Is Fluorocarbon a SCAM? Here’s What My Tests Show
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
- Found In: Fishing Tips, Tackle & Gear, Mono, Fluoro
Is fluorocarbon fishing line really better than monofilament, or have anglers been paying MORE for LESS?
After years of fluorocarbon vs. mono testing, I’ve uncovered some pretty surprising results when it comes to abrasion resistance, knot strength, and even catching fish!
Check out the video below to see why.
Featured Gear
Abrasion Resistance: Mono Keeps Winning
One of fluorocarbon’s biggest selling points is its supposed superior abrasion resistance.
But my testing has consistently shown something different.
I’ve tested:
- 20 lb mono vs. 25 lb fluorocarbon: Mono won.
- 15 lb mono vs. 20 lb fluorocarbon: Mono won again.
Across the abrasion tests I’ve performed, monofilament has consistently come out ahead.
And even when testing knot strength, I’ve found that 15 lb mono can hold its own against 20 lb fluorocarbon.
Can Fish Really See the Difference?
Fluorocarbon is also marketed as being less visible underwater.
But does that actually translate into more strikes?
I haven’t noticed a meaningful difference when comparing lines of similar diameter.
I’ve successfully caught bonefish, permit, mutton snapper, and mangrove snapper using monofilament leaders in crystal-clear water.
These include species known for being particularly line-shy!
Fewer Breakoffs AND a Lower Price?
Here’s where things get really interesting.
When targeting larger fish like redfish, snook, cobia, and tripletail, I’ve experienced far fewer breakoffs with mono compared to fluorocarbon.
And the price difference is HUGE.
| Fishing Line | Cost Per Yard |
|---|---|
| Fluorocarbon | 79¢ |
| Mono Leader Spool | 9¢ |
| Bulk Monofilament | 3¢ |
That’s more than 26 TIMES the price when comparing fluorocarbon to the bulk mono I typically use!
These are the prices of the specific lines I compared, but they illustrate just how significant the difference can be.
Final Thoughts
After years of testing fluorocarbon against monofilament, I’m more convinced than ever that mono is the better choice for my fishing.
It’s performed better in my abrasion tests, I’ve experienced fewer breakoffs, and it costs significantly less.
And for full transparency, we sell both types of line at Fish Strong. Fluorocarbon actually has higher profit margins for us!
But I’d rather recommend what I’ve found works best.
Now I’m curious: Have YOU tested fluorocarbon against mono? What were your results?
Let me know in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is fluorocarbon more abrasion-resistant than mono?
Not in my testing! I’ve consistently found that monofilament outperforms fluorocarbon in the abrasion comparisons I’ve conducted.
Can fish see monofilament leaders underwater?
Mono is generally more visible underwater than fluorocarbon, but I haven’t noticed a difference in strikes when comparing similar line diameters, even in clear water.
Is fluorocarbon worth the extra money?
Based on my testing and fishing experience, I don’t believe the added cost is justified for the applications I’ve tested.
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STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Always great info. Thanks
I’ve stopped buying and using Fluorocarbon based on your past recommendations and I agree that it doesn’t make any difference in the amount of strikes that I get. I have more confidence that my line will hold up fishing around all of the oyster bars here in St. Augustine.
I’ve heard that Japan is way ahead of the US as far as new lines lures reels and rods..
Have you heard of Kureha Seaguar Grand Max FX Shock Leader—supposed to be the best Japanese fluorocarbon? I’m curious how that would test
But there’s no doubt that for Whats available in the USA mono is a much better choice. What if any advantage does the sinking rate of fluoro vs mono have? Thanks Luke.