Tatsu

[roadwarrior]

For the 18 months or so, I have been experimenting with a number of different fishing lines.

The experiment included a broad range of both types and brands. My baseline is Yo-Zuri

Hybrid (original), a favorite of mine for many years. I'm going to save the discussion of braided

lines for another thread, so this is a short review of what I consider the premier fluorocarbon.

 

The technical detais are available on the Seaguar website: http://seaguar.com/products/tatsu.htm

My experiment began last year, but I just recently revisited the line. I am running 20# test on a

CTE100GT, full spool, no backing. The line is noticably smooth and uniform which lies perfectly

on the spool. I have not experienced coiling or twist. Tatsu appears to be extremely resistant to

abrassion, while at the same time supple. There is no issue with knots and I do not believe any 

special care needs to be taken when tieing your favorite.

 

On spinning tackle I have spooled #6. This line is thin, but strong. If you are looking for a

manageable line which is invisible, this is the one. I don't believe I have ever fished with anything

quite like Tatsu on light tackle.

 

On a third rig I am using Tatsu #12 as the leader for Kanzen #40. Seaguar's Kanzen will be the topic

of another thread, but just to tease you, it's killer, too! The lines match up nicely and knot strength is

no issue. I'm using an Alberto for the connection.

 

All-an-all, if you have been seaching for "The Perfect Fluorocarbon"  I think this is the line you

have been dreaming of. This goes beyond other fluoros, I believe this is the finest line of any

kind I have ever fished.

 

 

 

[Felix77]

I'm a huge fan of the Seaguar Fluorocarbon lines.  I use 5 tournament rod/reel combinations.

 

1) 7'MH Baitcaster - Seaguar AbrazX FC 20lb

2) 6'6" MH Baitcaster - Seaguar InvizX FC 15lb

3) 7'M Baitcaster - Seaguar InvizX FC 10lb

4) 7'M Spinning - Seaguar InvizX FC 8lb

5) 6'6" Spinning - PowerPro Braid (with a Seaguar Red Label Leader 6-8lb if needed)

 

I have yet to try the Tatsu due to price.  The only holdback.

I also have not tried the Kanzen braid.  Only because my PowerPro is still on there.    

[Teal]

Good review RW. Price is a hold up here.

[rangerjockey]

Tatsu is expensive but it really lasts well. I've got some thats been on the reel for 4 months and hasn't gotten any memory. if it starts to get nicked up over time i just turn it around and use the back end first.

[down4ttown]

I have used both Seaguar Kanzen and Power Pro and I think I like the Kanzen better. I like Sufix 832 a tad better than those though. 

[nocluefisher]

I have never used flourocarbon before, but I just picked up some invizx today in 4lb test, ( i bought 200 yd for 12 bucks) I also bought a 600 yd spool of 12lb yozuri to try.

[craww]

How's the knot strength on the #6? I'm about to get my first high end spinning setup for river smallies and want to give tatsu a try. Leaning towards #8, but if 6 can hang I just may give it a shot.

[Hi Salenity]

Do you use the 6# for dropshot? If so how do you like it?

[Hooligan]

There's no better line than Tatsu, period. The 6 is phenomenal for dropshot and shakey heads. I have all but about 10 of my rods spooled with it, and have used every line from every major manufacturer, no other comes close.

[mod479]

Tatsu is where its at for spinning gear, 6# is plenty strong for dropshot, I actually use 4#, but I am up North fishing open water a lot.  As RW has said, the manageability is 2nd to none on a spinning outfit when it comes to straight fluoro. The only thing I have used that is anything like Tatsu is Sunlines' finesse FC.

[slonezp]

It's good stuff. I got a free sample mini spool and it's the best d**n leader  material I have ever used. I'm hesitant to spool up an entire reel. I've been using Abrazex on bc's and Invisix on spinning reels and have been pleased with the results

[roadwarrior]

It's good stuff. I got a free sample mini spool and it's the best d**n leader  material I have ever used. I'm hesitant to spool up an entire reel. I've been using Abrazex on bc's and Invisix on spinning reels and have been pleased with the results

 

Here is a solution that 00 Mod suggested on an other thread:

 

Tie a 3/4 or 1 oz weight on to whatever line you want for backing,

but be sure to start with a full spool. Cast that sucker out in a field

and set your rod & reel down so that it still releases line. Grab the

line at the end of the rod and walk to your weight. Cut the backing  

and dispose of the line you cast. Tie the Tatsu at that point and you

have two casting distances spooled.

 

 

 

 

[BradGuenette]

I picked up 2 spools of tatsu at work this morning, 6lb and 12lb it's a shame i would have got more but we only carry up to 12lb I was really looking for a higher # line for jigs.

[T Brinks]

I agree with RoadWarrior. Tatsu is the most manageable fluoro around.  I love it and use it combined with 15lb Kanzen braid for all of my spinning rods. I think the combo is the perfect match of sensitivity and casting from the Kanzen along with the limpness and invisibility of the Tatsu.  It's a great way to make your spools last much longer too.

[J Francho]

The thing I found most interesting about Tatsu is that although there is quite a bit of initial stretch, it locks down, tight at a point. After that, there is a lot of headroom before it breaks, and it does not deform like over stretched mono or copoly.  It also seems to be of a slightly smaller diameter than other equally rated lines.  I found I jumped up to 12# where I'd normally use 10, and 15# when I'd normally throw 12.

[scbassin]

Can anyone compare this to Sunline Shooter?

[J Francho]

Other than, I like it better than Shooter, it's been so long since I had Shooter on a reel, and so many different fluoro's ago, I can't make a side by side for you. 

[upnorthbassin]

Is it more manageable than Invizx? Because Invizx is pretty darn manageable.

[flippin and pitchin]

Thanks Kent.  I went to YoZuri after reading your posts a couple of years ago and really like it.  If you like Tatsu and Kanzen it must be for real. I will give it a go. One question....FC can be fickle when it comes to sinching the know down. What's your experience?

[Brian Needham]

I got it on all my set ups this year. I used it last year on a spinning rod, I used 10# and it was great.

This year I am using anywhere form 10 to 20#, depending on the rod.

I use backing so I get 3 spools per main spool to defray the cost. Everything I have heard is it last a long time too so I am excited to see this year.

memory is a none issue with some KVD

[kickerfish1]

Is it more manageable than Invizx? Because Invizx is pretty darn manageable.

On a manageability standpoint alone I would say it as good or better than invisix. Casting distance is better due to a slightly thinner diameter and also due to how well the line lays on the reel and and how it comes off the reel during the cast. I have experienced little to no memory. For good measure I do spray the reel with a little KVD before hand but to be honest you could probably get by without it. I know it is about as spendy as it gets for a spool of line but to me the line is better than the floro lines priced around $20+/-, an the added cost is worth it.

[kickerfish1]

Can anyone compare this to Sunline Shooter?

The biggest advantages shooter has is superb sensitivity, low stretch, abrasian resistance and overall line strength.

However shooter has average at best manageability but that is a trade off that comes with the sensitivity part. The line diameter is also larger than that of tatsu.

Tatsu on the other hand isnt as sensitive but still a very sensitive floro line... one of the top 3 in my opinion. It handles much easier and has a lower diameter for a similar # test. The line is incredibly strong and abrasian resistant and knot strength is up there with the best of them. Another plus is the life span of the line is very good which eliminates the need to change the line often.

For example if I had 3 50 series reels you can get by with 1 spool of say 10# or 12# test for all three. Simply back each reel to the point where you can get 60-70 yards of tatsu on the reel. You just spooled 3 reels for about $16 a reel. I know it is expensive but worth it if you have the $ to spend on it.

I fish both... however I like shooter for my dedicated jig rods where I may be fishing deeper and the bite can be a bit tricky to detect.

Both are superb lines but looking at "all around" use I would say tatsu would have the edge.

[Goose21]

Tatsu is great, I used it until I tried shooter which IMO has most of the atrributes of Tatsu but is more abrasion resistant. I use #7 for spinning and # 12 or 14 for everything else besides topwater or flipping heavy cover/ wood, which calls for braid. I like 00 mods technique for spooling a backer.

[Goose21]

Also to answer another post above, both have equally great knot strength, just be sure to wet before clinching. A healthy coat of KVD conditioner periodically helps as well.

[skeletor6]

There's no better line than Tatsu, period. The 6 is phenomenal for dropshot and shakey heads. I have all but about 10 of my rods spooled with it, and have used every line from every major manufacturer, no other comes close.

 

He's been saying this for quite some time. I bought some per Hooligan's recommendations and I am very thankful for it.

 

I own both Shooter and Tatsu. Shooter does not have the phenomenal handling that Tatsu does, it is a much stiffer line with less stretch. Thus, it will be slightly more sensitive, but taking into account all of the qualities that one looks for in a fluorocarbon line; Tatsu easily wins across the board scoring high markings for everything you would look for.

 

Also, Sunline does not control all of the manufacturing processes and Seaguar does, this leads to very consistent lines. I was told Seaguars diameters are within millionths of an inch diameter of each other...Phenomenal.

 

For all that think Tatsu is way overpriced. You should take into account that this line has much longer longevity. This alone cuts the price down and people who spend $300+ on their rod/reel combinations,  why would you cheap out on your line? The line is very important for a number of reasons and not something that should be overlooked.