pound test. A braided line is a great mainline from 10 pounds to 200 pounds. Both braided line and fluorocarbon are abrasion-resistant. Fluorocarbon is a much better leader material though since it is less visible under most conditions.

What is fluorocarbon made of?

Fluorocarbon material is a fluoropolymer PVDF. This material starts as a resin and is then extruded into a fishing line. Most Seaguar leader material is double structure fluorocarbon that is made in a co-extrusion process. PVDF is a desirable line material because it has an index of refraction that is close to that of water. This makes the line less visible to the fish. It is also a dense fishing line that sinks and holds up well to knicks and scrapes.

Does fluorocarbon have memory?

Yes, a fluorocarbon line is a type of monofilament and has memory. Memory is actually a good thing in most cases. It is important to spool monofilament and fluorocarbon lines at least the night before using it. If not the line is more likely to get tangled coming on and off the spool. When using fluorocarbon as a leader it is important to remove the memory from the line. This can be done by pulling hard on the line. This will stretch the line for a second which removes most of the memory in the line. A straight line is less visible than a line with curly wraps.

When was fluorocarbon invented?

Fluorocarbon was invented in 1971 by people working at Seaguar. Many anglers will say you need fluorocarbon to catch tuna or trout but there was plenty of tuna and trout caught before the fluorocarbon line was invented. There are advantages of this line though as it is a tougher less visible line. A heavier line can be used as still be equivalent to the visibility of a smaller diameter nylon line. Fluorocarbon is both tougher and less visible in most fishing situations.

Can fish bite through fluorocarbon?

Yes, some fish can absolutely bite through fluorocarbon. When it comes to large sharp teeth of fish fluorocarbon offers about the same durability as a standard nylon fishing line. It is more abrasion resistant which is good for fish that have sandpaper-like teeth. The line is also very durable when rubbing against the bills of sailfish, marlin, and swordfish.

Captain Cody Wabiszewski

Captain Cody has worked on charter fishing boats in the Florida Keys, Virgin Islands, and Alaska. Growing up in Pennsylvania Cody has also done extensive freshwater fishing including bass fishing tournaments. Cody strives to provide detailed information about the best fishing gear and tactics to help both novice and experienced anglers have a more productive and enjoyable time on the water. Cody also has a background in aerospace engineering and neuroscience but really only takes pride in being good at one thing and that is fishing!