Light Refractive Index

• Fluorocarbon fishing line almost matches what scientists term the "light refractive index" that water has, meaning that it is almost impossible to perceive when submerged. This allows an angler to use a heavier and sturdier type of fluorocarbon on his rod and reel, with fish unable to detect it. This more realistic presentation of lures and bait can allow astute anglers to catch more fish.
  
  

Significance

• Fluorocarbon comes from Japan, specifically developed because of the extreme pressure that the anglers there place on their fisheries. With so many Japanese enjoying this pastime, it became paramount to find ways to trick wary fish with lifelike presentations. The near invisibility of fluorocarbon line when submerged in water makes this possible.
  
  

Make-Up and Advances

• Mike Bucca of the Bass Resource website notes that fluorocarbon fishing line has the same chemical make-up as such products as valves and seals, piping and the strings of musical instruments. Polyvinylidene fluoride is one of the major components of the majority of these lines. While many of the first fluorocarbon fishing lines were quite expensive due to a complicated production process, new advances in making this line brought down the cost. The old fluorocarbon line was stiff and difficult to work with, but it is much more flexible because of new technology.
  
  

Other Benefits

• Other fluorocarbon advantages include the line's resistance to such things as sunlight and exposure that can deteriorate other kinds of fishing lines. Fluorocarbon fishing line is heavier than water, making it sink quickly. This lets an angler present lures at deeper depths more rapidly than with inferior lines. Fluorocarbon will not stretch, as many lines will, since it will not absorb water. This added sensitivity is a plus for anglers who want to set their hook at the slightest sign of a bite from a fish.
  
  

Flourocarbon Drawbacks

• Anglers that do not practice meticulous knot tying may find that they have knots that let go or break when they use fluorocarbon line. This type of line works much better on a bait-casting reel than it does on a spinning reel. On spinning reels, the fluorocarbon, which is much stiffer than regular monofilament fishing line, can coil and spring off the reel if the angler is not careful. Fluorocarbon's cost is more than lines like monofilament, with the trade-off being that it typically lasts much longer.