Why Fluorocarbon Leader is Better than Mono

Fluorocarbon vs. mono leader: which is better for your next fishing adventure? Monofilament (mono) leaders are often supple and soft, while fluorocarbon is stiffer and has more excellent abrasion resistance.

 So, which one should you use?

Fluorocarbon Leader

In the debate of fluorocarbon vs. mono leader, it is essential to remember that fluorocarbon is perfect for catching rougher fish with mouths or bodies that wear through softer leaders–like monofilament. Fluorocarbon leaders are often more resistant to abrasive water and structure conditions than monofilament leaders.

Fluoro is the premier choice for fishing through oyster beds, off rocks, and break walls and debris. Better yet, fluorocarbon leader is more invisible to your target species than mono or braid.

Pros

• Fluorocarbon leaders are heavier.
• Fluorocarbon leaders are more resistant to abrasive conditions.
• Fluorocarbon is more resistant to toothy fish.
• Fluorocarbon lasts longer.
• Fluorocarbon is nearly invisible in the water.

Cons

• Fluorocarbon is often heavier than monofilament.
• Fluorocarbon may not hold specific knots well.
• Knots must be tied tighter if braid mainline is used
• Fluorocarbon leader is generally more expensive than mono

When Should You Use a Fluorocarbon Leader

Use fluorocarbon leaders whenever you need a tough, durable, and invisible leader for your lures in fresh or saltwater.

Terry Scroggins, a Bassmaster Elite pro says, “When you’re fishing around flooded trees or wood, you want to use heavy fluorocarbon.”

Monofilament Leader

While somewhat less effective than its competitor in the fluorocarbon vs. mono leader debate, monofilament leaders are great for catching certain types of fish and is usually a bit cheaper than fluoro.

Pros

• Mono leaders sink slower.
• Mono leaders swim more naturally.
• Mono leaders are good for more than a rod length of leader.
• Mono leaders are often lighter.

Cons

• Mono leaders are softer.
• Mono leaders are not as resistant to abrasive conditions.
• Mono leaders can be seen easier in the water.
• Mono leaders are not as durable for toothy fish.

When Should You Use Mono Leaders?

A mono leader is great for catching fish on the surface or down deep. Given it is generally lighter, it sinks more slowly and can be more effectively controlled–albeit less durable and reliable during a struggle. Mono leader can be cut directly from a spool or your mainline, and is rather inexpensive.

Casey Ashely, Bassmaster Classic champion said, “Because monofilament floats, it’s going to hold your bait up a little higher…”

Why is a Fluorocarbon Leader better than a Mono Leader?

After going over the pros and cons of both unique leaders, it is apparent that in the fluorocarbon vs. mono leader debate, both should be used in different situations.

However, fluorocarbon leaders take charge. The durability, invisibility, and flexibility help anglers who use fluoro leader catch more aggressive fresh and saltwater fish, while being able to tackle and maintain strength in structure.

Mono leaders are great, but overall, we feel the fluorocarbon is just better.

It sinks more quickly and will survive longer than a mono leader. Plus, it’s much more difficult for fish to detect. Fluorocarbon leaders are more durable and will survive a messy encounter with structure or toothy creatures.

Although fish prefer leaders that swim more naturally, like bait, much larger fish that can destroy a mono leader and escape capture are better suited for fluoro.

If you’re looking for top-quality, pre-cut fluorocarbon leader Charlie’s Worms has it!