fluorocarbon line

I have not seen you guys talk about this line. Do anybody use this kind of line and if so in what kind of applications. Does this line have good characteristics to make it worth spooling it on a reel? I know there was a discussion on Hi-vis line but when does a guy have to start worrying about fish seeing the line. I’ve talk to guys that say it does’nt matter(fish seeing the line) and others that do. Thanks for any info.

I have had problems with the knot strength with the Vanish line I tried 2 years ago. It may have just been a bad batch of line but I have heard others say they have had the same issues. I thought it would work well for live bait leaders leaders but it sinks and keeps your bait on the bottom unless you are using a float of some sort.

I’ve only used it for leaders. I hear it really flys off the spool (literally)when you trip the bail, Tuck can attest to this.

I like the Seagear line compared to Vanish.

Its a little expensive but i’ve had better luck with it.

As far as Knot strength, are you guys wetting the knot before tightening?

Very important.

I bought some Vanish 2 seasons ago and will never use it again. I can also attest to it “flying” off spinning reels. Never used it on casting equipment, but I can think of 10 different lines I would use before buying that again.

I’ve thrown flouro with baitcasters and that seems “ok”………..nothing to write home to dad about though. I still use it for trolling with a caster or making leaders. I haven’t had any trouble with Vanish knots as long as the knot was really lubed up and cinched slowly……….a tip I got from a Pure Fishin’ Rep. I picked up some Stren flouro that was on clearance last week but haven’t had the opportunity to test it out yet.

Do NOT use it on a spinning reel! Hooks is right about it “flying” off the spool when the bail is tripped. WAY too much memory!

Vanish has vanised from my arsenal!

This line has pretty much vanished from my my arsenal also. I had the same problems most of you have already described. At first I though it had “Auto Cast” built in to it and went about it’s business as soon as the bail would open up. Possibly using it on a bigger spinning reel would eliminate the “Auto Cast” but I have never tried it. Anyone? I have used it on bait casting reels and had no problems with it. The only thing I will use this line for now days is tying leaders to fireline when fishing shallow this time of the year when the water is Gin clear. To tell you truth, I do not think it makes a heck of a lot of difference anyway on the river. I can see using this line to your advantage when fishing a very clear water impoundment.

Personally I really like the stuff. Lubrication is a must when tying knots though. Yes it does sink and it does blend right in with the water. I keep it on at least 2 rods all the time. Just my thoughts —————————–Pax

Berkley Vanish has a place in my fishing toolbox.

I use it mainly for leader material…….spinners, live bait rigs (6# test worked great for me on Mille Lacs last year), leaders behind leadcore line, and tied to a swivel behind flame Fireline when verticle jigging in clear water.

I also use it on West Okoboji (gin clear) when drop-shotting for bass and walleyes and open water trolling on the Great Lakes.

The benefits to using Vanish are: its low visibility, low stretch, and it 100% knot and line strength when wet (nylon line loses some strength when wet).

The disatvatages are: not as manageable as nylon based fishing lines, heat caused by friction tends to weaken line at the knot when not lubricated (as mentioned before…..wet the knot and wet it again just to be sure).

I personally haven’t found one single fishing line that works for all techniques and applications…….maybe someday. Until then I will take the good with the bad and keep using them as “tools” to catch more fish.

Good Luck.

Eric Naig

I’ve never tried actually spooling the flourocarbon lines on a spinning reel and casting with them. One look at how the line played off the spool after opening the package and I wasn’t about to even try it. I do find the flourocarbon lines to be REALLY durable and make excellent leader material. I’ve gone through a couple small spools in the last couple years and I’ve been real pleased when tying spinners with the stuff or for leaders on 3-ways, etc. In the Mississippi River the reason I decided to give the stuff a try was NOT because I needed an invisible line, most of the time our fish can’t see tug boat rope in the water at two paces, but it was instead because of the reputation the line had earned with saltwater anglers as some serious tough line. Sounded like something that would withstand a few zeebs… gave it a try. If you use it to make leaders, etc. you’ll like the stuff as long as you follow the guidelines shared above about wetting the knot, etc. If you load it up on a spinning reel or cinch knots dry with this stuff…. you’ll absolutely hate it.

thanks guys for all the info. You guys saved me from having a bad day out fishing.

Dustin, I had to laugh when I saw your “Autocast”.

I was all pumped to use it last year and spooled it up as soon as I cut it and let the tension off it flew off the spool so fast I couldn’t believe it! Man was I mad! I thought maybe I put it on wrong but it was just the line. I used it for spinners and that’s it. Many people have tried this stuff only to hate it.

Ferny.