Gear Review: Fluoro Vs Mono

Been getting a lot of questions lately about the differences between monofilament and fluorocarbon, as well as the differences between the different brands we carry. Lets start this discussion by answering some questions about the differences between mono and fluoro. There are four main differences between the two which are:

Density

• Monofilament is less dense, meaning it will float. Floating line = more relaxed line (more slack in the line, less feel).
• Fluorocarbon is much denser, it sinks. Sinking line = more tension (less slack in the line, more feel).

Strength

• Monofilament has more dynamic strength meaning is has stretch or give. Mono also is permeable to water over time which means it will weaken (this is why you don’t want to leave spools of mono out in the rain).
• Fluorocarbon is more abrasion resistant than mono meaning is has little to no stretch. Limited stretch means more sensitive line (sensitive line = more feel). Fluoro also has zero water permeability.

Visibility

• Mono is larger in diameter than fluoro, therefore it is more visible in the water.
• Fluoro is smaller in diameter, nearly invisible to fish.

Cost

• Fluoro is more expensive than mono (and rightfully so, it’s better quality).
• Another steelhead to hand thanks to 15 lb. P-line fluorocarbon.

Now that we’ve cleared up the differences, let’s discuss the differences between brands.

Maxima: the go to tippet for strength. Probably the strongest monofilament on the market. A lot of anglers use maxima when making their own leaders because it is available in a lot of different sizes. Although is it extremely strong, it is also extremely large in diameter when compared to other brands. Not a good option for fishing dries or to finicky fish.

P-Line Shinsei: the strongest fluorocarbon available on the market today. Like maxima, shinsei is the go to tippet for anglers looking for superior strength while incorporating fluorocarbon into their leaders. What it adds to strength, it lacks in diameter (much larger diameter than other fluorocarbons on the market). This tippet is ideal for the streamer crowd. This is the stuff we use steelhead fishing.

Rio: this is probably the most popular tippet material among consumers and comes in a variety of monofilaments and fluorocarbons. I will break this one down by the individual products available.

Powerflex: this is your middle of the road, most used tippet material on the market. It incorporates excellent knot strength, while maintaining stretch and supple characteristics. Pretty small diameter compared to pound test.

RioMax Plus: incorporates medium stiffness and abrasion resistance. Large in diameter compared to Powerflex, but also has higher pound capabilities.

Suppleflex: incorporates strength while having incredibly soft and supple characteristics. Good for dry fly fishing. Smaller in diameter as well as pound test.

Extreme: incorporates extreme strength while maintaining sensitivity. Absolutely no stretch with this mono. Extremely small diameter when compared to pound test (i.e. .008= 20 lb. whereas Powerflex with .008= 8.2 lb.).

Fluoroflex: middle of the road fluorocarbon with medium stiffness.

Fluoroflex plus: hands down the best fluoro on the market right now for all around use. Extremely supple with excellent knot strength. Smallest diameter compared to lb test. I have switched to this material this year and have seen a great improvement in hookup rate as well as landing bigger fish on smaller flies.

A finnicky Beaverhead brown thanks to Rio fluoroflex Plus

Scientific Anglers: available in both fluoro and mono. The rep tells us that we will be receiving their new spools shortly which has line cutter welded onto the spool. This is your middle of the road tippet when comparing strength and diameter.

Trouthunter: available in both mono and fluoro. The cool thing about this brand is it is available "in between" sizes (3.5, 4.5, 5.5x) as well as normal diameters. Additionally this tippet material comes in spool sizes of 50m whereas others are 27m spools.

Climax: Again, available in both mono and fluoro spools. Climax prides themselves on superior knot strength capabilities when compared to other brands. While they may have this, they lack in the diameter to strength ratio.
Streamers ready to be rigged with Maxima or P-line.
My advice is try different brands until you find what you like. I personally am a fan of P-line for streamers/steelhead and Rio fluoroflex plus for all other applications.