Next Cranking Combo: Tatsu Or Y-Z Hybrid?

[Master Bait'r]

Thanks for clicking, I'm trying to come to a conclusion. Putting together a nice cranking cast combo currently and I'm torn between the slack line shock transmission and pickerel-resistance of the flouro and the user friendliness of the Yo-Zuri Hybrid.

I know a lot of guys here use both, and so I'm really looking to draw on your experience. What would you rather use for mid-depth cranks, jerkbaits and finesse swimbaits? I'm most worried about feeling the strikes on the pause, and getting the bait back to the boat since I fish where there are lots of really big chain pickerel.

I really appreciate any insight you may have. I've searched and read a bunch but would like some specific comparisons. Thanks!!

[roadwarrior]

I like Tatsu as a mainline for bottom contact techniques. I also use Tatsu for leader on

braid. Yo-Zuri Hybrid can be used for any application, but I would suggest it over fluorocarbon

for cranking.

 

 

 

 

[rangerjockey]

I like flouro for crankbaits. As good as Tatsu is, I personally don't think it's necessary on a crankbait rod. I would go with Invizx or sniper.

[Mike L]

I like Tatsu as a mainline for bottom contact techniques. I also use Tatsu for leader on

braid. Yo-Zuri Hybrid can be used for any application, but I would suggest it over fluorocarbon

for cranking.

 

 

 

 

Ditto

Mike

[Master Bait'r]

So as far as YZH's durability is concerned, how does it do against the toothy critters?

Honestly most of my hard baits are really nice and I want them back in the boat at the end of the day. Even with 50lb braid I've lost a few frogs I really liked so it's a real concern for me- probably my highest concern the more I think about it.

I know Tatsu is harder to handle but it's strength is high and it does well against teeth. Wondering how far off that mark I'd be with YZH.

[Master Bait'r]

I should also mention that this will be going on a Dobyns 705cb glass rod, so line stretch is not needed.

[illinifan4152]

My suggestion would be seaguar invisix for the techniques described

[thehooligan]

I like Tatsu as a mainline for bottom contact techniques. I also use Tatsu for leader on

braid. Yo-Zuri Hybrid can be used for any application, but I would suggest it over fluorocarbon

for cranking.

 

 

 

 

 

I agree with this, tatsu is way too expensive to be using for moving baits. Hybrid is perfect for the baits you'll be fishing...

[WRB]

I don't use FC line for crankbaits, weakens with use, can't offer any experience with Tatsu, too expensive and don't use hybrid line because it's too stiff and cast poorly compared to other premium mono..

If you want a premium line for crankbaits look at Sunline Defier Nylon, small diameter, excellent knot strength, low stretch and low memory. I use this line for my swimbaits.

Berkley Big Game 10 & 12 lb, depending on lure size, for crankbaits. Big Game is a good casting line and change it every few months or more often if I am cranking a lot. Big Games comes in inexpensive 1/4 lb spools.

Tom

PS, straight braid would be your best choice for sharp tooth fish. Daiwa Samurai 40 lb (.012 D) is good casting line.

[F14A-B]

Yo for cranking, it's tough line. Tatsu would be great for bottom contact work, but I see no advantage at all for a defense against the chompers of pike, etc. steel leaders is about the only thing that would give you a chance at preventing cut offs. Even then they get kinked pretty easily, I know steel wasn't the question. Hope you don't loose your Jdm baits! Lol..

[Master Bait'r]

I agree with this, tatsu is way too expensive to be using for moving baits. Hybrid is perfect for the baits you'll be fishing...

Aren't you a CXX guy? High breaking and tensile strength for sure... I've definitely thought about that too.

[Trey Harpel]

go Invizx or hybrid for cranking or look at LFT Power silk..

[thehooligan]

Aren't you a CXX guy? High breaking and tensile strength for sure... I've definitely thought about that too.

I use cxx and hybrid for moving baits. Hybrid seems to be a little more manageable for me.

[Angry John]

I dont know how much your into using leaders but you may consider using a sort length of heavy fluorocarbon.   The guys that fish a lot of pike and musky use 100-150 for this very reason.  Pickerel are not that big so you may look at using 40 or 50.  When i was in ct i was using 80 for pike and they still got me some times.  A lot of guys use wire or titanium wire but that kills the stealth approach.  A short section 8 inches or so is all that you would need, and might give you a lot better piece of mind.  

 

If you crank with 12-15 lb YHB you will do fine most of the time but still loose a few.  Its the nature of having toothy critters.  The harder the line the better bite protection you will get and the worse the handling will be.  Berkley big game is another great option cheap and very strong, but the handling for me was not worth it.

[kikstand454]

So as far as YZH's durability is concerned, how does it do against the toothy critters?

Honestly most of my hard baits are really nice and I want them back in the boat at the end of the day. Even with 50lb braid I've lost a few frogs I really liked so it's a real concern for me- probably my highest concern the more I think about it.

I know Tatsu is harder to handle but it's strength is high and it does well against teeth. Wondering how far off that mark I'd be with YZH.

You can take this recommendation as you will. .... but I use #15 yozuri EXCLUSIVELY for my inshore fishing. And I catch speckled trout, bluefish, jack cravelle, flounder, Spanish mackerel and the occasional shark with it. RARELY do I get bit off.

I've been admittedly lucky with the Mack's though. ......

[fisherrw]

yozuri is decent but id go with sunline sniper fc best stuff around...

[War Eagle 44]

First off I have zero experience with "toothy" fish or Y-Z hybrid. Having gotten those two facts out there I'll suggest CXX. I have tons of experience with this line, I use 10# CXX for all my cranking. Square bills to 6XD's are all fished on this line and I can't recall breaking a single fish off. I'm sure it's happened a few times over the years but it's been such a rarity I can't recall a specific event.

 

I'm a huge fan of P-Line, especially CXX, and I'm positive there's "better" lines out there now days but this stuff has been so good to me I don't ever even consider trying anything else. It does have memory but I've gotten used to it and I don't even notice it anymore. I've found a few casts is all it really needs to relax anyway.