Flurocarbon Leader Material

[RickyP]

Is there truly a difference between fluro leader material and fluro fishing line, other than price? I've read some posts on here which indicate there is a difference, yet I've been told by others that there is no difference at all. Thought I'd come to the experts for their opinions. Thanks.

[mariner227]

RickyP
Flurocarbon is definetly alot less visable in clear water. I switched over last year for walleye and have also been tying on about five feet of fifty pound test leader material when musky fishing. In November I was fishing the Niagra River and was able to get close to a few boats that belonged to guys from the local musky club and noticed that they were doing this also. So I beleive there is a diference.
mariner227

[Chad]

He is asking if there is a difference in line vs leader material.
I dont think so, but that is just a guess. The leader material usually comes in smaller packages and costs more per foot. Marketing, ya know.

Chad

[Mattman]

I'm not sure if there is a difference for us spin fisherman, but I know that leader material sold for fly fisherman is different. I've always just assumed it was for the spin market too.

Typically mono is sold in "pound" form. 6 pound, 8 pound..... Leader material (for fly fishers) is sold in "diameter" form. And it is very consistent. A higher quality control. I've always just assumed that the leader material marketed for spin fisherman was the same, they just label it in poundage because it is more a familiar system to the spin fisherman. Just my guess though.


Better to have and not need than to need and not have!

Matt Davis

[byron]

Leader material is usually stiffer and more abrasion resistant. I have found it also tests higher and holds knots better. P-line works well if it is going to encounter structure and Seaguar grand max is great for overall strength.

The spool type is a lot limper. I have tried vanish and hate it. Broke, shredded, tests about 1/2 of its rating. Have heard Seaguar carbon pro is good, but since i use powerpro braid, I need leader material only.

[Stormsearch]

There was a good discussion about this a month or so ago. With the "filler" spools (not the leader material) in the #10 range or less, it was pretty much decided it wasn't worth it. The line tended to break easier and have poor knot strength. The few of us who like using flouro is strictly using the leader material in the #12 class and up. I have been using the Seaguar leader material in the #15 for most of my trolling and #20 for dipsey applications and have no issues.

I definitely can't see the two different lines being manufactured the same or having the same quality controls, even the Seaguar filler spools.

[Phil T.]

There is a major difference. The leader material (find it in the flyfishing catalogs or salt water catalogs) is much more abrasion resistant, darned near tooth-proof, and will bring out the worst in your vocabulary when tying knots. Think of it as wire that you can see through.
The flourocarbon blends that are described as being suitable for filling a reel tie easier, are limper, and seem to me no better than ordinary abrasion-resistant mono for resisting teeth. In my opinion, they are neither fish nor fowl, perhaps a solution in search of a problem. Or a way to get a premium price for a normal-performing product.
This isn't just idle opinion, I'll admit I wasted some $$ on flourocarbon blends. I was most disappointed in the performance, but then, I'm not sponsered by a line manufacturer.
If you want leaders that are invisible and tooth resistant, spend the money for the real product. If you just want a low visibility monofilament, save your money and buy that.

[stewart]

I agree. I tried the Triple Fish fluoro line, and had the same results as described with Vanish. It was terrible.