NorCal Kayak Anglers

Kayak Fishing Zone => General Fishing Tips => Topic started by: ryanrs on January 11, 2018, 09:38:26 AM

Title: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: ryanrs on January 11, 2018, 09:38:26 AM
I've heard rockfish dgaf about visible lines. What about surf perch? Stripers and halibut? Are there any common surf fishing situations where it's important to have an invisible leader, and not just plain mono?

I am philosophically opposed to paying $1/yard for fancy fishing line, but would like to know other posters' experiences.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: SmokeOnTheWater on January 11, 2018, 09:52:44 AM
Most of the fish we target around here, I usually go with mono and it works out fine.  The only time I break out the fluoro is when I target yellowtail and tuna down south. 

For halibut, it looks like they don't fully commit sometimes and pick around the bait, I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to use fluoro in those situations.  For the most part, save your money and use mono!   :smt005
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: masterandahound on January 11, 2018, 09:53:56 AM
Haven't fished for halibut myself so I can't attest to that, but I regularly fish for surfperch and stripers with mono leaders and have never had any perceived issues of fish being leader shy. Even under calm conditions, the surf is a pretty chaotic area with decreased visibility due to the wave action already. Maybe others can chime in, but it seems like overkill in my experience.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: Rock Hopper on January 11, 2018, 09:55:39 AM
Agree with SOTW. Save your flouro for palegics.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: ryanrs on January 11, 2018, 09:56:40 AM
P.S. as someone new to fishing, but with some knowledge of sailing and climbing knots, you fishermen sure pick some hellish materials for your lines. Monofilament, spectra braid, fluorocarbon, and steel wire? Knot masochism is the only explanation.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: bmb on January 11, 2018, 10:02:41 AM
i only use fluoro in lakes here, usually for trout up at almanor and those places.  the water is super clear and the fish can be really picky. 
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: Azkikr on January 11, 2018, 10:39:28 AM
Agree. Save ur flouro. Mono will do just fine


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Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: ryanrs on January 11, 2018, 10:49:27 AM
And while we're at it, can I use heavy mono for leopard sharks, too? I see a few people recommending steel leaders, but leopards don't seem particularly toothy to me (though I haven't stuck a finger in one's mouth yet). I'm thinking steel would only be needed for something like a sevengill.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: SeaScum on January 11, 2018, 10:57:01 AM
I've used fluoro and mono for surf fishing. I've noticed precisely zero difference, even in super clear water. As others have mentioned, I think there is just too much water moving around in the surf for fish to be line shy. That being said - I think fishing can be a mental thing in some aspects, and if you need to feel more confident that your gear is set up in the most effective way possible, I think it's totally worth it. For example - I use a long leader, at least 6-7ft, when surf casting. I deal with line twists, occasional tangles, and bites may be harder to detect because of it, but I seem to get more bites with the long leader. My thought is that the fish aren't so spooked by the sinker dragging through the sand by the time the lure is in front of them. Total mental thing? Probably. Have I seen guys catch tons of fish using 2-3ft leaders? Yes,  many times. But the long leader just feels better for me! Go with your gut.

Oh, and if you are going to use fluoro, don't use the blue label Seaguar. That stuff was horrible for me.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: ex-kayaker on January 11, 2018, 11:00:51 AM
Leopards wont saw it off clean but they can knick the line creating a real weak spot that may break under pressure.  They also have a tendency to do the death spin when fighting, like rubbing your line with sand paper.  Can probably get away with 60lb but i like 100lb mono.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: Dale L on January 11, 2018, 11:08:50 AM
And while we're at it, can I use heavy mono for leopard sharks, too? I see a few people recommending steel leaders, but leopards don't seem particularly toothy to me (though I haven't stuck a finger in one's mouth yet). I'm thinking steel would only be needed for something like a sevengill.

Biggest shark I ever caught was a 67" seven gill, caught while targeting leopards in Tomales bay, that why I use steel,

A note for those who don't know seven gill sharks basically have a mouthful of razor blades, watch you fingers.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: Clayman on January 11, 2018, 11:17:36 AM
A friend of mine uses small wire spreaders for his surf perch rigs.  He attaches the hooks directly to the wire.  Catches just as many fish as anyone else on the beach.

And while we're at it, can I use heavy mono for leopard sharks, too? I see a few people recommending steel leaders, but leopards don't seem particularly toothy to me (though I haven't stuck a finger in one's mouth yet). I'm thinking steel would only be needed for something like a sevengill.
I like stiff, heavy mono as leader material for leopards.  Typically 40-60 pound test.  I've never had a bite-off with these leaders on leopards, but have had large spiny dogfish saw through them.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: CptSloppywood on January 11, 2018, 11:23:00 AM
No floro for Perch, Striper or Halibut.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: Spring45 on January 11, 2018, 11:24:28 AM
Agree- I use mono. The only time I use fluoro is for salmon. But we all know my success rate with that as well :smt044
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: ryanrs on January 11, 2018, 11:29:29 AM
Can probably get away with 60lb but i like 100lb mono [for leopards].

I have KastKing mono leader in 50, 100, and 150#. The 50 feels relatively thin and flimsy, but easy to tie. The 100 has some heft but I can still tie (some) knots in it. I haven't tried working with the 150 yet, but I think it crosses over into pain-in-the-ass territory. I think the 150 might call for crimps instead of knots, so why not just make a steel wire leader.

I'll make my leopard rigs with the 100# mono.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: ex-kayaker on January 11, 2018, 11:38:41 AM
I dont think we ever used crimps, even with the steel leaders.  I wanna say it was always just a perfection loop.  Steel leaders have a tendency to kink up, i think we swit hed over to heavy heavy mono mid 90s on the advice of a local skipper.

If youre fishing the bay,  might be a good idea to stick to the sturgeon regs while fishing leooards, never know when an incidental will wander your way. 
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: Rock Hopper on January 11, 2018, 11:46:40 AM
Can probably get away with 60lb but i like 100lb mono [for leopards].

I have KastKing mono leader in 50, 100, and 150#. The 50 feels relatively thin and flimsy, but easy to tie. The 100 has some heft but I can still tie (some) knots in it. I haven't tried working with the 150 yet, but I think it crosses over into pain-in-the-ass territory. I think the 150 might call for crimps instead of knots, so why not just make a steel wire leader.

I'll make my leopard rigs with the 100# mono.

I use 25lb mono for leopards and have never been bitten off. And I used to fish for leopards a lot. Use the 50 if you don't want to buy more line.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: ryanrs on January 11, 2018, 11:59:49 AM
If youre fishing the bay, might be a good idea to stick to the sturgeon regs while fishing leooards, never know when an incidental will wander your way.

I was thinking of the Bolinas lagoon, which should be sturgeon-free. Sturgeon hasn't been on my radar, so I haven't done even basic prep like buying a report card. If I run into one, it'll be random chance and I'll have to let it go (then come here and brag about it, of course).
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: ryanrs on January 11, 2018, 03:15:46 PM
A note for those who don't know seven gill sharks basically have a mouthful of razor blades, watch you fingers.

Yep! In this 2008 Chronicle article about tracking sevengills, (http://www.sfgate.com/science/article/Scientists-track-mysterious-sevengill-sharks-3274623.php) a marine biologist working with the sharks confirms that "sevengills have the reputation of being snippy and snappy."
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: crash on January 11, 2018, 03:41:03 PM
Flouro sinks. Mono floats. No idea if the perch care, but I’ve always used mono.  I’m tempted to try both in the same hole at the same time and see if it makes a difference.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: Live2Fish on January 11, 2018, 05:54:36 PM
I always use 6lb fluoro perch fishing.   I’ve been using the P-line Steelhead and Salmon fluoro in 6lb test for surfperch...and almost all freshwater fishing.  Prefer the sensitivity, low stretch, and quick sink rate of lighter fluoro. This stuff is best light tackle fluoro I’ve used.  Highly recommend it.  As far as perch are concerned they will take anything.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: Tsuri on January 11, 2018, 05:56:18 PM
All mono all the time, 30# for Cali halibut, perch and leaperd sharks works fine but might want something heavier in Bolinas lagoon (some fatty's in there).

Never fished for palegics and have terrible "luck" with trout so might try fluoro for those or if fishing clear tropical waters.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: Tinker on January 11, 2018, 06:58:06 PM
Fluorocarbon lines cast shadows identical to a monofilament line on the bottom of the river.  Using it because it's "invisible" is drinking the Kool-Aid.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: newfuturevintage on January 12, 2018, 07:54:38 AM
P.S. as someone new to fishing, but with some knowledge of sailing and climbing knots, you fishermen sure pick some hellish materials for your lines. Monofilament, spectra braid, fluorocarbon, and steel wire? Knot masochism is the only explanation.

That's why I've been twisting my own hemp leaders since weed became legal.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: Eddie on January 12, 2018, 12:38:38 PM
P.S. as someone new to fishing, but with some knowledge of sailing and climbing knots, you fishermen sure pick some hellish materials for your lines. Monofilament, spectra braid, fluorocarbon, and steel wire? Knot masochism is the only explanation.

That's why I've been twisting my own hemp leaders since weed became legal.
Is there a Diamondback strain?
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: newfuturevintage on January 12, 2018, 02:00:11 PM
P.S. as someone new to fishing, but with some knowledge of sailing and climbing knots, you fishermen sure pick some hellish materials for your lines. Monofilament, spectra braid, fluorocarbon, and steel wire? Knot masochism is the only explanation.

That's why I've been twisting my own hemp leaders since weed became legal.
Is there a Diamondback strain?

Naw, only staiva strains.
Title: Re: Is fluorocarbon leader useful for surf fishing?
Post by: crash on January 12, 2018, 03:25:16 PM
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