Is there a real need to use Fluorocarbon? I've used mono for years but now feel maybe im missing out on something, a lot of adverts talk about it being far better than mono. I do a lot of lure fishing on stillwater but do like to drop down to the small buzzers, wets and dries when I need to. Should I believe the hype advice required.

Fluorocarbon line is stable and reliable these days so using it is a matter of what fits your rig needs at the time. When compared to normal mono, fluoro line
- is heavier than water so naturally sinks as opposed to mono which floats.
- is probably less visible to fish when in the water. It certainly is harder for humans to see.
- has only about 3-4% stretch compared to 15-20% for mono.
- is more stiff in a given b/s & diameter.

I know that I catch more when I use fluorocarbon. That could be because I fish more confidently but I think it is because it sinks better and my fly is working just that little bit deeper.

Thanks Sportsman the catching more fish bit sounds good & thanks Newt you've converted me fluorocarbon it is, im checking prices now. I'll get back to you both and let you know how i've come on.

Carl, Pick up the revamped Todays FlyFisher, it's now called Total Flyfisher. It's got a free 6lb flouro on the cover. Maybe not the best of quality but FREE and something to 'suck and see'.

Free is good will pick up a copy Thanks for the tip off Shedhed.

I will be testing my free louro on Wednesday through to Saturday. Will post a report, one thing I like about is I can actually see it!

Cheers

Dave

KFF

I tried it using nymphs and I think I did get more takes but it snapped far too many times for me to trust it, so I'm back to the drennan sub-surface stuff which has never let me down. By the way, it sinks, so don't try to use it with dries!

Is it the free stuff thats been snapping or is it fluorocarbon in general ? Got a copy of Total Flyfisher with the free flurocarbon on it ( thanks ShedHed ) & im expecting some Berkley Vanish 6lb from e-bay.

Test a few lengths to make sure it does not break unexpectidly. They may have improved the line but for a while it was the only line Berkley ever made that had a horrible reputation for quality.

That said, folks using it for mainline had the most problems and shorter lengths for leader were usually OK.

How short Newt? I use 9' leaders at present.

Dave

KFF

I tried Berkely Vanish just once as a fly leader. Wouldn't use it again. Airflo sightfree for me.

Well ive got it now so I will give it a try,
what was the problem you found Sportsman ? Was it snapping, not turning over or did the fish not like it ? Let me know so I can watch out for it. It looks and feels fine I guess the proof will be when I get it on the water

Its rubbish! end of report.

KFF

Not tried mine yet,but
it does not look that clever-seems a tad thick and wirey
think i will be sticking to my Fulling Mill

Very low knot strength IMO

Yes I lost my first fish and fly using the above last week.

KFF

Well Berkely Vanish is fine, the type i bought is gold coloured, i'll not be going back to mono my eyes have been opened
it just seems to connect to more fish maybe it's the colour or the lack of stretching or the way it sinks im not sure, it's just better.

Guys,

Plenty of spit to lube the knot when snugging it down, I havent had too many dramas with it otherwise

Try a dohmhoff (sorry about the spelling) knot with it various brands do behave differently and a lot of them are brittle Must confess im not a fly angler but I use a lot of FC in other branches the drennan is good but it tends to be stiff the most supple ihave found is the one from korda I dont know how low the bs goes on this though i think its 10lb other good ones ive found were orvis and wychwood ones