What is your favorite brand of fluorocarbon? What brands don't you like? How often do you change your fluorocarbon line vs mono? I like P-Line fluorocarbon. Haven't tried many others due to price and the success with the P-Line.
I like the new Trilene Fluoro, the XPS, The Cabela's No-Vis X-tra. I have also used and liked Seaguar but I don't remember which one. I change my fluoro weekly or bi-weekly depending on how hard I fished it. I like to keep it fresh and new. Newly spooled fluoro seems to work the best and fluoro builds memory quickly.
Cy
So far I've tried a few.
Like:
P-line. Been using theirs for leaders for two seasons. No issues. Going to try the new Halo as a main line on my shakey head.
Seagaur. Great line. Also a great leader.
Dislike:
Gamma. Way too stiff. Strong as hell, but twists easily.
Vanish/Transition. Weak. Breaks easy. No knot strength. JUNK!
I recently read an article in Bass and Walleye Boats about abrasion resistance in florocarbons. The new Trilene Florocarbon came out on top of their tests.
If I remember correctly a GLB member posted a Floro head-to-head link last year. If anyone knows where to find that comparison, that might help.
Like: XPS, P-Line, Cabelas
Dislike: Vanish, Transitions
I know that tackletour.com has done a pair of nice write ups on head to head comparisons. My firewall at work here prevents me from getting to it.
The link I posted was for tackletour.com. Here they are again if anyone is interested.
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewfluorocarbontest.html
http://www.tackletour.com/reviewfluorocarbon2.html
New! - http://www.tackletour.com/reviewtrilenefc.html
New! - http://www.tackletour.com/reviewshooterfc.html
Cy
I use 10 lb Vanish on all my spinning reels. I can't remember the last time a broke a fish off - and I think that one wrapped me up in a dock. I have NEVER broken a fish off in open water with it.
I change it once a week, and have no problems. I thought of trying the P-Line floro, but I have no complaint with Vanish, so why change?
Seth
Last time I was at Walmart they had Vanish on clearance for 2-4 bucks a box. 8 to 14 lb Test.
seaguar gets my vote
BPS for me. Have tried a couple but I am happy with and used to using BPS.
Regardless of the fluoro line used, I have found that using a line conditioner improves it castability.
Silver Thread Fluorocarbon for me. Very manageable and easy to cast. I use 8 or 10lb for spinning gear and small jigs or tubes, and 14 to 20lb on worm rods for flipping. Works great in both situations - yep, I flip it with no problems whatsoever. The line has never failed me, but I have failed myself by not re-tying when I know better. I'm sure we're all guilty of that at some point, regardless of the line we use.
Several pros have been mentioning Vicious as a brand to try. I did some checking and man for 100% fluorocarbon you are not going to come close in price. I haven't used it, but am going to have it strung on for this spring. Cabellas sells it for $10.99 for 250 yds. That's 250 yards.
For me it's been:
BPS- Good stuff, good mix of handling, abrasion resistance, and price. BPS list 1000 yds of 10# for $60, probably the best fluoro deal out there for getting your dollars worth.
P-line-Like the regular and Halo. Can't say Halo was that much better than regular. Very good handling.
Seaguar- Kinda stiff, but works well on casting gear. Very tough stuff, probably the best I've used in heavy cover.
Sugoi grey- Slick, great handling. Pretty tough too. A top notch fluoro, but no thanks on the price.
Triple fish-No thanks. Felt like it had too much stretch, kinda like their mono.
Vanish-Sorry, but no thanks. Seemed to snap way too easy. Might be different now, but I only give one chance in general. I used to be a be Trilene fan, but I've moved away from their lines in recent years.
I swap out my fluoro when it gets any imperfections in it. Cloudy from time/use, or gets bends from a "professional overrun".
The leaders they sell in 25 m spools are good stuff too. It's harder, designed for saltwater fishing to survive reefs. A 6 foot leader of it is great for use around zebra mussels.
I really liked the P-Line HALO last year. It was the line I used the most last year. I used it heavily on spinning reels and that was what impressed me the most - it was softer than other fluorocarbon lines I've tried. I ended up using it on spinning reels so much because of the improved performance while still getting all the other benefits of fluoro. Fishing is always more enjoyable when you use good quality tools.