Fluorocarbon Monofilament uses a different material from nylon known as PVDF and has some distinctive advantages for the angler in certain circumstances. Here we give an insight into the important properties of this very special material. The information here relates to Pure Fluorocarbon lines rather than Fluorocarbon Coated lines which are something quite different.
Fluorocarbon is more difficult to see in water than nylon due to its light refraction index of 1.39, which is almost the same as that of water (1.33). This has all the obvious advantages of being less detectable to the fish than normal mono, particularly in clearer waters. The light refraction ratio of nylon can be anything between 1.53 and 1.65. Fluorocarbon monofilament is made in exactly the same way as nylon monofilament but using a different raw material.
The first fluorocarbons were relatively low in performance but have developed steadily over recent years so Fluorocarbon now offers high levels of linear breaking strains and knot strength approaching that of hi-tech nylon lines. The knot strength of fluorocarbon is generally a little lower than nylon, however while the knot strength of nylon can drop by up to 10 - 15% once it is submerged in water over a period of 2 hours or more, Fluorocarbon does not absorb water and therefore the knot strength remains constant.
In most styles of fishing it is preferable for the line to sink, and to sink quickly. Fluorocarbon is around 75% heavier than water, with a specific gravity of 1.77. Nylon is only 15% heavier than water with a specific gravity of 1.15. This means that fluorocarbon sinks three to four times more quickly than normal nylon. Fluorocarbon will take on average 32 seconds to sink 1m, while nylon will take around 95 seconds to drop to the same level. This of course means that fluorocarbon gets you to the point in the water you want to be much faster.
Fluorocarbon offers good abrasion resistance, being dense and very smooth. Fluorocarbon is a very stable product and is not affected in extreme temperature conditions. Fluorocarbon is also virtually unaffected by UV radiation and therefore will not deteriorate when exposed to direct sunlight.
Normal Fluorocarbons are stiffer than nylon and can be difficult to cast, limiting their use as a main line on the reel. Ultima have developed a unique softening process that has significantly improved softness making Pure Power Fluorocarbon castable to distances of 150m plus.