Have you ever been told your guitar has a beautiful sound and secretly known your strings were made from… fishing line? It might sound like a quirky guitar joke, but the truth is out: savvy players are turning to fluorocarbon fishing leader lines for their instruments. If you’re familiar with the crisp response and bright tone of carbon guitar strings, then this might not be such a far-fetched idea. After all, these fluorocarbon lines share a similar material composition.
For those seeking a powerful yet warm tone, Seaguar Premier fluorocarbon leader lines are definitely worth exploring. In my experience, they strike a unique balance, offering the dynamic response and sustain of carbon strings while retaining some of the lyrical warmth typically associated with nylon. Plus, they feel surprisingly comfortable under the fingers. Durability is another key advantage – these lines are engineered to withstand the fight of large fish, meaning they hold their vibrant tone for an extended period. And there’s a certain novelty in knowing your strings are built to tackle a marlin when someone compliments your guitar’s sound!
Intrigued to try “Guitar Fishing” yourself? Here’s a starting point for string gauges, based on my experimentation:
- 3rd String: 80lb Seaguar Fluoro Premier 25 Yards Fluorocarbon Leader
- 2nd String: 60lb Seaguar Fluoro Premier 25 Yards Fluorocarbon Leader
- 1st String: La Bella 10PH, Augustine Imperial, or Regal (personal preference may vary).
While others might suggest different options for the first string, I find these brands blend seamlessly with the fluorocarbon 2nd and 3rd strings. Many guitarists find traditional carbon first strings to be overly bright, thin sounding, and high tension. This is likely why a perfect fluorocarbon gauge for the 1st string remains elusive – the material itself may not be ideally suited for that top string position.
You might initially balk at purchasing these lines on what appears to be expensive reels. However, breaking down the cost, each string comes out to a surprisingly reasonable $1-$1.50. Considering a standard set of guitar strings can easily exceed $7, “guitar fishing” strings offer excellent value. Plus, a single spool will last you a very long time. The 80lb 3rd string, in particular, blends exceptionally well with full nylon sets, adding clarity without sounding boomy.
However, if you’ve experimented with various carbon treble strings in the past and haven’t found them to your liking, then “guitar fishing” might not convert you. But for adventurous players seeking a unique tonal palette and durable performance, diving into the world of fluorocarbon leader lines could be a surprisingly rewarding experience.
