{"id":2919,"date":"2022-07-03T13:49:40","date_gmt":"2022-07-03T13:49:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/?p=2919"},"modified":"2022-08-20T09:23:48","modified_gmt":"2022-08-20T09:23:48","slug":"fluorocarbon-leader-vs-line","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/fluorocarbon-leader-vs-line\/","title":{"rendered":"Fluorocarbon Leader vs Line: Which is better?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In the old days, getting ready for your first cast of the day was as simple as tying on your hook or lure directly to the mainline of the fishing pole. Your grandfather managed to catch hundreds of fish just like this. But as modern technology revolutionized the fishing industry, we now have an endless array of gear options, including several types of fishing line.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So what\u2019s the difference between fluorocarbon leader vs line?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fluorocarbon has quickly become the pro\u2019s choice for its abrasion resistance and the stealthy presentation it offers. But if you\u2019re shopping for fluorocarbon line for the first time, you\u2019ll quickly notice a massive difference in price between fluorocarbon sold as leader material and fluoro sold as mainline.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Is it worth investing in the pricier leader material version, or will you enjoy the same performance whether you use leader or mainline? Read on as we cover all the nitty-gritty details when it comes to fluorocarbon leader vs line.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-660b1e6b77016\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-660b1e6b77016\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/fluorocarbon-leader-vs-line\/#When_Should_I_Use_a_Fluorocarbon_Leader_vs_Line\" title=\"When Should I Use a Fluorocarbon Leader vs Line?&nbsp;\">When Should I Use a Fluorocarbon Leader vs Line?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/fluorocarbon-leader-vs-line\/#How_Long_Should_a_Fluorocarbon_Leader_Be\" title=\"How Long Should a Fluorocarbon Leader Be?&nbsp;\">How Long Should a Fluorocarbon Leader Be?&nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/fluorocarbon-leader-vs-line\/#Should_Leaders_be_Stronger_than_Main_Line\" title=\"Should Leaders be Stronger than Main Line?\">Should Leaders be Stronger than Main Line?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/fluorocarbon-leader-vs-line\/#The_Last_Cast\" title=\"The Last Cast\">The Last Cast<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"When_Should_I_Use_a_Fluorocarbon_Leader_vs_Line\"><\/span>When Should I Use a Fluorocarbon Leader vs Line?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>To better understand when to use fluorocarbon leader vs line, you\u2019ll need to first understand the differences between the two.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fluorocarbon is the latest <a href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/fishing\/line\/\">fishing line technology <\/a>and it offers some significant benefits over monofilament or braided line. Fluorocarbon is significantly more durable and abrasion-resistant than monofilament and it\u2019s also thinner in diameter.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The added durability translates to a longer lifespan and less chance of a large fish breaking off your line. The thinner diameter allows you to load more line onto the spool, so you\u2019ll be able to use the reel for a broader array of fishing scenarios.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fluorocarbon is sold as either mainline or leader. While all fluorocarbon line is more expensive than mono or braid, you\u2019ll notice that fluorocarbon leader material is significantly more expensive than its equivalent fluoro mainline.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The reason for the higher price is two-fold. Fluorocarbon leader material receives a special coating to make it even more abrasion resistant than regular fluoro. Fluoro leader is also stronger than its equivalent test mainline because it\u2019s intended to withstand impact and force over a much shorter distance than the mainline.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fluorocarbon leaders are also more expensive to manufacture, as fluoro mainline is usually made from one material. In contrast, leader material involves the fusion of two different resins to provide additional benefits. <a href=\"https:\/\/seaguar.com\/saltwater\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Seaguar<\/a> for example uses a hard resin core to give strength and durability with a softer resin on the outside to improve knot strength and abrasion resistance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This brings us back to the question of when you should use fluorocarbon leader vs line. In instances where you need a line that will stand up to extreme conditions, heavy structure, or toothy fish, it\u2019s worth it to invest in fluoro leader. Using leader material can provide extra strength and abrasion resistance without you having to step up to a much wider diameter line.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Otherwise, fluorocarbon mainline will do the trick as leader material. This way you\u2019ll enjoy all the benefits of using fluoro without the extra expense that fluoro leader commands.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Should_a_Fluorocarbon_Leader_Be\"><\/span>How Long Should a Fluorocarbon Leader Be?&nbsp;<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The length of your leader is entirely dependent on the type of fishing you\u2019re doing. For most fishing, a 12\u201324\u201d leader is the ideal size. When fishing in deep open waters a leader that\u2019s 10 feet long or more is typical.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For most fishing scenarios, a shorter 2\u2019 or less leader is ideal for several reasons.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The most crucial reason involves casting distance and knot strength. Any line-to-line knot is going to add bulk where the lines are joined. As your knot runs through the rod guides, it\u2019s taking a beating. Not only does this reduce casting distance, but it makes knot failure more likely and it invites the possibility of wind knots as you cast.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Shorter leaders eliminate the need for your line-to-line knot to travel through the guides while also reducing the amount of line coming out from the rod when you cast, making it safer for you and anyone in the area.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Meanwhile if you&#8217;re deep dropping for ocean bottom fish or trolling, a leader as long as 10\u2019 is common. Heavy monofilament leaders have a great deal of stretch, which helps absorb the shock of a fighting fish. This reduces both the stress on your gear and the likelihood that the fish will snap the line.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_Leaders_be_Stronger_than_Main_Line\"><\/span>Should Leaders be Stronger than Main Line?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The conditions you\u2019re fishing in will dictate the proper leader strength to use. It\u2019s usually best to use a thinner leader that is weaker than your mainline. But there are also some situations where a stronger leader is required.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Most anglers will use leader material lighter than their mainline when fishing where structure and obstacles aren\u2019t an issue. Using a lighter leader helps ensure the most natural presentation possible, and it can prevent fish who are line shy from seeing your leader and thinking twice about taking the bait.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-primary-background-color has-text-color has-background\"><strong>PRO TIP: <\/strong>The more invisible your line is the more likely you are to get a bite!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Light leaders also offer a measure of protection for your rod if you become snagged or are contending with a fish that outclasses the tackle you\u2019re using. A thinner, weaker leader will break before the mainline of the rod does, which helps you avoid putting too much strain on the rod and potentially breaking it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While a <a href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/green-fishing-line-vs-clear\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"2314\">lighter leader is preferred <\/a>in most scenarios, there are also plenty of situations where a stronger and heavier leader is preferable.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Waters with heavy cover, rocks, bridge pilings, or other forms of structure can easily abrade your fishing line causing it to weaken or fail. In these instances, many anglers will size up their leaders to provide an additional measure of abrasion resistance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By nature, fluoro is more abrasion resistant than the equivalent mono or braided line, but not so much that it can keep you from getting sawed off by rocks or whatever structure you\u2019re fishing over.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Beyond worrying about structure, most large saltwater game fish have sharp teeth and they can easily bite through a leader with minimal effort if they have the chance. When fishing for these deep water pelagics, a heavier leader is a practical requirement.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Last_Cast\"><\/span>The Last Cast<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to fluorocarbon leader vs line, a few slight differences play a significant role in which line is the best choice for the job. Suppose you\u2019re fishing areas of heavy structure, targeting toothy predators, or fishing other scenarios where a heavier, stronger leader is required. In that case it will be worth the extra money to invest in a fluorocarbon leader.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But if you\u2019re using a lighter leader and aren\u2019t as concerned with strength or abrasion resistance, there\u2019s no reason to spend the extra money for fluorocarbon leader compared to mainline.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you prefer to use a Fluorocarbon leader when fishing or do you keep things simple?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"is-style-heading has-xl-font-size\">Editor&#8217;s Picks<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"mai-grid entries entries-grid has-boxed has-image-full\" style=\"--entry-title-font-size:var(--font-size-lg);--align-text:start;--entry-meta-text-align:start;\"><div class=\"entries-wrap has-columns\" style=\"--columns-xs:1\/1;--columns-sm:1\/1;--columns-md:1\/3;--columns-lg:1\/3;--flex-xs:0 0 var(--flex-basis);--flex-sm:0 0 var(--flex-basis);--flex-md:0 0 var(--flex-basis);--flex-lg:0 0 var(--flex-basis);--column-gap:var(--spacing-lg);--row-gap:var(--spacing-lg);--align-columns:start;\"><article class=\"entry entry-grid is-column has-entry-link has-image has-image-first type-post category-line\" aria-label=\"Green Fishing Line vs Clear Line: Visibility\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\"><a class=\"entry-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/green-fishing-line-vs-clear\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Green-Fishing-Line-vs-Clear-400x300.jpg\" class=\"entry-image size-landscape-sm\" alt=\"Which is less visible to fish, green fishing line vs clear fishing line?\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Green-Fishing-Line-vs-Clear-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Green-Fishing-Line-vs-Clear-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Green-Fishing-Line-vs-Clear-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Green-Fishing-Line-vs-Clear.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width:599px) 599px, (min-width:600px) and (max-width: 799px) 799px, (min-width:800px) and (max-width: 999px) 333px, (min-width:1000px) 400px\" \/><\/a><div class=\"entry-wrap entry-wrap-grid\"><h3 class=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\"><a class=\"entry-title-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/green-fishing-line-vs-clear\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">Green Fishing Line vs Clear Line: Visibility<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/article><article class=\"entry entry-grid is-column has-entry-link has-image has-image-first type-post category-rods\" aria-label=\"What Is the Difference Between Flipping and Pitching?\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\"><a class=\"entry-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/difference-between-flipping-and-pitching\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Difference-Flipping-Pitching-400x300.jpg\" class=\"entry-image size-landscape-sm\" alt=\"The Difference between flipping and pitching\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Difference-Flipping-Pitching-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Difference-Flipping-Pitching-800x600.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"(max-width:599px) 599px, (min-width:600px) and (max-width: 799px) 799px, (min-width:800px) and (max-width: 999px) 333px, (min-width:1000px) 400px\" \/><\/a><div class=\"entry-wrap entry-wrap-grid\"><h3 class=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\"><a class=\"entry-title-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/difference-between-flipping-and-pitching\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">What Is the Difference Between Flipping and Pitching?<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/article><article class=\"entry entry-grid is-column has-entry-link has-image has-image-first type-post category-reels\" aria-label=\"What Is the Best Gear Ratio for a Baitcaster?\" itemscope itemtype=\"https:\/\/schema.org\/CreativeWork\"><a class=\"entry-image-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/best-gear-ratio-for-baitcaster\/\" tabindex=\"-1\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"400\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Best-Gear-Ratio-for-a-Baitcaster-400x300.jpg\" class=\"entry-image size-landscape-sm\" alt=\"The Best Gear Ratio for a Baitcaster used on Buzzbaits, Crankbaits and Spinnerbaits\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Best-Gear-Ratio-for-a-Baitcaster-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Best-Gear-Ratio-for-a-Baitcaster-400x300.jpg 400w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Best-Gear-Ratio-for-a-Baitcaster-768x576.jpg 768w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Best-Gear-Ratio-for-a-Baitcaster-800x600.jpg 800w, https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Best-Gear-Ratio-for-a-Baitcaster.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width:599px) 599px, (min-width:600px) and (max-width: 799px) 799px, (min-width:800px) and (max-width: 999px) 333px, (min-width:1000px) 400px\" \/><\/a><div class=\"entry-wrap entry-wrap-grid\"><h3 class=\"entry-title\" itemprop=\"headline\"><a class=\"entry-title-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/best-gear-ratio-for-baitcaster\/\" rel=\"bookmark\">What Is the Best Gear Ratio for a Baitcaster?<\/a><\/h3>\n<\/div><\/article><\/div><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the old days, getting ready for your first cast of the day was as simple as tying on your hook or lure directly to the mainline of the fishing pole. Your grandfather managed to catch hundreds of fish just like this. But as modern technology revolutionized the fishing industry, we now have an endless &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2923,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[40],"tags":[],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2919"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2919"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2919\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3307,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2919\/revisions\/3307"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2923"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2919"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2919"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wildhydro.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2919"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}