Connecting To Fluorocarbon

by David Swendseid, Jackall Lure Product Specialist Manager

With the increased use of fluorocarbon line among professionals, many questions have surfaced regarding the integrity and best use of this material in tournament angling.  Most pros now endorse fluorocarbon but not without trial and error.  Among the ranks many have painfully discovered not all fluorocarbon is created equally.

Over the last several years, anglers have learned to appreciate the properties of quality PVDF (Poly-vinyl-i-dene Fluoride) better known as fluorocarbon.  Unfortunately, with over 70 leader and mainline brands available, fisherman can easily fall to the misconceptions of fluorocarbon.

What Is PVDF?

Fluorocarbon is made from Carbon, Hydrogen and Fluoride molecules now known as Poly-vinyl-i-dene Fluoride or PVDF.  The chemical company, Kureha was the first to discover fluorocarbon’s filament potential, creating the first fluorocarbon line-leaders for fishing in1971.  Much has been refined since then but Japan continues to lead the world in PVDF developments.

PVDF structures are resistant to harsh chemical corrosion, abrasion and extreme temperatures.  Fluorocarbon has impressive mechanical integrity, exceptional impact resilience and good pliability.  

Blackwater International is a merchandising entity, responsible for the distribution of Toray fluorocarbon.  Mr. Kuroye and staff have over 30 years in the Japanese filament industry.  “Fluorocarbon is a material used as condenser film in air conditioning units, and as protective liners to aid against acid exposure in piping valves.  The biggest market is in worldwide use among valves and pipes,” explained Mr. Kuroye. 

The company, Toray is known in Japan as the first line company to make fluorocarbon for lure fishing and for spinning reel management. These were considered some of the first pliable lines. Toray’s diverse base of fluorocarbon lines designed for freshwater and saltwater techniques is unique. In Japan, Toray has over 31 different fluorocarbon lines for more than 10 different groups of sport fish. The company has invested in technology to increase transparency, manageability, abrasion resistance, and residual stretch (different than initial tensile strength).

In Japan, there is a wider range of bass techniques than in the United States due to the intense pressure their fish receive.  The professionals use line weights ranging from 2.0 lb test to 25 lb test, a significant departure from US pro angling.

How Is Fluoro-Line Made?

To get what we call fluorocarbon fishing line, a process called extruding must occur. To extrude means to force something out, usually semi soft materials such as plastics or molten metals through a specifically designed mold or nozzle.  Companies that make their own line are called extruders.  The process requires the company’s resin to be made in pellet form and then mixed with their raw materials creating batching (batches). Each company has their own recipe of raw materials developed to create their specific strengths, clarity, and manageability parameters. These batches go through a drying process, into a hopper (for melting) and eventually through a tool and dye (calculating the diameter) and onto cooling flats.  The line is then gathered on a bulk spool and partitioned onto carrier spools for label and sale.

There are approximately five resin manufacturers of PVDF worldwide.  Kureha (Japan), Daikin (Japan), Atonfina (France), Solvay (Belgium), and 3M Corporation (USA).  There are also a select group of companies (approximately ten) with the capacity to extrude: Kuraray (Japan), Kureha (Japan), Duel (Japan), Unplass (Japan), Sunline (Japan), Unitika (Japan), Rhombic (Japan), Pure Fishing (USA), Monfile-trechink (Germany) and Toray (Japan).

Is Fluorocarbon A Standout?

Several years ago, Blackwater International developed fluorocarbon for “impact fishing” in the ocean. “We specifically designed Shock Leader and Hollow Braid to handle bigger fish, through a technique called Top Shotting” said Kuroye.  The line was made with elongation parameters to withstand heavy tension generated by an opposing force (e.g. a 300 lb tuna). Unfortunately, average fluoros can fracture and retard under those forces. “We are talking about forces generated from giant tuna traveling at speeds of 20 to 50 mph”, said Kuroye.

The difference between excellent fluorocarbon and standard line is in the creation and combining of high quality raw materials.  Very few companies have the resources to painstakingly pursue distinctive materials that maintain high integrity. Demands of the markets price-points also force the creation of inferior products.  Where a standard US line company may have one type of fluorocarbon, the more technically advanced company will offer several brands. For example, Toray-Blackwater has 6 different fluorocarbon lines.  Mr. Kuroye reports, “… our lines begin with elaborate proprietary resin-development process.  This complex formula must be balanced and intricately calibrated through the stages.  The stages may vary with the type of fluoro being made.  For example, fluorocarbon designed for ultra-finessing in crystal clear water utilizing diameters of 0.122 mm require different formulation then fluoros used for extremely abrasive, heavy- cover conditions.

Angling Uniqueness

Earlier generations of fluoro-lines were rigid and only used for leaders.  Later, generations improved. It wasn’t until recently lines were better arranged for manipulation, possessing smoother traits leading to improved line control.  Kureha’s U.S. distributor, Seaguar USA reports using two specific resin formulas in one line.  The process is called Double Structure, which improves the lines knot strength, and tensile strength.  Toray recently distributed Technique-Specific lines for the US bass market, concentrating on providing anglers with lines used in ultra refined finesse applications as well as lines designed for harsh conditions.  TORAY developed K-1 testing, an unprecedented scratch test to improve fluorocarbon structure against long-term micro-abrasion. 

Surface Tension

Fluorocarbon fishing line is heavier and denser than nylons or co-polymers.  Some lines perform well with finesse techniques, while others are more applicable for jig fishing.  It is important to note, diameter and density do affect line performance.  Water is a resistant medium necessary to be breached when fishing.  However, some lines are slower to penetrate the surface tension of water inadvertently making it difficult for them to descend. If you cut 2-inch lengths of monofilament and fluorocarbon (it doesn’t matter the pound test) and carefully lay them on the water’s surface, you will discover both lengths will float, not breaking the water’s surface tension.  Turn the lines on end and they will continue to float but vertically.  However, push lengths below the surface and both sink, but at distinctive rates.  Fluorocarbon sinks nearly twice as fast as the nylon.  Whether you cut 4 lbs. test or 12 lbs. test lengths, fluorocarbon sinks faster than (for example) 8 lbs. nylon.  How does this translate into better angling?  Simply applied, you can get your bait deeper more quickly with faster sinking line. 

Fluorocarbon is more effective at breaching water tension, making a great difference when cranking, drop shotting, and ripping.  Lighter density lines float, suspend, or slowly sink, causing trouble with strike detection.  When making long casts, nylon line tends to float, creating a belly in the line.  This “bowing” of line can cause slower reaction times to strike detection.

Other Benefits of PVDF

Line density not only increases sinking rates, it also helps detect line movement. The harder, heavier material has less stretch, is stiffer, and transmits better.  For example, making a long cast with light line is sometimes necessary to catch wary fish.  Using mono in these situations compromises your leverage because nylon stretches.  Strike detection is also adversely impacted. Line that stretches can mean less hook penetration.  Most nylons stretch more than fluorocarbons, however as said before, not all fluoros are created equally. Fluorocarbons can vary significantly in elongation tests, which can be the direct misfortune of quality, or the desired result of selected formulas.

In the earlier 1990’s, the number one reason anglers sought PVDF was transparency. Out of all line materials on the market (braid, nylons, or fluorocarbon) fluorocarbon as a whole, has a light refraction that is closest to water.  Companies make this their marketing vehicle. This arena is more challenging to measure but it should be known there are fluoros that are clearer than others.  It begins with the quality of the raw materials, how they are prepared and how they are processed. “The industry says the clearer the fluoros the more difficult and elaborate the process.  Done incorrectly, it significantly weakens the line”, indicated Toray.

Another important aspect of quality fluoro is the loading or winding process. Many Fluorocarbon brands didn’t consider the winding process.  Loading line on to retail spools just any old way can cause crush zones and chaffing. Linear precision winding eliminates places were weight and tension of the heavy material gets compressed or cross-sectioned against itself on the spool.  This protects against causing weak points.  Pay attention to how companies care for their fluorocarbon off or on the spool.  Precision winding is not absolutely necessary but correct and careful loading on to a spool is.

Pros Speak

Kurt Dove who fishes many professional tours and is also a full-time guide on Amistad’s trophy fishery knows all too well the importance of line technology.  He has made a name for himself from the Potomac River to the border of Mexico.   In 2008, Mr. Dove separated himself from the pack of Bassmaster Elite anglers on Lake Amistad’s Battle of the Border event.  Kurt managed to put over 30 lbs. (five fish limit) into his boat on day one of the event. Mr. Dove has only been fishing professionally for approximately 4 years and amassed over $120,000.00 in tournament winnings.

Kurt attributes much of his tournament success to proper presentation and excellent line.  “In my opinion there’s only a small handful of high quality fluorocarbon brands out there.  On the tour we get introduced to a lot of product, internationally and domestically.  It is hard but necessary to sift through the poor, fair, good and great products. Also, many pros are chasing endorsements (money and product) and jumping on board a company compromising their fishing with inferior product.

“My discovery came as a surprise; I had been fishing an event and actually ran out of fluorocarbon. I ran into a Japanese competitor also fishing the event and asked if he could spare me some fluorocarbon.  He threw me a couple spools of his line. I put it on and went fishing. It was the most consistent, manipulative, durable product I had handled.  I had fished the US labels with marginal appreciation.  I decided to research more about the company and its filaments.  I discovered Toray was one of the most desired lines on the Japanese pro circuit. The company secretly OEM’d for several brands internationally.  Their line is also known world wide in sport tuna fishing. Toray is new to the states. Internationally, it carries the presence of the highest quality in materials and extrusion technology.  It is one of the most expensive lines.  At this point in my career, I have learned a couple things the hard way… get the best you can when it comes to line or pay the price later,” said Kurt.

Your most expensive line technology is going to be proven in several categories: 

• Static tension (fixed strain applied) to measure deformity
• Compression (load force) against the material to determine fracturing propensity
• Elongation to measure percentage of change in the length of the line
• Tensile Strength (measuring maximum extension through force before failure)
• Distend Assessment (absorbing or swelling of a material due to fluids)
• Abrasion Resistance (to measure fragmentation and wear)
• Longevity (measuring aging and endurance), and
• Residual Strength (strength tested after stress which is not measured by most companies).

“Some line companies may have huge variances in their line performance, for example lacking abrasion resistance while others may fracture or retard during elongation.  Still others may perform well initially but simply not last over time.  I don’t change my line out nearly as frequently as before. Yes, unfortunately true. The very best fluorocarbons are expensive, but can be used multiple times. Weekend battlers are going to be able to keep the same spool of line on several months, even years”, says Dove.
   
Southern bass guide Warren Barnes has seen his share of “fluoro-imposters”. As he put it, “a little research pays off”.  Barnes cautions anglers against “just reading the package”.   I learned from a great friend to test your lines by diameter only, it will illuminate your vision and steer you away from the marketing hype.”   Barnes also noted, “Unfortunately, the better performing fluoros are going to cost significantly more but hold their value longer.”

Living With Choices

Whether you are looking at a new brand, or an established brand, take the time to research and test your line. Gain an idea which lines “appear” consistent, manageable, durable and seem to last.  Most experienced anglers know objective tensile strength tests are relatively easy to control. On the other hand, without a cycle machine, abrasion resistance testing is more subjective but can be assessed by rubbing a coarse material against the line surfaces and discerning which brand “appears” to wear faster.  Clarity testing (also subjective), may be accomplished by tying lengths of line (same diameter) between two pipes and laying the platform against a submerged background (rock or vegetation) in high and low light conditions.  Also, view the lines against several solid (dark and light) backdrops with varying light and at different angles. These tests lack scientific control but can give some idea of line integrity and quality.

If you’re a serious competitor, testing your line will help you make prudent decisions in choosing a fluorocarbon.  At this stage in the game there appears to be a strong correlation between fluorocarbon costs and quality. Your choice could mean the difference between line reliability, performance and fish. Remember, all fluorocarbon lines are NOT created equal.

Footnote:  A trophy hunter for years, Manabu Kurita proved to the world that fishing fluorocarbon for big fish pays off. Not sponsored by the Japanese company, TORAY fluorocarbon helped net him, not one, but TWO ALL TIME JAPAN RECORDS and now he is recognized for officially tying the distinctive Largemouth World Record (22 pounds, 5 ounces).

Big Indiana Bass Comment: This article can be found permanently in the left hand sidebar of the site (under 'Articles') for future reference and referrals. It is provided for its insight into the "how's and why's" of fluorocarbon manufacturing, as well as for providing some great thoughts into attributes you want to consider when making and distinguishing future line purchases. At this time I can make no specific comments as to any brand claims mentioned in the article, as I have not had the opportunity to either test or fish with said line(s).

Comments

[Paul Roberts]

Awesome!

[Dustin Kelso]

When I first used fluoro, it was Vanish. Wow, that stuff was absolutely horrible. The last 3 seasons I've used 12lb Seaguar for tube, worm, and cranks, and 15lb Seaguar for jigs, spinners, and rattletraps.

After switching, my bite to hook-up rate has went up significantly.

But, I was always warned not to fish in cold water. Could you give a scientific reason on why you should fish fluro in cold water or is this just a myth?

[Big Indiana Bass]

A little of both Dustin. There have been guys who have reported quite a bit of problem with fluorocarbon in freezing weather. Much like mono, it gets stiffer and less easier to work with when the outside world is freezing. I've read of exploding lines and breaking knots. But, I know a ton of guys who use the stuff for ice fishing and think it's the greatest stuff since sliced bread.

The overall recommendations I've seen are to:

1) Make sure you're using 100% fluorocarbon and not some fluoro-coated line.

2) Expect some degradation in both line breaking strength and knotting ability compared to warm weather use.

3) When you can get away with, use fluorocarbon leader material as opposed to full spools of regular fluorocarbon line.

4) Use the highest quality fluoro (however you can determine that) in cold weather as mentioned in the article (the difference in quality not all being equal, that is).

I know Seguar comes highly recommended in most cold weather reports. I find that interesting because I've also read that the Japanese made fluoros (like Toray, Sunline, Sugoi and P-line) are the higher purity fluoros that perform best in cold weather, and that the German made fluoros (BPS, Seguar, Stren and Berkley) are supposedly less pure and not quite as good in cold weather.

Bottom line is that it's perfectly fine to fish fluoro in the cold (look at the tackle rigs used by the top finishers in both the Classic and the recent Table Rock events), but you might have to test a couple different brands out to find one that performs up to your expectations.

[David]

you question is very worthy. it is really true some fluoro through formulation or generation will react to cold weather differently. But the highend fluoro 100% is key, they just preform best. Torays Hi-grade (white spool) is great in cold icy water. I believe the R-18 by Seaguar will do very well as well. The R-18 will be known to the usa as Tasu.

Toray (rumor has it...is how I must state as such) makes Sugio, Daiwa, Cajin, and BPS) I assure if true they are earlier generation at best. It is also rumored that Sunline is uses one of toray's factorys. I hope this helps. The Sunline head was a former employee at Toray (rumor has it ....sorry I have to say it like this).

the problem is people complain about cost yet they are willing to purchase 300.00 spinning or casting reel from Japan and 300.00 rod and if all goes well 58k bassboat. If you consider better quality or better technology in fluoros you can use them significantly longer. Months even years...serious. I have one spinning reel set for this duration. I do get twist but I open the spool run it behind the boat and I am fishing again....same spool of fluoro.

[Dustin]

Brian and David,

Thanks so much for the responses. I look at it this way...I can keep my Seaguar on longer than let's say a mono or co-polymer. With that said, the cost evens out. Maybe not $$$ wise, but time wise. I don't have to strip line and put more on as frequent.

And if you use a mono or co-polymer backing in 10 or 12lb, then add your fluoro, you don't have to use as much.

I'm a co-angler and fish an average of 2 tournaments/month. I want to be competitive and I think fluoro gives me that edge.

[David]

Hi Dustin
a lot of tournament anglers have a challenging time understanding the purpose of backing. It is a secondary benefit that by providing backing allows you to use less fluoro. This is true, however, there is a preformance benefit to the use of backing AND the type of backing you should use.

Try to guide yourself away from line on line backing/and extensions. Use a dacron braid instead. This material is much lighter than nylon or fluoro. It lessens the weight of the spool providing better inertia (initial force generated). This translates to better reel speed, spool balance, improved trajectory and less spool weight (less energy). Handling characteristics simply improve.

Also recognize what you fish re: conditions/structures. I have several types of Toray for use. I use Upgrade for abraision fishing (even finesse fishing in rugged stuff) it comes in a 150 m spool divided by 75 meter fills divided by red marker in the line. We call this 2 shot spool. I'll use BAWO superfinesse for ultra clear/refined presentation where I am targeting quality fish (3-5lbs smallies) but must use less line vibration ( I use 2.5lb to 5.0lbs). I use Hi-grade as all purpose it has playful characteristics (many bait presentations) and considered Japan's best. Please don't take my comment as a sell job, thats not the point of my entry.

You can do this with other fluoro companies. Toray is the most convincing technique specific but honestly again I am not trying to sell you on the stuff. If you like Seaguar (I know the guys there and they are good competent folk) I would use their carbon pro or abrax for my abrasive fishing, AbraX for all purpose and R-18 or Tatsu (sp?) for finesse app.

You can do some of this type selection with Hi-Seas as well. They have a couple different fluoros with different action.

Varavas also is good fluoro. Megabass (good line but limited selecting) and Sunline (has a couple lines which could be considered technique specific).

Also you may want to learn how to top shot. I have been introducing this presentation to touring pro for several years. It provides amazing dectection at distance. I will be writing about for several magazines soon.

Take Care guys. I hope this makes sense and helps in some way.

[Big Indiana Bass]

Good points David, which brings up another question? Will dacron braid grip the spool well enough (no slippage under strain) when tied directly to spool as backing that has no direct tie-off point, or do you need a small nylon backer (several yds.) first?

Also - "it comes in a 150 m spool divided by 75 meter fills divided by red marker in the line." - absolutely BRILLIANT! I wish all line companies would do this with their large spools. I have my own method of accomplishing this, but needless to say, it is much more 'labor intensive' :)

[David]

Most American spools are very deep if your line is applied under tension you should be fine. On baitcasting no problem. I've seen very little hassle on spinning. If so it was on loading the spool with too big flat braid winding on very soft and using 20 meters of fluoro.

American spinning reels are slowly (SLOWLY) improving. This is why I use JDM product. This manufacturing for the last 15 plus years has been my choice. The spools are shallow holding load of 105 yrds or 80 to100 meter loads thats all. When I first began this rational I was laughed at. "you are going to get spooled" meaning the fish will spool me. Well this hasn't happened, I've hooked walleye by accident and their runs haven't taxed the shallow spool concept.

Many years ago we played with artifical arbors and then companies came out with them and the American mainstream angler just didn't use them. Your best JP tour anglers are using shallow spool concept.

But backing with light weight dacron will do. BTW drilling your spool is not recommended it is nearly impossible to depart the metal in a perfectly balanced way.