Monofilament is popular as a line
material because of its low memory and suppleness, which make
it easy to cast and handle. Furthermore, mono boasts excellent
knot strength and abrasion resistance, and has an inherent
stretch that makes it forgiving when subjected to sudden strain.
It's also fairly inexpensive.
But stretch can also be perceived
as a disadvantage of mono, since it may reduce the sensitivity needed
to detect subtle strikes, as well as limit the angler's ability to
set the hook solidly in certain situations, such as when bottom fishing
in deep water. Mono also absorbs water, and can lose as much
as 15 percent of its rated breaking strength when saturated. Lastly,
mono weakens considerably under repeated exposure to the sun's
ultraviolet rays. Fluorocarbon's biggest selling point is its
low visibility. This is due to its refractive index - the degree
to which light bends or refracts as it passes through a substance
- which can be as low as 1.42. That's very close to the refractive
index of water (1.3). The refractive index of nylon monofilament
is higher than that of fluorocarbon, coming in at about 1.52.
Braided lines have virtually no stretching capacity. On one hand,
this has the great advantage. When you are fishing at greater depths
you always maintain direct contact with the bait. On the other
hand, when you are fishing with the light power rods you must
adjust the drag more softly than when using monofilament lines of
the same breaking strength. Braided lines are 3 – 4 times
stronger than monofilament lines of the same diameter.
They are perfect for sea and surf fishing.
Fluorocarbon also contains more material than mono, is non-porous,
and has a harder finish. It's virtually a solid material that's denser
than water. That means it sinks and doesn't absorb water, the latter
quality enabling it to maintain its rated breaking strength whether
wet or dry. Furthermore, it has a diameter that's comparable to or
smaller than monofilament of the same strength, and also has very little
stretch. Both features enhance fluorocarbon's sensitivity and hook-setting
ability. Lastly, fluorocarbon is very abrasion-resistant and less susceptible
to damage from the sun and chemicals.
On the down-side, original fluorocarbon is much stiffer than nylon
monofilament and retains a fair amount of memory. That's why fluorocarbon
has excelled as a leader material, but hasn't been manageable as a
fishing line. Another drawback has been price, since fluorocarbon leader
material costs considerably more than monofilament and braided lines.
However, all that is about to change
with the arrival of new fluorocarbon fishing line. Banking on the
popularity of fluorocarbon leaders, several manufacturers have recently
introduced technologically advanced formulations of fluorocarbon
that are slightly "softer" and
more flexible than the original material. Although these new
fluorocarbon products retain nearly all the advantages of the leader
material, they're intended for use as a primary fishing line. They're
reasonably priced, and are already becoming quite popular with salt
water anglers.
Four parameters must be taken in consideration when choosing a fishing
line:
Stretch, linear tensile strength and strength on the knot, limpness
and color.
Linear tensile strength and strength on the knot
Usually line breaks at the knot. The strength of the knotted line is
decreased. The reason is folding damages of the outside molecular
level.
Limpness
Limp line does not form stiff coils that rub the guides. A stiff line
has a harder finish and is not so vulnerable when fishing in weeds
or rocks that scuff the line.
Color
Most of anglers use clear, silver or green line when fishing in clear
water.
