Flourocarbon Issues?

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schlemoc
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2011/09/28 22:54:59 (permalink)

Flourocarbon Issues?

Ok, so it may just be me, but every time I use this stuff, it breaks when I hook up.  I tried a few different brands, along with wetting the line to minimize friction in tieing knots.  Any idea what I am doing wrong?  I really needed this the last trip up due to the real low water conditions. I managed to hook up, but snapped every time.    Any thoughts or insight in to this?  It's much appreciated.  Thanks in advance.
#1

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    doubletaper
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/28 23:07:10 (permalink)
    you might have got a bad spool. i've had this happen and seen DC have the same problem.
    after tying down the fly make sure you push the knot down on the hook eye tightly.

    http://streamsidetales.bl...015/05/helles-yea.html
    it's not luck
    if success is consistent 





    #2
    jon_e_si
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/29 02:32:35 (permalink)
    Old line? Line exposed to hot sun?? (example: enclosed in hot automobile)?

    God does not take from your life, the time spent fishing!
    #3
    pikepredator2
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/29 03:53:43 (permalink)
    Not all fluoros created equal. some fare better in colder waters, won't become brittle and snap. never had a problem with Seaugar. spend the money, you won't be sorry. had this same problem with cheaper fluoros. Also, just don't wet the line. After I tie my knot, I actually submerge my fly/lure underwater to cinch it down.
    #4
    bigbear2010
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/29 07:50:15 (permalink)
    fluoros by their chemical make up are prone to bad batches
    many times they are good
    but i've had about 30% that were brittle and or weak for the lb test

    i no longer use them because of those issues
    btw, i also hear complaints from many of my customers at BP
    #5
    bike mike 2006
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/29 08:25:15 (permalink)
    I would reccomend Orvis Mirage, never had a problem
    #6
    ricgrb1
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/29 09:15:08 (permalink)
    I have never has any problems with seaguar.  Also try tying on a different knot.  Most people use the improved cinch knot but if that keeps breaking on you try the palomar knot.  This is a simple knot that a lot of bass pros use and im am sure it will work for fly fishing as well.

    Learn more "Fly Fishing Tips and Tricks" at my blog http://www.fly-fishing-tips-and-tricks.com
    #7
    bigfoot
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/29 10:15:33 (permalink)
    Maybe you got a bad batch or your knot is the problem. I have had no problem with Seaugar or Rio Fluoroflex Plus. Try a little chap stick to lube the line before you tie the knot.

    "Life's meaning has always eluded me and I guess it always will. But I love it just the same."
    Quote: E.B. White
     
     
    #8
    bigbear2010
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/29 10:22:04 (permalink)
    or just use mono, its cheaper,and you never have to worry about bad batches
    #9
    schlemoc
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/29 20:19:31 (permalink)
    Thanks everyone.  Glad to see I was not going nuts.  The latest one I tried was Pline Fluoro.  I picked it up at Gander Mtn for about $12 a spool.  I'll take a look in to that anadromous.  I been using mono and may just stick to that.  It's much more hassle free. 

    The spools are all brand new, so there is no chance it could have any issues related to temperature or use.  I use the improved clinch knot and actually tried submerging it under the water to finish it.  I also doubt it was water temperatures because I went up last weekend when the water was low sixties.  I was fishing in shorts and sandals. 

    I appreciate every bit of information guys!  I look forward to seeing most of you at the One Fly.
    #10
    beerman
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/29 22:31:47 (permalink)
    In all due respect, just because a spool is "new" it doesn't mean that it has not been stored correctly
    or that it could be a bad batch or it may not be fresh. IMO the manufacturers should stamp a pull date
    or born on date, on the spool, much like beer. HaHa!

    This early in the season, the steelies are quite strong and put up a great fight. Maybe you are not playing
    the fish out before "putting the wood" to them, thus on a quick turn the steelhead breaks the tippett.
    Just tryin' to help you.

    changes in latitudes, changes in attitudes....nothing remains quite the same



    The Beerman ~ Greg
    #11
    bigbear2010
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/30 10:29:30 (permalink)
    i agree if you get a good batch
    fluoro has some advantages

    and on gin clear streams i think it is the way to go
    also with every small offerings
    #12
    indsguiz
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/30 10:40:20 (permalink)
    One thing that you may not be considering; is actually the teeth on the fish. Fluro runs smaller (for test #) than mono, and is more susceptable to breaking when nicked. I've used fluro but when I do I usually use 8-10#. But most times I just use mono anymore. You are going to have some breakoffs no matter what. I periodically check my leader even when I haven't caught anything just to look for nicks. The shale will destroy line; especially if you bottom bounce nymphs.

    Illegitimis Non carborundum
    #13
    indsguiz
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/30 11:49:40 (permalink)

    ORIGINAL: anadromous

    Weed eater cord is probably best...

    .050 or should I use the .075? My big weed eater uses .120 but it doesn't go on my reel too well. Am I doing something wrong?

    Illegitimis Non carborundum
    #14
    fisherofmen376
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/09/30 22:36:25 (permalink)
    a steel leader will do the trick, and it's also very subtle ;)

    "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."
    Matthew 4:19
    #15
    kylerloveshotdogs
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/10/01 13:48:50 (permalink)
    never had problems with spools..keep them in my walk-in closet when not in use though. 

    big ups for rio flouroflex but only use for steel and swinging streamers/wets. 

    if you can find it, try beartooth flouro.. very cheap and effective.  woody carries it at indiana angler.

    MMM hotdogs in my belly make me happy guy. My wife says no no kyler, you stop eating you getting bigger you will need new waders
    #16
    Cold
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/10/01 14:21:20 (permalink)
    Only fluoro I've used and liked consistently is Seaguar...that's including climax, beartooth, fluoroflex, and sightfree. Not saying the others are no good, just that I wasn't as impressed with them.

    Even at that, old Seaguar is still old fluoro, and it makes a difference. I was fishing old tippet this week on the tribs and broke off noticeably more than usual. When I go for the One Fly, I'll buy a new spool.

    Inspect your line often for any nicks or roughness and replace the whole thing if you feel any.

    I'd wet knots with spit as opposed to water. Spit would make a better lubricant, I'd think.
    #17
    eyesofsteel
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/10/02 20:57:05 (permalink)
    seaguar invizx is my favorite.  200yds for $18.00 bucks.  4lb is as strong as most other manufactures 6lb or 8lb. their 8lb will straighten hooks on your flies before you break off.  its all i use on my fly rod anymore just be sure to wet the knot before cinching it down or it loses a lot of its strength.

    A couple years ago i was casting a rapala F-18 for eyes in may at the mouth of elk creek with ugly stick spooled with 8lb invizx and snagged up on something.  i could not get it to break off and held the spool pointed the rod at the snag and started walking backwards.  after backing up a few feet the snag started to move and i kept backing up and pulled a one foot round three foot long water soaked sunken log to the beach that had to be every bit of 50lbs+  The strenght of that line saved my $10 lure
    #18
    dano
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/10/03 05:20:53 (permalink)
    I bought a 100 meter spool of Frog Hair Fluoro (3x - 7lb).
    3 years later and it's still as strong as the day I bought it. 
    I actually like it for it's abrasion resistance qualities and knot holding properties. Also it doesn't disolve like momo.
    It seemed that compared to the other mfgs., it was the least stiffest.
    But that was 3 years ago.
    WHich MFG. now has the most subtle fluoro line?
    BTW, stiffer lines are harder to cinch properly when seating a knot.
    #19
    Whitebeard
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/10/15 16:50:57 (permalink)
    I've had good success over the past several years with Frog Hair FC, especially their 4x which tests at 6 lbs. with a diameter of .007 in. I've used it as tippet material on the fly rod, dead-drifting nymphs on spring creeks and also as leader material on my ultra-lite spinning rigs on warm water lakes. It's given me no problems while IMO providing more hookups.

    I consistently use one knot whenever possible -- the Trilene Knot -- as described in this article. Be sure to wet the line before beginning to pull the knot snug. Slowly tighten the knot from both the tag end and the business end and be sure the knot is snug and immovable on the hook eye. Leave your tag slightly longer when you clip off the excess to finish the knot.

    Article: http://midcurrent.com/knots/the-last-link/

    By the way, my preference for ultra-lite spinning line is definitely Seaguar, 4 lb. test.
    #20
    Rubicon1
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/10/28 08:40:10 (permalink)
    You might be using too light of a tippet. Don't
    listen to people who say to use a 6X tippet. They
    are too light. I suggest a 3X flourocarbon tippet
    or at the lightest a 4X. The jagged rocks in the
    stream will cut a tippet that's too light.
    #21
    Rubicon1
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    Resort Name? 2011/10/28 08:45:08 (permalink)
    Does anyone know the name of a fishing resort
    in McKean, PA. I know it used to exist, but
    not sure if it's still there or not? It was
    a bit pricey, but limited # of fishermen fishing
    at any one time. It's on Elk Creek.
    #22
    Dream Catcher
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/11/14 15:54:54 (permalink)
    Try this knot non-slip mono loop . It is super strong and gives your fly more movement. Although it takes some practice to keep the loop small : )

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18di2YBLTrU
    #23
    spawnbag
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/11/29 14:26:37 (permalink)
    I have used Seguar Carbonpro for years, and am very satisfied with it. That being said, I just tossed a filler spool of 6# and one of 8# because they were breaking at about 3# of pull. I figured it out after breaking off a nice fish (Michigan), and when I retied and tested my knot, it broke easily. So I retied, retested, and it broke again. They were fine a few weeks ago when I took a week to fish for Steelhead, but they weren't good last weekend. It has long been my experience that flourocarbon gets brittle and weak after about a year, and needs to be replaced. I keep mine stored in the dark, and dry, so those things don't affect it. It just gets weaker over time, and 12 months is the shelf life in my experience. I switched to some newer 10# I had, and that worked great. Getting new 8#, and I never really cared for 6# anyway.
    #24
    rottenhimer
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    RE: Flourocarbon Issues? 2011/12/18 09:46:03 (permalink)
      I'v been using maxima for years now.I stoped using flourocarbon because it never breaks down.
    #25
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