PFAS in Fishing Line: Is Fluorocarbon Line Safe to Use?

If you fish regularly, you are probably handling PFAS every time you spool up. That is not speculation. Fluorocarbon fishing line is made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which is a PFAS compound. The same family of “forever chemicals” that people are pulling out of their cookware and water filters is sitting on your reel.

This does not mean you need to panic and cut your line right now. But it is worth understanding what you are touching, what the actual risks look like, and what alternatives exist that will not wreck your fishing.

For more on PFAS-free living, see our guide to PFAS free gardening supplies and PFAS free silicone cookware.

Why fluorocarbon fishing line is a PFAS concern

The name gives it away. Fluorocarbon line is manufactured from PVDF, a fluorinated polymer in the PFAS family. The solid line itself is chemically stable, so it is not going to leach into the water the way a contaminated foam might. But handling it over years of fishing trips means repeated skin contact, and that contact adds up.

A review published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences found links between PFAS exposure and thyroid disruption, immune system changes, and developmental concerns in children. The exposure from handling fishing line is lower than what you would get from wearing PFAS-treated clothing all day. Still, it contributes to your cumulative body burden, especially if you are also wearing PFAS-treated rain gear and waders while you fish.

Which fishing lines contain PFAS (and which do not)

Not all fishing line is the same here. A quick breakdown:

• Fluorocarbon line is made from PVDF, a PFAS compound. Every brand of fluorocarbon mainline and leader material falls into this category.
• Monofilament nylon line is made from nylon polymers. It is not a PFAS compound.
• Braided line is typically made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) fibers, sold under names like Spectra or Dyneema. These are PFAS-free.
• Coated or treated lines are the wild card. Some braided lines have water-repellent coatings that may use PFAS-based DWR treatments. Worth checking with the manufacturer if the packaging does not say.

If you want to avoid PFAS in your fishing line, braided and monofilament are the straightforward choices.

How to choose PFAS-free fishing line

You do not have to give up performance to avoid PFAS. A few practical approaches:

Use braided mainline with a short fluorocarbon leader. If you need fluorocarbon’s low visibility and abrasion resistance for certain techniques, keep it to short leader sections instead of spooling up an entire reel. That cuts your handling time way down.

Monofilament works well for general fishing. Modern mono has solid knot strength and good stretch, and it covers most freshwater situations without issues.

Some brands now sell braided lines with fluorine-free water-shedding coatings. If you see “water-repellent” on a braided line, ask the manufacturer whether the coating is fluorine-free before you buy it.

The PFAS Free Life Database is a good place to check for tested, verified products across a wide range of categories.

If you are also looking for PFAS-free footwear for hiking to your fishing spots, the KEEN Targhee III Waterproof Hiking Boot (Men’s) uses a fluorine-free waterproofing system and holds up well on trail.

Reducing your total PFAS exposure while fishing

Fishing line is one piece of it, but anglers often stack multiple PFAS sources at once: treated rain jackets, coated waders, lined tackle bags, plus the fluorocarbon on the reel. Here are some things that actually help:

Wash your hands after handling fluorocarbon line. Soap and water, quick rinse. Simple, and it reduces skin absorption.

Look for PFC-free rain gear. Jackets and waders with polyurethane coatings or fluorine-free DWR are widely available now. Frogg Toggs and Patagonia both make fluorine-free options that work well on the water.

Pack your food in glass or stainless steel containers instead of soft cooler bags with treated linings. Same principle applies to your shore lunch as it does at home.

If you have not looked into water filtration yet, a reverse osmosis system is the most effective household option for PFAS removal. Our guide to top PFAS free water filters covers a range of options and price points. The PFAS Free Life Database has more across hundreds of categories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does fluorocarbon fishing line contain PFAS?

Yes. Fluorocarbon fishing line is made from polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), which is a PFAS compound. The solid line is chemically stable, but handling it regularly over years of fishing means cumulative skin exposure. You can cut down on contact by switching to braided or monofilament mainline and keeping fluorocarbon to short leader sections.

What is the safest type of fishing line to use?

Braided lines made from Spectra or Dyneema fibers are PFAS-free and give you strong sensitivity and pulling power. Monofilament nylon is also PFAS-free and works well for most freshwater techniques. Both are safer choices than fluorocarbon if you want to reduce your PFAS exposure.

Can I test my fishing gear for PFAS?

Testing individual products requires lab analysis, which is not practical for most people. The easier approach is to focus on what the product is made from: fluorocarbon equals PFAS, while nylon monofilament and polyethylene braided lines do not. For water-repellent gear like rain jackets and waders, certifications like OEKO-TEX Standard 100 or bluesign mean PFAS has been excluded. You can also search the PFAS Free Life Database for verified products.

*Research reference: MDPI IJMS 2026

Frontiers in Environmental Chemistry 2024*