Nowadays, there are three main fishing lines: braided, fluorocarbon, and mono. Many people have different ideas about which fishing line is best and when you should use it. Most people I know use braided lines on their baitcasting reels.
In this post, weβll discuss whether or not can you put a fluorocarbon line on a baitcaster and how to put fluorocarbon on a baitcasting reel in the best way.
It would be best if you did not use fluorocarbon as your main fishing line on a baitcaster. If you use anything heavier than 8 lbs, youβll have many issues, and your performance will suffer. The backlash will occur, and you will be unable to cast far.
You could catch fish with a lighter fluorocarbon line, but it would be more difficult. It does not mean you wonβt be able to catch fish when using the fluorocarbon line.
I believe that combination will bring high efficiency. If youβre using a braided line as your mainline, add a couple of wraps of fluorocarbon to the spool to give the braid something to bite.
What Is Fluorocarbon?
Fluorocarbons include organic compounds made from fluorine, chlorine, carbon and synthetic substances made from hydrocarbons. It is bonded to polyvinylidene fluoride, abbreviated PVDF. This line is extruded into a single strand, like nylon monofilament. The line is denser and significantly heavier in size than the mono line because the fluorocarbon molecules are more tightly packed. It also differs from mono in terms of visibility, stretch, and durability, all of which affect how it performs in the water.
Benefits Of Fluorocarbon Line
Low Visibility
One of the most significant advantages of fluorocarbon is that it is nearly invisible underwater. This is because it doesnβt distort light passing through the line significantly. It has almost the same refractive index as water, which is essential in clear water and when targeting sensitive fish.
Abrasion Resistance
The invisible fluorocarbon allows anglers to use heavier pound test lines in situations as heavy cover tactics. It has incredible abrasion resistance by the composition of its. It has quickly become a top choice of pros when fishing thick cover or dragging baits along the bottom.
Durable
Fluorocarbon is more durable compared to standard nylon monofilament of the same diameter as other lines. Furthermore, while the sunβs harsh ultraviolet rays weaken nylon over time, fluorocarbon is unaffected by UV.
Sensitivity
Fluoroβs molecules transmit more energy than mono, allowing you to feel better to the line, such as your lure ticking bottom or light bites. Fluorocarbon sinks faster than mono, reducing slack or bows between the lure and the rod tip.
Waterproof
Fluorocarbon does not absorb water, unlike mono and other lines. This means it has the same sensitivity, strength, and handling properties beneath the surface as it does above. It feels and behaves the same on your first and last casts.
Hooking Strength
Fluorocarbon, which lacks the low-end stretch of nylon mono, provides more solid hooksets over longer distances. This is essential if you must drive the hook home at the end of a long cast.
However, because fluoro is so difficult for fish to see, you can increase the pound test for added strength and abrasion resistance without spooking line-shy fish.
Can You Put Fluorocarbon Line On A Baitcaster?
I havenβt tried all of the braided or fluorocarbon lines, but the ones I have attempted to have all been good. It wasnβt always like this, but the braided and fluorocarbon lines have come a long way with me in the last few years. So, choosing which braided or fluorocarbon to use is not a big deal. So, how to put fluorocarbon on a baitcaster? Now I will show you how to combine these two types together to create the best lines.
The first step: Wrap a couple of wraps of fluorocarbon directly on the spool. Braid is quite slick and tends to slide around on the spool. By applying some fluorocarbon, the braid will have something to better grip. It only takes a couple of wraps to cover the spool, and if you prefer, you could also use electrical tape.
Then: Take your braid, thread it through the first eyelet, and secure it to the backing material. I typically use the Double Uni knot, which has always held up well. You donβt have to use that knot, but make sure you connect them securely since the braid slips. You should then tension the fishing line and begin reeling. Check that your line does not crisscross or dig into the layer beneath it. Otherwise, youβll be untangling more than fishing. Ensure a 1/8-1/16 inch gap between the line and the spool.
The last step: Connect your fluorocarbon leader with the length is up to you, but ensure your knot does not reach your spool. I typically put 5-6 feet of fluorocarbon line on the end of my line and replace it when it gets to be less than 2 feet. Attach your favourite lure or hook/bait, and now youβre ready to go.
Read more at: 10 Tips To Improve Baitcaster Casting Distance For Beginners
Why Fluorocarbon Doesnβt Work Alone?
That will be fine if you want to use a lighter fluorocarbon on your baitcaster. Youβre most likely fishing for larger fish, which means youβll need something heavier.
I discovered that anything more severe than an 8 lb test causes problems. Under 8 lbs worked well but wasnβt as smooth as the braid. If you use heavier fluorocarbon on your baitcaster, it will not cast very far. The line will be too thick, causing much friction and making you feel like youβve never cast a fishing rod before. If youβre not casting, this wonβt matter, but I assume you are.
The second thing I noticed is that it quickly becomes backlash with a heavier line. Youβll probably feel like you have to give it some power to cast out, which is where the problems arise. Iβm not sure about you in the same situation as me, but Iβd rather spend many time fishing than cleaning my reels several times daily.
Conclusion
Fluorocarbon is excellent for casting, requiring low visibility, strength, hook setting power, and sensitivity. A super line is unbeatable if near-zero stretch and ultra-thin line diameters are critical to production. On the other hand, a fluorocarbon leader dramatically reduces the possibility of spooking line-wary fish. So, this article has successfully answered your question: Can you put fluorocarbon line on a baitcaster?
Further reading: Best Round Baitcaster β Top 10 Best Round Baitcasting reel
