Tatsu 4 Month Review

[roadwarrior]

Several months ago I began an experiment by peeling off my Yo-Zuri Hybrid and Suffix 832 braid.

On two rigs I went with Tatsu fluorocarbon line, no backing. On two others, backing and around 65

yards of Tatsu. On 3 combos, Tuf-Line and short Tatsu leaders; another three with Kanzen and

Tatsu.

 

The most notable attribute of the Tatsu is how it improves with use. Though very manageable right

out of the box, the line performs even better after a little training! I treated all lines with KVD when

spooling. Four month later the all-Tatsu lines are limp, no coiling or twist.

 

Based on this test, these are my suggestions:

 

There is no reason to waste premium line on backing. A 200 yard spool will fill or refill three reels

with ~65 yards of line. There is no downside to this method. Place the knot next to the edge of the

spool on either side and it will be buried deep enough that you will never feel it.

 

As a leader I tie about 6" above the reel and 5" or so beyond the tip. This is by far the most economical

method. The Alberto must be PERFECT and you should practice tying it until you have 100% in the knot.

I prefer getting this set up on land so I am steady and unhurried. On average I have to tie the knot two

times. Sometimes the first knot is perfect, sometimes it takes three tries.

 

I am very impressed with Tatsu fluorocarbon line. It is the best line I have ever used. My overall preference

is using this as the mainline as opposed to braid. However, when braid is called for, I am still using the Tatsu

for leader in most cases. The exceptions are fishing an A-Rig or Hudd.

[rockchalk06]

Thanks for the review. I see where people talk about it being limp and no coils after a couple of months. Is it really have no coils like braid?

[skeletor6]

For $50 I would hope it was the best. Wow

 

First off, Great review RW. 

 

All of my tatsu line has been bought in the $35 range. Its ridiculously easy to get 3 spoolings out of a 200 yard spool. So thats less than $12 a spool. I've been using my tatsu on a number of rods and I am noticing the same features as RW. The longevity of this line is superb. Other fluorocarbons get worse over time and need to be changed on a regular basis. On the other hand, Tatsu will last for a long time which cuts out the price of having to buy more line.

 

From a philosophical standpoint. Many of us drop a lot of money on our rods, reels and baits.......why cheap out on your line? The line one uses on their rod is a very important tool. Personally, I get the best I can get on every rod

[J Francho]

If the high price point of Tatsu is a deal breaker, then I highly recommend Invisx.  Tatsu is only incrementally better than Invisx, though those benefits are completely across the board, so they add up to line that is worth it.  One huge benefit I notice with lighter diameter Tatsu is "measured stretch."  Lesser lines stretch, and while Tatsu may initially feel "stretchier" then them, it stretches to a point, and then locks down, up until it's breaking point.  It does not deform, or kink up. I initially noticed this as a "feel" type of thing, catching bigger fish on a deep drop shot.  it was when breaking off hang ups that I noticed the line simply breaks cleanly, without the two or three feet of deformed, kinked line you typically see with other fluoros.  One thing to note, it is a smaller diameter per listed line size, so you may want to go up a size from what you normally throw.  For instance, I'm using 20# on my spinnerbait setup, where I'd normally use 17#.  For the lighter sizes, this isn't a problem.  Another plus I've noticed, improved clinch knots work fine with lines above 8#.  This is huge if you need to tie up spinners or cranks in a hurry.  that's a knot I can tie blind folded in about 5 seconds.  Obviously, a uni or Palomar is most appropriate, but I felt it worth mentioning since many complain about knots slipping with fluoro.

[*Hootie]

For $50 I would hope it was the best. Wow

No room in my wallet for $50.00 fishing line...lol.

Hootie

[J Francho]

How about $18 line?  I have three year old InvisX holding up just fine on two spinning reels.

[*Hootie]

How about $18 line? I have three year old InvisX holding up just fine on two spinning reels.

That's more my range. I have been using Abrazx for the last few weeks. Bought 4 spools when BPS had a 25% off Seaguar products.

Hootie

[craww]

RW , are you using straight tatsu for all around jig fishing or are you still using braid/flouro?

[roadwarrior]

Testing with both, but leaning towards cheap backing and 65 yards of Tatsu. 

[Sam]

Great post and replies.

 

I will give the Tatsu a try.

 

Thanks for all of the posts. They are extremely helpful as I go through lots of line each year, especially when I put new line on all reels before all tournaments.

[Diggy]

No room in my wallet for $50.00 fishing line...lol.

Hootie

My wallet has plenty of room for $50 dollars tho 

[Revival]

No room in my wallet for $50.00 fishing line...lol.

Hootie

 

Me neither.  If i paid that much for line, i would expect it to cast out on its own and search for fish.  Good review though.

[Darren.]

Nice review, RW. I have moved on from YZ Hybrid and Floroclear (for now) to XPS Fluorocarbon. 3 spools in 8, 10, and 12 lb test. So far I really like it. If this test continues to work out for me, I may eventually move up to a higher quality brand.

[NorcalBassin]

For $50 I would hope it was the best. Wow

Currently on sale at TW for $28-34... that's pretty reasonable if you go RW style and split it into 3 spools

[WRB]

Tatsu isn't a brand name it's a coextruded blend of fluorocarbon called the Tatsu it is a process.

Several line suppliers offer "Tatsu" " or "Hi-test"; Seagar, Sunline, Blackwater to name 3.

on average the Tatsu is high priced at $12/100 yards approximately.

I do not like the Hi-test or high abrasion resistance FC due to the memory issues and lower knot strength associated with FC line in general.

I found Blackwater Solaroam Bass Hi-Class FC,a good line for how I fish. Before discovering Blackwater I used Sunline Shooter, similar to Tatsu.

Tom

[kickerfish1]

Tatsu is best fished as main line and not a leader with braid unless you already have tatsu on hand from a cost/efficiency standpoint. I would just use invisix as a leader in that case. It is a great line and in my top 3 for floro lines.

[Brian Needham]

I have ran Tatsu this year as well, and like RW use 50-65 yards per reel, depending on reel used. Drop shot gets 50yds, jig gets 65 yards.

 

I totally concur with RW's findings, it is the best line out there, IMO.

 

abrasion resistance is awesome

knot strength is great

casting is superior

memory I would rate as low, as it will coil some picking out a backlash but lays flat on water during a cast, while is it sinking.

sensitivity is unbelievable

smaller diameter per # than most other lines

price is on par (per yard) with other top of the line FC.... if you aint using backing your are wasting money regardless of what line you use.  

its great on spinning gear too!

 

find it on sale and try......I really don't think you will be disappointed. I have used 10,12,15,and 20# test this year.

[Chris at Tech]

I've heard the rave reviews, but I just can't pull the trigger.

Tell you what Kent - you bring a bulk spool of Tatsu to the next roadtrip like you brought Yozuri Hybrid to Guntersville to share, I'll give it a try

[roadwarrior]

I gave Mr. Swabby a spool of  Tatsu #15 and a couple of THOUSAND yards of Yo-Zuri Hybrid

away last May. I'm fishing Tatsu, Tuf-Line and Kanzen for the rest of this year. So far, so

good. Next RoadTrip I hope we can give everyone a few spools of Tatsu.

[Chris at Tech]

You NOT fishing Hybrid? Doesn't seem right