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Fluorocarbon Tippet

The key characteristic of fluorocarbon fishing line is its refractive index, which is similar to that of water. This property makes the fluorocarbon line almost invisible when submerged, reducing the chances of fish detecting it and becoming wary. This invisibility is particularly advantageous in clear water or when targeting finicky and line-shy fish.


Fluorocarbon line also has a higher density than water, causing it to sink more rapidly compared to other types of tippet materials like monofilament. This sinking property can be advantageous when you don't want your line to lie on the water surface, which spooky fish will be wary.


It's important to note that fluorocarbon line tends to be stiffer than other types of lines, such as monofilament. This stiffness can help turnover your flies when using a longer cast or leader.


Fluorocarbon Fishing Line

Fluorocarbon tippet material is a popular choice among fly anglers for its unique transparent properties and the competitive advantage this brings. This specialised leader material is widely used in fly fishing for its invisibility in water, abrasion resistance and superior strength. Let's explore the details of fluorocarbon tippet material and its benefits.


Fluorocarbon tippet material is made from a synthetic polymer known as polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF). This material possesses a refractive index similar to that of water, making it nearly invisible underwater. The low visibility of fluorocarbon tippet allows for a more natural presentation of your flies and reduces the chances of spooking wary fish - directly improving your catch rate!


Advantages of fishing with fluorocarbon

One of the key advantages of fluorocarbon tippet material is its exceptional strength. Despite its thin diameter, fluorocarbon tippet exhibits high tensile strength, allowing anglers to use finer tippets without compromising on durability. The increased strength-to-diameter ratio of fluorocarbon tippet material is particularly beneficial when targeting fish that are easily spooked.


Another notable feature of fluorocarbon tippet material is its excellent abrasion resistance. It is more resistant to abrasion than traditional monofilament tippet material, making it suitable for fishing in rugged environments or near structure where fish are likely to rub against rocks, logs, or vegetation. The superior abrasion resistance of fluorocarbon tippet ensures greater durability and reduces the chances of line breakage during battles with strong fish.


Fluorocarbon tippet material also possesses a higher density than water, causing it to sink more readily. This characteristic is advantageous when fishing nymphs or other subsurface patterns, as it allows for a more natural drift and presentation. The sinking nature of fluorocarbon tippet material helps keep the fly in the desired depth range for extended periods, enhancing its effectiveness in fooling selective or deep-feeding fish.


In addition to its underwater properties, fluorocarbon tippet material is less prone to UV degradation compared to monofilament tippet. This makes it more resistant to damage from exposure to sunlight, extending its lifespan and reliability. However, it is still recommended to store fluorocarbon tippet spools in a cool, dark place to further preserve its quality.


When using fluorocarbon tippet material, it is important to note that it has less stretch than monofilament. This reduced stretch provides better sensitivity, allowing anglers to detect subtle strikes and make more precise hook sets. However, it also means that proper tippet-to-fly knot tying and careful playing of fish are essential to avoid excessive pressure that could lead to break-offs.


In summary, fluorocarbon tippet material offers numerous advantages for improving the catch rate of fly anglers. Its low visibility, exceptional strength, abrasion resistance and sinking properties make it a valuable choice for various fly fishing scenarios. Whether you're pursuing wary trout, targeting salmon or fishing in rugged environments, fluorocarbon tippet material provides the reliability and performance needed to increase your chances of success on the water.