<h2>Fluorocarbon: Strong and Invisible!</h2><p>The line is the only connection to the fish. And when that fish has a lot of sharp teeth, that connection had better be bite-resistant. This doesn't need to apply to the entire line, but at least the final section before the lure - <strong>the leader should withstand predator teeth or sharp mussel shells for a long time</strong>. There are many good options for this, including steel, titanium and Kevlar.</p><h2>What Is Fluorocarbon?</h2><p>One particularly interesting alternative is fluorocarbon (abbreviated FC). This material looks similar to monofilament nylon lines but has different properties that make it an ideal leader material.</p><p>Fluorocarbon is extremely abrasion-resistant, holding up well against predator teeth, mussels and other sharp objects underwater. It also has a refractive index close to that of water, making it (at least in theory) almost invisible below the surface.</p><p>Its high density means it sinks slowly, which, when fluorocarbon is used as a main line, can increase the running depth of your lures.</p><p>FC has less stretch than nylon. This ensures that strikes come through cleanly, and when used as a main line the feedback is almost comparable to braid.</p><p>All in all, fluorocarbon is a great material. In diameters from 1 mm upwards it is virtually pike-proof. That said, you should check <strong>the leader for damage regularly</strong> - at the latest after every fish - and re-tie or replace it as needed.</p><h3>Up to What Diameter Can You Use FC?</h3><p>Fluorocarbon can be knotted or crimped up to diameters of over 1 mm. When using crimps, you should use double crimp sleeves to avoid weakening the material through incorrect compression.</p><p>In thinner diameters, FC is ideal as a predator leader for perch, zander, trout and other lightly toothed predators. The combination of low visibility, abrasion resistance and sinking behaviour makes it an excellent leader material.</p><h3>Tips for Fishing with Fluorocarbon</h3><p>Fluorocarbon breaks down almost not at all in nature. You should therefore make sure to take every last offcut or leader remnant home with you rather than leaving it in the environment.</p><p>As already mentioned, fluorocarbon is more than just an alternative as a main line for targeted predator fishing. Particularly when fishing with rigs and hard lures, a fluorocarbon main line really comes into its own. Its optimal low-load stretch lets lures run beautifully and always provides sufficient feedback on bites.</p>