Fluorocarbon and leader

Fluorocarbon is a line material that bends light almost like water, and is therefore hard for the fish to spot. That is exactly what makes it first-class leader material in put and take: a finer, less visible bit next to the bait, which makes a difference in clear water and on fish that have been in a while and grown shy.

Why a fluorocarbon leader

Three reasons speak for it. It is less visible, which gives you a better chance on shy fish. It is abrasion-resistant and takes stone, bottom and the fish’s teeth next to the bait. And it spares the main line, because the wear lands on the leader, which is cheap to replace. You tie it between the main line and the bait, often via a small swivel or a line-to-line knot.

Length and diameter

A leader of about 50 to 100 cm is a good starting point. In clear water and on shy fish it pays to go longer and finer, while coloured water and less shy fish will take a shorter, heavier leader. Always match the diameter to the size of the fish: strong enough not to break in the fight, but not heavier than you need. An unnecessarily heavy leader shows more and can make careful fish refuse to take.

Fluorocarbon in different fishing

When you spin fish you tie a short fluorocarbon leader between the main line and the lure, preferably via a swivel that also stops the line twisting. In bait fishing the leader protects against abrasion around weight and hook. And in fly fishing the leader is the tippet, the finest bit next to the fly. The principle is the same everywhere: an invisible, replaceable link next to the bait.

Look after the leader

The leader is a consumable. Feel it after every fish and change it when it feels rough or has marks from teeth or stone. Always wet the knots before you tighten them, or even fluorocarbon loses strength. Store the leader material in the dark, because long sun can break it down over time. More about main line and fly line is under lines and leaders, and which lures you tie on.

Our pick – fluorocarbon

Berkley is a reliable, good-value brand for leader material:

  • Good-value classic – Berkley Trilene 100% Fluorocarbon Leader (4.5★). Invisible, strong and easy to knot in fine diameters. See price on Amazon
  • Larger spool – Berkley Big Game Fluorocarbon (4.6★). More material on the spool if you fish a lot. See price on Amazon

FAQ

Why use fluorocarbon as a leader?

Fluorocarbon bends light roughly like water and is therefore harder for the fish to see. That makes it valuable next to the bait, especially in clear water and on shy fish.

How long should the leader be?

Often 50–100 cm is enough. Longer and finer in clear water and on shy fish, shorter and heavier where it is coloured or the fish is less shy.

Can I use fluorocarbon as main line?

You can, but it is usually unnecessarily expensive and stiffer to cast. Most people run mono or braid as main line and save the fluorocarbon for the leader.

Which diameter on the leader?

Match the size of the fish — strong enough not to break in the fight, but not heavier than needed. For ordinary put-and-take rainbow trout a relatively fine leader is enough, and it also shows less.

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