Fluorocarbon leader?

[PolarBear]

Howdy!
Just wondering if using fluorocarbon leader (for salmon) is worth the extra or is it just hype?

[jackelope]

No experience with it salmon fishing but I use it for my flyfishing leaders for everything except dry flies. I don't know if it's that much better. 

[boneaddict]

It lacks strength and slips knots easily.  Its harder to deal with, but it is much more transparent and thus you ahve more hookups.

[boneaddict]

slips knots easily

In comparison to tradidional leaders that is.  Its harder to get a good knot and in experience thats its weakness, that and cost.  I never worried about cost becasue I figure how much fuel I use etc, and if I can have more hookups....

[PolarBear]

I did give it a try last fall but noticed that it was a pain to work with and standard knots were not as reliable.  Is it that much more transparent than good old clear mono?

[BLKBEARKLR]

I did give it a try last fall but noticed that it was a pain to work with and standard knots were not as reliable.  Is it that much more transparent than good old clear mono?

Polar yes way more transparency.

Get some of the higher end ones P-Line / Seaquer.  And they work just fine on the knots and tensil strength. If all possible I always try to tie palomer knots.

Joe

[PolarBear]

I tried P-Line.  It could just be me as far as the knots go. (it seems that I am losing my touch on all aspects of fishing, lol) I was using 30 lb for salmon leaders tying double rigs.  I'll try it again, thanks folks!

[fishcrazy]

I wouldn't waste the money. The stuff goes bad just sitting on the shelf in the store. Knots can be a pain and the fish just don't care. Line size will matter more than what it is made of. IMO If you think they are going to spook from the line then drop it down and don't horse them.
Use a good quality mono like maxima UG and everythign will be fine.

Kris

[FC]

Save it for the steelhead, salmon don't care.

[ribka]

I did give it a try last fall but noticed that it was a pain to work with and standard knots were not as reliable.  Is it that much more transparent than good old clear mono?

Polar yes way more transparency.

Get some of the higher end ones P-Line / Seaquer.  And they work just fine on the knots and tensil strength. If all possible I always try to tie palomer knots.

Joe

I really like seaguar flouro

Flouro will sometimes make a difference. I think with some trout, bass and saltwater fish( Bone fish, tarpon, stripers) I did notice a difference and had more hook-ups vs reg mono. More abrasion resistant too compared to mono

Personally do not think you need flour or steelhead or salmon. My experience is that they are not leader shy.
I like maxima mono for steelhead and salmon
Uniknot works for me with flouro

[FC]

ribka, what flourocarbon are you using that is more abrasion resistant than mono? Everything I have tried was the exact opposite, I've gotten to the point where I will only use it when the river is crystal clear and the fish are leader shy.

[mkcj]

I only use it if the water is really clear. Just does not hold up against abrasion.

[alanger]

salmons are stupid.

[ribka]

Here is an in depth review for those interested:

http://www.tackletour.com/reviewfluorocarbontest.html

As mentioned like the Seaguar flouro for leaders. Frogs hair and Rio also good but more $$$
I think more abrasion resistant IMO. However, see above article not all flouros are equal.

When tying knots do it slowwwllly  when cinching knot and don't forget to lube knot.

[FC]

That's pretty funny ribka, I've been using 12lb trilene for years after trying a lot of other lines that I found wanting I settled on the berkley big game 12lb for almost all of my salmon fishing from the bank. From that test I would guess that the P-line halo would be the bang for buck flourocarbon line.