Fluorocarbon leashes for pike fishing: which one to choose, how to make it yourself?

Differences between fishing line and fluorocarbon

You can compare monofilament and fluorocarbon fishing line. To do this, let's compare the most important characteristics:

An indicator of strength, monofilament in a dry state is stronger than fluorocarbon thread, but if these fishing lines are immersed in water, then the strength of the first becomes less, since it gets wet, the second thread does not lose its properties even in water.
What the fishing line looks like in the water. Fluorocarbon thread is invisible in water, so it is simply irreplaceable when catching fish such as pike. Upon visual inspection, the fishing lines do not differ.
Bite and exit. Fluorocarbon thread is of higher quality in this regard; when using it, there are very few slips, and the bite has high results.
Reaction to abrasion. This indicator is very important during winter and summer fishing. In the winter, the fishing line comes into contact with water, and in the summer with shells, stones and algae. Therefore, fluorocarbon thread will last longer than conventional fishing line

Fluorocarbon

So, fluorocarbon (also known as polyvinylidene fluoride or fluorocarbon) is a chemical polymer that is close in composition to tiflon. Its main property is resistance to aggressive environments (ultraviolet radiation, moisture, temperature changes and mechanical stress). In fishing, it is also valued because, unlike simple nylon fishing lines, it is invisible in the water column. The reason for this is the refractive index of light, close to water.

Fluorocarbon fishing line does not change its properties under the influence of both high and low temperatures. It practically does not stretch or wear out. Allows you to make a hard hook, sinks quickly and is not wetted by water. Since the technology for producing fluorocarbon fishing lines is very expensive, they are relatively expensive. Therefore, as a rule, fishermen put a leash on a pike made of fluorocarbon, and take a cheaper main line. Among the budget options you can find simple fishing lines coated with fluorocarbon sheath.

Fluorocarbon pike leashes - pros and cons

When fishing for pike, a leash is necessary to secure the spoon, since fishing line alone is not enough when catching this predator; the fish effortlessly bites the thread, while the spoon remains in the mouth of the predator.

By using a cable or wire for a leash, it becomes noticeable in the water, the play of the bait is reduced, and this naturally scares away the pike. The fluorocarbon leash is more sensitive, invisible, durable and a predator cannot bite through it.

Positive aspects of this material:

It does not change its properties when the temperature changes, so it is suitable for winter fishing.
The material is very durable, pike cannot bite through it.
This material does not freeze and does not absorb water.
Under the influence of ultraviolet radiation, the original properties are not lost.
This leash is completely invisible in the water, so it is suitable for both winter and summer pike fishing.
If you use a fishing line made of such material, the quality of fishing for large individuals will improve; thanks to this material, jerks are dampened.
Due to the fact that fluorocarbon is not afraid of mechanical stress, the thread and leash are suitable for fishing in reservoirs with rocky and shell bottoms.
This line will help you catch large fish; for this you need a multiplicative reel.
This material allows you to fish at the bottom of reservoirs, since the thread and leash are well immersed in the water.

Cons of fluorocarbon:

High cost, although this is not an obstacle for true fishermen.
Another disadvantage of this material is that it can only withstand 20 bites. If you notice a flaw, you need to immediately remove the leash, because the fish may escape, the ideal option is to change it after each bite.

How to choose fluorocarbon fishing line

The polymer from which this type of gear is made has excellent ductility and strength. The technology for producing the material is not the cheapest, which is why in the rating of gear, fluorocarbon fishing line belongs to the middle range. Polymer products are superior in technical characteristics to their analogues - these are nylon and nylon, which are prone to tangling and tearing under dynamic loads.

Features of fluorocarbon fishing line:

invisibility when immersed in water, this makes it easier to work with baits;
eliminates overlaps during casting, the material is plastic, but it does not have a “memory” that tends to tangle the cord;
resistance to mechanical damage and abrasion, this allows its use on rocky bottoms and difficult terrain;
retains elasticity at any temperature, equally plastic for both summer and winter fishing;
does not absorb water and does not lose its properties in the cold, so it is often used for fishing with winter fishing rods;
sinks quickly, and has shown itself to be excellent in bottom fishing;
does not lose strength during long-term storage and use.

Tips for fisherman: How to properly catch pike with a spinning rod - Let's take it step by step

All these characteristics have brought the tackle into a category that is in demand by lovers of different types of fishing. The polymer material is universal and is always available to the fisherman, regardless of the circumstances and what tool he prefers to hunt with.

Manufacturers make different types of gear; differences may be in the composition of the polymer and its ability to resist tearing and friction. To choose the best fluorocarbon line you need to know some little tricks:

The material does not burn, but only melts. If you remove the fire, the process stops immediately. During combustion, no soot or soot is formed.
The line does not hold a simple knot. Due to the lack of “memory” of the material, fishermen have to master complex connections of pieces when building up.

To form a loop, fold the fishing line in half and begin to form a figure eight, as shown in the diagram below.
Then thread the end of the loop through the resulting small loop. The classic figure eight knot is ready.
Double figure eight means repeating the last action a second time. After threading the line again, wet the knot and tighten.

How to make a fluorocarbon leash with your own hands?

Due to the fact that many fishermen select leashes to match their gear, it is therefore difficult to find them on sale and many make them with their own hands:

For these purposes, you will need a fluorocarbon fishing line, up to 0.5 mm in diameter; for small individuals, you can take a thinner fishing line;
two swivels, with a breaking load that can withstand 11 kg, you need one simple one, one with a carabiner;
tubes and pliers for crimping them;
diamond file.

Preparing the leash:

You need to prepare the tubes; the Elite Alliance company is very popular; they have a length of 1 cm. To make the gear compact, you can divide the tube in half and carefully clean it with a file so that there are no burrs.
Now we take a tube and thread the end of the leash through it, and put on a swivel. Then the same end must be inserted into this tube 2 times. We get two loops, one has a swivel and its length is from 5 to 7 mm.
The next stage is crimping the tube; the pressing force is determined by the purpose of the gear. You need to make several leashes and check their quality in a container of water. Once the optimal option has been selected, it is necessary to finally crimp the tube.
After this, you need to measure the length of the leash from 35 to 50 cm. Now at the second end of the leash, thread it into a tube, fasten the swivel, and the whole process is the same, you just need to add another fastener.
If you need a leash for girders, then instead of a swivel you need to attach a hook.

Such leashes, with a line diameter of 0.4 to 0.5 mm, can support a pike weighing up to 9 kg.

Line size

As practice has shown, it is best to use fluorocarbon with a cross-section from 0.45 mm to 0.6 mm for leashes when fishing for pike. A fluorocarbon leader line with a cross section of 0.6 mm is 100% justified compared to 0.45. Its pike, especially small ones, manage to grind up after catching three or four pikes. Apparently, due to the large number of small and sharp teeth, with which it can easily saw through a fluorocarbon leash with a cross-section below 0.45.

A leash with a cross-section of 0.6 mm, in my experience, more than one pike has not been able to bite even after prolonged fishing. Most often, breaks occur if you do not monitor the condition of the leash. If you notice that the leash has small abrasions in the form of burrs, it should definitely be replaced.

The best fluorocarbon leashes for pike, prices

The most popular and high-quality fishing lines are the following; they are ideal for making leashes for pike fishing. These are Salmo, For Max Specter, Hyper Clear Fluorocarbon, Daiwa, Krepton Team Fluorocarbon, Milo, Sunline Siglon FC.

Salmo

This fluorocarbon is made in Japan, invisible, suitable for long periods in water.
Due to its strength and invisibility, it is ideal for use as a main line and for making leaders.
On sale there is a diameter from 0.08 to 0.2 mm, a skein length of 30 m, the cost is 320 rubles.

For Max Specter

This line was made in Japan and costs 300 rubles per 25 m.
There are various diameters on sale, it differs from analogues in its high rigidity, making it ideal for Gerdner connections.
Can be used for feeder fishing and made leashes for pike.

Hyper Clear Fluorocarbon, Daiwa

This line is of high quality, reliable, and with a small diameter of 0.4, it resists the sharp teeth of pike.
The leash holds well, abrasion is weak, it is not used for pike with a diameter less than 0.4 mm, and can withstand breaking loads of up to 11 kg.
The cost of 25 m of such thread reaches 320 rubles.

Krepton Team Fluorocarbon, Milo

This product has the same performance as the previous fishing line, but it has a longer service life and is not as rigid.
The cost of this thread is higher, since it is 50 m in a bobbin, the cost depends on the diameter, 0.10 mm costs 9 euros, 0.21 mm costs 12.5 euros.

Sunline Siglon FC

The cost of fishing line with a diameter of 0.14 mm is 260 rubles, in a skein of 30 m, if the reel is 50 m and the diameter of the fishing line is 0.38, then the price is 660 rubles. This fluorocarbon is of high quality, invisible in water, ideal for pike fishing.

Fluorocarbon knots

For each material you need to use certain types of nodes. Often on the packaging with fishing line there are written types of knots that are recommended to be fastened to achieve maximum strength.

In the process of tying a knot, fluorocarbon, like other materials, is recommended to be wetted to give the knots a more stable fastening:

If you need to connect braid and fluorocarbon, you should use the Mahin Knot.
If the fishing lines have different diameters, then the Albright knot is suitable. This assembly provides such a strong connection that such fasteners can be pulled through guide rings.
The ideal connection between fluorocarbon and braid will be ensured by the Grinner knot. This knot is suitable if the difference between the diameters of the fishing lines is a difference of five units. The main task of the fisherman in the process of knitting this knot is to avoid kinks. After the node is ready, it is necessary to check the quality of the connection.

Reviews from fishermen

Don't buy fluorocarbon-coated fishing line; it costs more than regular line, but the quality is in no way comparable to fluorocarbon. If you buy fluorocarbon fishing line, then only from well-known manufacturers. Grade:

Valery 45 years old, Penza.

I bought Salmo Fluorocarbon fishing line, it turned out to be thinner than what was written on the package, but I was pleased with the quality, as the knots were strong. The leash can be attached to any thickness of fishing line, making it suitable for all gear. Grade:

Victor 60 years old, Sakhalin

Cottus Fluorocarbon fishing line has high flexibility, so the knots are strong and easy to tie. Grade:

Andrey, 44 years old, Moscow

I bought De Lux Fluoro Carbon fishing line for the leash, it turned out to be not as strong as the manufacturer promised. Grade:

Oleg, 35 years old, Taganrog.

I can recommend Kureha fishing line to all anglers: high quality, high breaking strength. And at the same time, the thread itself is soft and very elastic, it is convenient and easy to work with. Grade:

Alexander, 41 years old, Tsemla.

Let's celebrate! Thanks to a wide range of fluorocarbon fishing line, you can easily choose the right option for any tackle. But do not forget that purchased cheap Chinese analogues will not bring the expected result. Therefore, it is better to buy thread in specialized stores for hunting and fishing.

Which fluorocarbon leader should you buy?

Today you can purchase such equipment without much difficulty. To do this, you need to look into any specialized fishing store or create an online application on the Internet portal.

Both options have their advantages. It all depends on the availability of free time and financial capabilities. Experienced store consultants will be able to advise you on any question you may have.

But you yourself should understand that such equipment can be easily made with your own hands. You just have to set yourself such a goal, and you will definitely find the materials at home.