I asked MicroSoft Copilot AI “What is the difference between nylon mono and fluorocarbon leader?”

Nylon Monofilament (Mono):

• Elasticity: Mono is more elastic than fluorocarbon, making it a good shock absorber. When a fish strikes aggressively, the stretch in mono helps prevent tackle failure.
• Knots: It’s easy to tie knots with mono.
• Buoyancy: Mono floats on the water’s surface.
• Visibility: Mono is more visible to fish due to its buoyancy and transparency.
• Strength: For a given diameter, mono is weaker compared to fluorocarbon.
• Cost: Mono is less expensive than fluorocarbon.
• Density: Mono is less dense than fluorocarbon.
• Use Cases: Mono is suitable for casting lures around structures, where fish aren’t too “leader shy.” It’s also great for fish like barramundi and mulloway, where stretch helps during aggressive strikes and head shakes.

Fluorocarbon:

• Stiffness: Fluorocarbon is stiffer than mono.
• Stretch: It has minimal stretch, which is advantageous for deep water jigging and bait fishing.
• Abrasion Resistance: Fluorocarbon is highly abrasion-resistant.
• Diameter: Fluorocarbon has a thinner diameter compared to nylon mono of the same breaking strain.
• Density: It sinks in water.
• Visibility: Fluorocarbon is less visible to fish.
• Knot Strength: Fluorocarbon has better knot strength.
• Use Cases: Use fluorocarbon for deep water jigging, bait fishing, and finesse luring with small soft plastics. It imparts action on jigs and lures, and its minimal stretch helps prevent fish from reaching bottom structures.

Copilot says “In summary, choose mono for shock absorption and ease of knot tying, and fluorocarbon for less visibility, better abrasion resistance, and specific fishing techniques.”

However, independent testing at Salt Strong (https://www.saltstrong.com/fishing-tip/mono-vs-fluoro-insider-only/?&utm_content=weekly-newsletter-4-7-24&utm_term=&utm_medium=Email-broadcast&utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_source=Isoft) has a different opinion supported with data. (NOTE: only Salt Strong Insiders will be able to view this URL).

Which do you prefer for your leaders, mono or fluoro, and why?

Tight line.