Braid vs Fluorocarbon

In the world of fishing, the choice of fishing line can make a significant difference in your fishing experience. Two popular types of fishing lines that anglers often debate about are braided fishing line and fluorocarbon fishing line. Both types have their own unique characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses that make them suitable for different fishing scenarios. In this comprehensive comparison, we will explore the differences between braided fishing line and fluorocarbon fishing line, their advantages and disadvantages, and when to use each type based on various factors.

Introduction to Braided Fishing Line:

Braided fishing line, often simply called braid, is made from multiple strands of synthetic fibers such as Dyneema or Spectra. These fibers are woven or braided together to create a strong and durable fishing line. Braided lines are known for their high strength-to-diameter ratio, minimal stretch, and excellent sensitivity. They are available in a wide range of pound-test strengths and colors.

Introduction to Fluorocarbon Fishing Line:

Fluorocarbon fishing line is a type of fishing line made from a polymer called polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). Fluorocarbon lines are known for their low visibility underwater, abrasion resistance, and sinking properties. They are less stretchy compared to monofilament lines and are often used for fishing in clear water conditions where fish are easily spooked.

Strength and Diameter":

When comparing braided fishing line and fluorocarbon fishing line in terms of strength and diameter, braided lines typically have a higher strength-to-diameter ratio. This means that a braided line with the same diameter as a fluorocarbon line can have a higher pound-test strength. This can be advantageous when targeting larger fish species that require strong and durable fishing lines.

Visibility and Stealth:

One of the key differences between braided fishing line and fluorocarbon fishing line is their visibility underwater. Braided lines are known for their high visibility due to their bright colors and lack of transparency. On the other hand, fluorocarbon lines are virtually invisible underwater due to their refractive index, making them ideal for fishing in clear water conditions where fish are easily spooked by visible lines.

Sensitivity and Stretch:

Braided fishing lines are highly sensitive and have minimal stretch compared to fluorocarbon lines. This sensitivity allows anglers to feel even the slightest bites and movements of the fish, resulting in better hook sets and overall fishing success. Fluorocarbon lines, while less sensitive than braided lines, offer some stretch which can be beneficial when fishing for species that have soft mouths and require a more forgiving line.

Knot Strength and Castability:

When it comes to knot strength and castability, both braided and fluorocarbon lines have their strengths. Braided lines are known for their strong knot strength, making them suitable for tying various fishing knots. They also have minimal memory, allowing for smoother and longer casts. Fluorocarbon lines, while slightly stiffer than braided lines, offer good knot strength.  As far as casting is concerned I think braid much outperforms fluorocarbon.  The reason for this is that braid is much smaller in diameter than fluorocarbon in the same lb test so 10 lb braid is going to cast better than 10 lb fluorocarbon.

When to Use Braided Fishing Line:

- Targeting Big Game Fish: Braided fishing lines are ideal for targeting big game fish species such as tuna, marlin, and sharks due to their high strength and durability.

- Vertical Jigging: Braided lines are excellent for vertical jigging techniques where sensitivity and immediate hook sets are crucial to catching fish suspended in the water column.

- Deepwater Fishing: When fishing in deepwater conditions where sensitivity is key to detecting subtle bites, braided lines are preferred for their high sensitivity and minimal stretch.

- Topwater Fishing: Braided lines are commonly used for topwater fishing techniques such as frogging and topwater plugs, where strong hook sets and control over the fish are essential.

When to Use Fluorocarbon Fishing Line:

- Fishing in Clear Water: Fluorocarbon fishing lines are ideal for fishing in clear water conditions where fish are easily spooked by visible lines. The low visibility of fluorocarbon lines makes them virtually invisible underwater, increasing the chances of getting more bites.

- Finesse Fishing: When finesse fishing for wary fish species that require a subtle presentation, fluorocarbon lines are the go-to choice due to their stealthy nature and low visibility.

- Drop Shotting: Fluorocarbon lines are commonly used for drop shotting techniques where finesse and sensitivity are crucial for detecting bites and enticing finicky fish.

- Carolina Rigs: When using Carolina rigs for bottom fishing, fluorocarbon lines are preferred for their sinking properties and abrasion resistance against rocks and structure.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the choice between braided fishing line and fluorocarbon fishing line ultimately depends on the fishing conditions, target species, and angler preferences. Braided lines offer high strength, durability, sensitivity, and casting performance making them suitable for targeting big game fish, and scenarios where immediate hook sets are crucial. Fluorocarbon lines provide low visibility, stealth, and sinking properties, making them ideal for clear water fishing, finesse techniques, and situations where a subtle presentation is needed.

Both braided and fluorocarbon lines have their advantages and disadvantages, and it is essential for anglers to understand the characteristics of each type of fishing line to make an informed decision based on their fishing style and preferences. Whether you choose braided fishing line or fluorocarbon fishing line, both types have proven to be effective in various fishing scenarios and can enhance your fishing experience when used correctly.

All this said my setup for Saltwater fishing will always be braid with a 3 - 4 foot section of fluorocarbon leader attached.  This way you get the best of both words.  You know have the strength and cast-ability of braid with the abrasion resistance and stealth of Fluorocarbon.  I hope this information is helpful!