Berkley® Vanish® Fluorocarbon Line
The scientific community is constantly bringing new changes to the fishing industry and one of the most recent trends is the emergence of high-percentage, fluorocarbon lines. Technically speaking, fluorocarbon is a composition of carbon and fluorine particles that create a strong chemical bond. What it means for us is a fishing line that is more reactive, has less stretch, less memory and a more dense composition allowing it to sink better into water than traditional monofilament lines.
First Impressions
Berkley fishing lines are my favorite. I use two set-ups: one is rigged with 10# Berkley Fireline; the other with 8# Berkley Vanish Transition, not to be confused with this product (more on that below). More than anything else, I find Berkley line reliable which is perhaps more important than anything else.
Fishing the Line
Starting with my first spool, it became apparent this line is very supple and has low memory. Fishing rattle shad baits (Bass Pro Shops TriVibe | Strike King Red Eye Shad) in 10-12' water, I found the 8# test to be the perfect mix of both sensitivity and stretch. Unfortunately on just my second hook-up, the line snapped when the fish dove for cover, ticking the line across the rocks. I've always found fluorocarbon lines to be brittle in that regard and can be unforgiving once damaged — therefore, I wasn't going to hold it against this product specifically...yet.
After mixed success in deeper water, I spooled up my Spinnerbait set-up with Vanish to see how it would handle shallow water.
The fact I had to re-tie my spinnerbait on 4 times before I got a knot that wouldn't break should have been a warning.
You have to be extremely careful when cinching a knot as just the slightest rub will scrape the line causing a weakness that, if you're lucky, will give when you pull the knot tight. Otherwise, it'll gives as soon as your first fish is on and pressure hits the line. As far as sensitivity, visibility and casting goes, this line is outstanding. The fact I lost 4 spinnerbaits and 7 of 9 fish over a two week period results in our mixed review.
Review Summary
There is little doubt that high-percentage, fluorocarbon composition lines have their pros and cons. If you can get Vanish tied correctly, use line conditioner, and fish areas with few obstructions, you'll absolutely love this line. If you fish areas where you line is going to get ticked, consider alternatives. We found the line to be incredible reactive, but we also lost more lures to this line than an other this past season which is disappointing because our favorite line is this product's twin sister: Vanish Transitions. Overall, if your water is clear use this line, otherwise we recommend considering Vanish Transtions which offers all the benefits of this product, but seems to be much more durable.
