I have heard that fluorocarbon leaders are better when jigging because the line is much more sensitive than monofilament and makes it easier to feel strikes. I am not sure if they are better for other applications.

 

They are great for non visibility and sensitivity but only necessary for leader sensitive fish and expensive to boot.I always use a swivel and the heaviest leader I can get away with cause I wont use a net and dont lose many fish.

 

I believe that it is for several reasons. Fish can't see it for one. It doesn't float like braid or mono which is better for LL and provides limited stretch for nice hook setting power for LTJ when using braid. When trolling I use ball barrel swivels to eliminate twisting.

 

Without a doubt it is.especially when matched to braid. Its worth every penny.

Jeff

 

Depends on the application. Definitely makes a difference fishing for false albacore. Suspect that it would for Spanish Macks as well. I doubt stretch is much of a factor if you're only using 6 feet or less of it. Sensitivity might be affected a little bit if you're talking about adding it to braid, but if you tie it onto mono any concerns about loss of sensitivity would be moot - it stretches less than most mono. If you add a swivel, I'd recommend a long leader. Otherwise the visibility of the swivel defeats the purpose of adding a shot of less visible line.

 

Definitely agree with this. I use it for fish species known to be leader shy or if the water is very clear and I'm having trouble hooking up but marking plenty of fish.

 

When trolling spoons or hoses, I use mono leader with a Bead chain swivel in the line to eliminate twist. Seems to work fine, and I have never seen a charter Captain using anything but mono for trolling leader on the Bay. I really like P-Line flouro-clear line for leader material on LTJ/LL rigs, cheaper than fluorocarbon, but seems to be very effective. Usually I use the 20lb green color. But I have never tried straight fluorocarbon to compare.

 

I agree with Whackmaster. I use it for LTJ and liveline leaders. Also for the last 6 - 7' of a spanish Mac leader. The way I see it I already bought a boat, fuel, a bunch of rods and tackle. I may as well spend $17 for 50 yards 30# fluro.

 

It is needed for leader shy species and maybe all others couldnt hurt...for example: I chartered a boat last week out of Oregon Inlet, NC. Captain had 2 ft of flouro leader on all rods and I asked about it. We were going for speckled trout and he said they were/are leader shy. Tied uni/uni flouro to mono, no swivels.

I am a believer after that - we whacked the specks all day...errr maybe just got lucky?

Like 'swartj' said you have already bought a boat, fuel and a bunch of rods - whats another 17 bucks for line...

 

I like it for the above reasons but would add that its more durable then mono or braid. With mono leaders you need to check and retie often, fluro holds up much better to abrasions from fish, rocks, oyster shells, etc. I couldn't imagine not using it when LTJ.

 

I definately believe it is better than mono. But don't be fooled the fish can see it. If people can see it when diving the fish can see it when feeding.

 

Really? Can you elaborate a little on the latter part of that statement?Share some intel please.

 

There is a place and time for flouro and its not anywhere near the Ches. Bay...
Mutton Snappers in the Keys on the other hand, I'll put up with the shortcomings.

 

If you ever have gotten in the water near fishing lines you can see the lines with or without flouro.

 

Alot easier to grab the leader and swing a fish aboard too. Dont try that with braid.
I use it for LTJ and bait fishing always.

Buy it when on sale and stor brand is fine..I like 20LB but move to 30-40 if bigguns or slammer blues around..

If I trolled I may not use it for 15'+ leaders..

 

For LTJ I use it for abrasion resistance more than any other factor.

 

I don't think it's necessary in the bay. Rock, blues, macks, and the assortment of pan fish we have aren't leader shy. I do however use it for sea trout, flounder and tog.

 

I use it, I catch fish, so I'll continue to use it.
But, on the other hand, I've tied directly to mono and catch just as many fish.

The only reason I go fluro is attempting to reduce line visability, and some stiffness in my leaders.
If I run out, I just tie with mono until I can get out to stock back up. Cost seems to be a drop in the bucket will all the other boating/fishing costs.

But I'm leaning 50/50 if it really makes a difference in the bay.

 

I have been fishing next to guys not using flouro just mono leaders for rock jigging and have out caught them many times as well as live lining. Shawn Kimbro did some scientific research on rockfish's vision and found flouro should not make adifference against mono as their vision is not exceptional, on the other hand he said to use every advantage to get a strike from a biggun you can and for me flouro is part of that equation.

 

This is me giving you a pass because I'm laughing too hard to type...

 

As i mentioned before i leave the humor to you and the other pros!!! It just occured to me though that you never miss a chance to add your view (busting on folks mostly) but I don't recall any posts of your great fishing trips backing up all that amazing know how

 

He cracks himself up...

I never realized that anyone took him seriously.

 

Which is after all the objective....

- - - Updated - - -

As i mentioned before i leave the humor to you and the other pros!!! It just occured to me though that you never miss a chance to add your view (busting on folks mostly) but I don't recall any posts of your great fishing trips backing up all that amazing know how

John,....be careful what you wish for...

 

I think a lot depends on where you are fishing and how deep the water is.

In the bay near Annapolis - water clarity is very low , especially below 10 feet deep. Once down about 25 to 30 feet - it is very dark , even on bright sunny days. Here , I doubt flouro makes any difference in fish seeing the leader or not.

Farther down the bay near Solomons - water is much clearer and in shallows , fish might see regular mono leaders.

Not sure if that even bothers them - hard to prove. I've caught nice Rock on gaudy plastic coated wire leader rigs designed for Blues.

Flouro does tend to lay out straighter then mono. When chumming was really big - some guys made leader stretchers that kept pre-tied rigs taut. This made the mono lay out nice compared to mono off a spool. Years ago we could buy " mason " leader in 48 inch lengths. It was very stiff but was tough to work with.

I know a few guys have experimented with tandem umbrella rigs. Exact same lures came off opposite arms - one with mono , one with flouro.

They did not see any better catching on flouro. Now this was off Breezy Point where water is fairly clear. I laughed because the umbrella rig itself is bright shiny steel wire with gaudy snap swivels. Can not imagine a fish shying off because it sees a leader on that rig.

 

for LTJ, I use a spro swivel, real small and easier to connect to braid.... i also make my own hook leaders for LL from the florocarbon.....

need all the help I can get....