What were you doing in 1971 when Seaguar invented fluorocarbon?
I was 7 years old and just starting to bank fish with my dad. Learning to cast 2 oz bank sinkers with worms and minnows we were catching mostly Sheephead, Suckers and the odd Smallmouth. Hearing stories about my dad losing monster Muskies made me think there was more to this sport than bank fishing for Suckers.
What type of fishing line(s) were you using in 1971?
Mono lines were the big thing in our household. My father also had the old hard-to-cast, open-face reels (I can't call them baitcasters) filled with black, thick Dacron lines. Even though they looked like they should have been able to cast, it never went far. No wonder we always used heavy sinkers! Mono lines and the old reliable Mitchell 300 reels were a new treasured part of the weekly outings.
Describe your perspective on how fishing lines have changed over the years since 1971
Back then, everyone replaced line on a regular basis – cheap and replaceable was the way to go. I can't even remember seeing a spool of premium mono for several years. Nowadays, most anglers would only use a premium, low-memory mono or fluorocarbon line. Dacron has almost entirely been replaced by the new spectra-type braids, and everyone has now at least heard of fluorocarbon.
What is the biggest "breakthrough" in line you've seen?
The biggest breakthrough would be a fluorocarbon with very little memory like Seaguar Tatsu. Second, the new braided lines on the market; the advantages over the older Dacron are huge, and they are great for situations that call for a no-stretch braid over mono or fluorocarbon as a main line.
When did you first try Seaguar fluorocarbon?
I first tried another company's fluorocarbon 16 years ago, but after experiencing horribly weak knots and a very brittle line (20 lb test breaking at about 5 lbs), I didn't think I would ever use fluorocarbon again! Then, I started fishing with some of the top guides in saltwater and heard the differences in catch ratios that Seaguar made for them. After several very successful outings, and seeing the incredible strength and abrasion resistance, I decided to give Seaguar a try. I never looked back and have been using Seaguar ever since, for about the last 12 years now.
What Seaguar products do you currently use?
I currently use Seaguar Blue Label from 6 lb to 200 lb test, Seaguar AbrazX, Tatsu, Red Label, InvizX, Grand Max, even the tapered fly leaders.
Which Seaguar product is your favorite and why?
If I had to pick just one it would be Seaguar Blue Label. Just last year, we caught 3 monster Bluefin Tuna – 850, 900, and over 1,000 lbs – on 200 lb Blue Label. Even after hours-long battles, we found only a few rub spots on the leader and no signs of damage that would weaken it. I also use Blue Label to replace wire leaders for Pike and Muskie fishing. Unlike wire, it's invisible and flexible, so there are no kinks and bends. It's also thicker, so I can grab the leader and not cut my hands or hurt the fish when they get wrapped in it. A close second would be AbrazX, both as a casting line and on my downrigger reels. It's thin and strong, yet shows no signs of wear where the release clips are placed. Absolutely awesome!!
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