fluorocarbon vs. mono: Does it really matter?

[Mike P]

How many leaders do you leave on the bottom fishing from the jetties down your way? It's not just the leaders that get chewed up that adds to the cost--it's the ones that break at the barrell when you hang the bottom. Last year I went thru four 50 yard wheels of mono leader, and probably $500 worth of lead. Seaguar is like $15 for 25 yards. Even the 50 yard wheels got too rich for my blood, so I went for the 1/4# spool of Ande. The $225 1209 and the $565 Saltiga (direct from Japan) are forever. Buy 'em once and they're yours unless they break or some a-hole clips them. Jigs, braid and leader are recurring expenses. You save where you can. I would guess I lose two fish a year to a leader breaking from abrasion. The added cost just isn't worth it for me. Flouro isn't wire--it still chafes, and when my leader chafes, I don't trust it any longer. I cut it and retie my clip if the leader's still long enough, or replace it if what's left is too short. I like a 30" to 36" leader, and a swivel big enough to use as a grab handle. That way I can lift a schoolie or small keeper up by hand without slipping on the low rocks or bubble weed.