Captain's corner

By DAVE MISTRETTA

© St. Petersburg Times, published August 13, 2000

One of the most common questions from anglers: "Is fluorocarbon leader all it's cracked up to be?"

This high-tech fishing line has been around for a few years but, for the most part, was kept a secret by professionals. Recently put on the market, fluorocarbon is available from numerous manufacturers.

Here is how it works: As light refracts, or bends, through the water, leader material becomes more visible. Fluorocarbon has a lower rate of refraction than monofilament, wire or colored nylons. If fish can't see the leader, they are more apt to take a bait.

Fluorocarbon is not the "fix all", but it will help. This high-priced material works best when water is clear. When fishing in the dark or dirty-water conditions, less expensive monofilament works fine.

- Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call (727) 595-3276.

© St. Petersburg Times. All rights reserved.

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