Trilene Big Game Fluorocarbon Leaders: Invisible Thread
Few things in the modern world of fishing tackle have evolved as quickly as lines, and few lines have changed as much as leaders. Fluorocarbon, with its nearly-invisible footprint in the water, makes an awesome leader—but it has some bad attributes. It’s incredibly stiff, and ridiculously expensive. Sometimes flexibility is a good thing in a leader, and we always like to get the maximum value for our dollars. Enter: Berkley Trilene Big Game Fluorocarbon leaders, in 10-lb. to 400-lb. tests.
I tested several different sizes of this leader, and found the line much softer and more pliable than the usual fluorocarbon. That meant I could knot up to 80-lb. test, which requires crimping with other lines. And when I did crimp the Big Game Fluorocarbon it didn’t slip or crush, as some lines have a tendency to do. Plus, check out the pricing; many fluorocarbons cost 30- to 40-percent more. The down-side? Big Game does seem a bit more stretchie than other fluoros, which could be good or bad depending on your personal preferences. I like bluewater leaders to have a bit of give when big fish come to the wire, so in this regard I see it as a plus.
If you’re rigging a dropper chain or a tandem rig, naturally, you’d want a stiffer leader material to help keep the lures off of each other, and this won’t be your first choice. But for direct leader-to-lure rigs, Big Game Fluorocarbon is a new option that puts some flexibility in your choices.
Cost: $10 - $110 depending on size and amount.
The Highs: Easy to tie into knots, and more flexibility than most fluorocarbons.
The Lows: Some may not want the extra stretch or flexibility.
Who Wants It: Offshore anglers who demand fluorocarbon leaders.
Contact: www.purefishing.com.
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