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LEADER MATERIAL
Mono & Fluorocarbon
- Izorline,
Blackwater, Seaguar, P-Line,
Yo-Zuri, Momoi
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To order from this page just make your
selections and click on the "Add to Cart" button
or the "Buy" link. If you run into
difficulties please make use of our toll-free
line and give us a call. Our phone numbers, fax
and email addresses are posted at the
bottom of this page.
Upon placing your order you'll receive an
immediate confirmation via email. You are not billed at that time. We process
orders manually, preferring to have a human
actually check things over and contact you
should there be questions. Within 24
hours of placing your order you will receive a
follow-up email confirmation and final invoice reflecting your total charges
(Monday-Friday). You are not billed until we actually send you your final invoice.
Orders shipped to CA addresses will have California Sales Taxes applied, out
of state orders are tax free. Orders over $100 are shipped
FREE!* During the
ordering process you can select expedited
shipping if required.
(Within the USA via UPS ground. International,
and oversize/weight items will be billed for
shipping and you will be sent an emailed invoice reflecting total charges
prior to actual billing. We will not ship
without you having had a chance to review the
invoice).
 Here's
a product we think you'll find quite
interesting. Hi Seas introduced a new Fluorocarbon
leader at the 2009 ICAST show in Orlando. It's a
unique new product, unlike anything we've worked
with before in Fluorocarbon form. While there have been some colored
fluorocarbon leaders that gained some following
such as Yo-Zuri's pink leader,
our opinion was always that tinting an otherwise
invisible line didn't make sense - from an
intuitive logic standpoint, why color something
that should be invisible in the first place? Well,
there's one reason I didn't consider... Your line
acts as a transmission cable for light. In strong
sunlight the line will conduct that energy and
become visible. Hi Seas got around that issue by
adding some tint to diffuse the light. But, they
went a step further, actually several steps
further. This line transitions into FOUR TINTS,
breaking up the light transmission and making the
line even more invisible to fish. It has a faster
sink rate than mono based upon a standard
fluorocarbon property relating to it's specific
gravity. The material is less visible, and with a
transitioning tint it will be less visible under
all light conditions. Interesting product, and
something we think you'll want to try. I've now
been using this leader for over a year, and I have
been impressed with it's performance. It's
produced tuna for me when other guys didn't get
bit. It's especially beneficial in strong sunlight
conditions.
COATESVILLE, PA (June 1,
2009) HI-SEAS introduces new 100% Fluorocarbon,
with exclusive Quattro 4-color camouflage
technology. There are two ways to reduce fishing
line’s visibility underwater. The earliest
method was developed by HI-SEAS and remains in
use today in their extremely popular nylon
monofilament lines Quattro Plus™ and Black
Widow™. This ground breaking achievement works
the same way a hunter’s camouflage clothing
does, by breaking up visual patterns so it
blends into the background. It’s a simple
principle, but it took HI-SEAS to apply it to
the science of fishing line.
The second method for making line less visible
to the fish’s eye came about when line was
extruded from polyvinylidene fluoride, a
material that has a light refraction index
similar to that of water. Most early
fluorocarbon lines were manufactured from
material so stiff and unruly that they were
relegated to being used for leader material. The
stuff just didn’t cast well and was far too
stiff, but bass fishermen discovered that in
addition to being less visible to fish, unlike
nylon monofilament which tends to float and
absorb water, fluorocarbon sank. That was a
beneficial property for line when fishing jigs,
worms and all kinds of finesse baits. Even in
lighter tests, the stuff just didn’t perform
well as a running line. That is, until HI-SEAS
100% Fluorocarbon was introduced.
With the introduction of HI-SEAS 100%
Fluorocarbon Line three years ago, the company
set a new standard for fluorocarbon performance.
In one giant leap, HI-SEAS had overcome the
problems inherent with other fluorocarbon lines
like stiffness, poor knot strength, poor
abrasion resistance and less than stellar
casting abilities. B.A.S.S. Pro’s like Cliff
Pace, Jeff Kriet, Jeff Connella, Andre Moore and
Kim Bain Moore all agree that HI-SEAS 100%
Fluorocarbon quickly became the standard against
which all others are judged. To date, no other
fluorocarbon line has matched its superior
performance characteristics.
 “HI-SEAS
has never been a company to rest on its past
achievements,” said Mike Shields, VP of Sales
and Marketing, “so we’re raising the bar again
with the introduction of a revolutionary new
line, Quattro Fluorocarbon. By applying our
proprietary Quattro coloring process, we’ve
added a new level of invisibility to our 100%
Fluorocarbon line and leader products.
Alternating lengths of scientifically selected
colors mask the last remnants of the line’s
visual footprint. This product represents the
latest in underwater camouflage technology, and
it’s available now!”
“As much as I love the original HI-SEAS 100%
Fluorocarbon, this new Quattro Fluorocarbon is
even smoother and casts further with less effort
than their original,” said Cliff Pace. According
to on-the-water tests performed by Cliff and
other members of the HI-SEAS Pro Staff, they
agreed that Quattro Fluorocarbon is the best
handling fluorocarbon line yet, while retaining
a high degree of abrasion resistance and
superior knot strength. Since it disappears so
well underwater, our pros were able to increase
the line rating they use without sacrificing
stealth or fishability.
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We've stocked Izor's leader
material since I started CharkBait a dozen years ago (as of this
writing). It's a much different product than their highly regarded mono.
While their first string mono is relatively stiff (which aids its
abrasion resistance) their leader material is
very pliant, has the least memory of the lines I've used, and doesn't
cost an arm and a leg. They produce both a clear and blue leader, in 50
yard coils. This is the best value in leader material available.
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 In 2007 BlackWater created
a big splash at the Long Beach Fred Hall Show,
introducing a new Spectra product and innovative
fluorocarbon leader. Blackwater International is
the U.S. Agent for Toray (the number one selling
and most technologically advanced manufacturer
of fishing line in Japan). In the past
FL lines have all shared a few characteristics,
they were stiff and offered very low stretch.
Well, there are times when a bit of stretch is
something desired, and times when it's not. One
thing for sure, when you've got a large fish on
the other end of your line, a bit of stretch can
be a welcomed shock absorber. This is especially
noticeable when you're fishing Spectra. Over the
past couple years we've seen some of the better
anglers using shorter and shorter topshots for
their rail rigs. Fishing live bait with a short
topper offers less resistance in the water, the
bait doesn't have to swim as hard, presents
itself much more naturally. That gets a guy bit.
But, if you're trying to run straight
fluorocarbon leader from your spectra the lack
of stretch is a disadvantage for a couple
reasons. You loose the shock absorber, you also
run a risk of pulling the hook more often. It's
good to have a little give, not too much mind
you, but a little. You'll also notice that their
FL line ties a pretty good knot. Again, a touch
of stretch can improve knot strength.
Blackwater's Shock Leader achieves this
characteristic, and by so doing offers anglers
an advantage.
Blackwater Shock
Leader
100% Fluorocarbon Leader
Super Clear
High Abrasion Resistance
Great Knot Strength
Lower Visibility
Faster Sink Rate than nylon
Excellent UV Protection
HIGH RATE OF ELONGATION!
Please visit our Fishermen's Journal Article
section for a review of Fluorocarbon leaders.
This article may help to define whether or not
they claim of greater elongation/stretch is
marketing or reality...
 P-Line's quickly making a good name
for itself by producing a high quality fishing line, and offering some of the newest
innovations in fishing technology. First among these is Fluorocarbon leader material.
Fluorocarbon is invisible to the fish (it has the same refractivity), it has the same
density as seawater (so it will move through the water more effortlessly). This stuff has
been big on the long range scene, but now more and more private and party boaters are
using this stuff to their advantage. This line is 100% Fluorocarbon, not a coated-on mono
line.. With P-Line's high value product, and CharkBait's low pricing you just can't go
wrong in giving the stuff a try. We've also added PLines CoPolymer fishing line in
the Original Blue formulation to our selection. It's a great line with some unique
advantages.
 The
folks at Yo-Zuri recently introduced a line of
improved fluorocarbon leader. This product is
100% fluorocarbon, and super soft unlike most
other fluorocarbon leader products. Yo-Zuri used
to handle the U.S.A. distribution of Seaguar, so
they've been involved with this type of product
from day one. For them to come out with their
own line they knew they had to improve upon what
has been available, and they've accomplished
that goal. We've used this product now for a
season's time and can agree with the
manufacturer's claims of softness and lack of
memory. It gets high marks for abrasion
resistance, low stretch, value, and underwater
invisibility. We now stock Yo-Zuri's
Fluorocarbon leader in both clear and pink (for
those looking for a little tint to cut light
transmission).
 Seaguar
Fluorocarbon leader material has made better fishermen out
of a lot of average anglers. They still farm fish, but
they get more bites. And, getting more bites results
in more fish on the boat, even from dedicated farmers!
Let's
put it this way, we just got back from a great four day
charter aboard the Red Rooster III. We hit Guadalupe
Island for some productive yellowfin fishing, with fish
averaging 50-80 pounds. In that clean water it can be
tough to get bit. You can't fish light line, you'll
get hammered. So, the sharp guys were fishing 3-6' of
fluorocarbon leader. The typical setup was 40# mono,
40# fluorocarbon leader. But, one guy, Paul, was a lot
smarter than average. He ended up tying up 60#
fluorocarbon on his 30S which was loaded with 60# mono and
80# Spectra. Paul was able to bring in fish in about
1/3 or less of the time of guys fishing lighter gear.
He got bit very well, landing double his fair share of
fish. Fluorocarbon works, we've been saying that for
several years now. But, on this trip, it's worth was
never more evident. Use fluorocarbon leader and get
bit, don't and you won't. Test
results confirm this products HIGH breaking strength and
consistent performance.
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The new Premier is the
next generation of Fluorocarbon leader from
Seaguar, and arguably some of the best stuff on
the market today - despite claims by others.
Seaguar can back up their assertion of quality
and performance. The new leader is of course
100% fluorocarbon. It's thinner in diameter, has
increased knot strength and impact resistance,
and has lower memory. As well, this product does
indeed have a bit of stretch to it and can be
used as a shock leader with a direct connection
to Spectra. We did some testing, and have to
say, the new Premier is the top in it's class in
terms of thin diameter, consistent performance,
and elongation or stretch. If you are running a
short topshot over Spectra, this is THE line you
should be using, and the
test
results confirm it, despite hype to the
contrary.
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Momoi
Fluorocarbon Leader
New Heavier Tests Available Now
 Well, we do our part in searching out new
products, but we don't add things to the mix
unless it makes sense to do so. Before
bringing in Momoi's new fluorocarbon leader we
did some testing. Based upon that testing, it
was darn easy to pull the trigger with Momoi's
new Presentation Fluorocarbon. It tested out
GREAT! The line is pure fluorocarbon,
available in both clear and pink and it's
available in 100 yard spools - for about the
same price as 2 25 yarders from other folks.
In testing, we found that it did exactly what
it was supposed to do. For example, the 40#
tested out at a consistent 43 lbs. with minimal variance as
we tested the spool through it's length.
Further, there was some stretch offered as
well. Let me put it this way, the stuff tested
out better than Black Water's. The line
reminded me a lot of Seaguar Blue Label in
terms of test, offered some stretch - not
quite as much as Seaguar's Premier but more
than most other fluorocarbon I've tested. It's
a very good product and excellent value.
The new 100-200# test Fluorocarbon is packaged
in 100 foot coils rather than 100 yard size
spools.
For connecting mono or leader to Spectra we
generally recommend a 30-40 turn Bimini and 30-40 wind Albright.
However, some folks prefer a less bulky transition, especially for
use with heavier mono above 100#'s. In this case there are two ways
to go. One is to learn some new connection systems, such as the Sato
crimp connection and use of specific
needles for use with mono/fluorocarbon leader to hollow-core
Spectra. Another great way to go are
loop to loop connections, terminating your Spectra with an
appropriate bimini and use of a pre-made "wind-on" leader which
represents mono or fluorocarbon connected to another material such
as dacron, dynema or Spectra within which the mono is run, leaving a
braided line terminating in a loop. Then it's an easy loop to loop
connection that flow through your rod guides well, and allows quick
and easy changing of lines.
 We've
been working with Spectra for a long time, cattering to our
long range fishing clientele. Hollow rigging, we've done our
share, and we've also done our part in helping folks learn
the craft with several videos posted on our
YouTube channel, as well. Over the years folks have
asked us to make wind-ons for them, and we've done so but
never posted that as an option available from our on-line
storefront. That's changed, we're now offering custom
wind-on leaders to our clients.
The nice thing about
growing over the years is that we have built a solid staff
of professionals, guys and gals that have some excellent
skills and love to fish. With that growth, we have in-house
expertise in making custom leaders for the most demanding
fishing situations in the world. And, you have more options
in terms of the materials used for your wind-on leaders,
with selections in Fluorocarbon: Seaguar Premier, Seaguar
Blue Label, Momoi, Yo-Zuri, Blackwater and Hi Seas Quatro.
We use Jerry Brown Spectra for our leaders, in 60, 80, 100,
130 and 200 pound tests, the appropriate tests are used
based upon your leader test. Wind-on lengths are a standard
25 feet with fluorocarbon or monofilament lines. We can also
custom make other lengths of mono or fluorocarbon, but
please note the delivery time may be a bit higher.
IZORLINE
TOP-SHOTS
 Well,
as we've come to expect, here's another great idea from Izorline: Pre-made Top-Shots! Use these leader
coils to quickly and efficiently attach mono leader to your Spectra. The only knot you'll
need to tie is the Bimini Twist at the termination of your Spectra. Then just use the
pre-tied Spectra loop from the new Izorline Top-Shot to quickly get ready for action. The
Top-Shots come with Izorlines First String mono or fluorocarbon leader in various tests and lengths, attached to
a sure grip dacron loop for making your connection to your Spectra's bimini. Another nice feature
of this product lies in it's flexibility. You can use various leader tests, without going
through the bother of retying line. Click here to see
a diagram showing the appropriate top-shot spool for your reel
In our way of
thinking, these are a luxury purchase for most of us. But, if you're
running heavier line, especially the case for abrasion reasons (like
the 2005 Cow Circus held off Mag. Bay by the long range boats in
November...) the use of 135-150# mono was required. A long topshot
would never have worked with the sardine bait, and the termination
connections were too large for a lot of the roller-guide rods used.
So, the loop system was a great alternative and it was VERY reliable
with no fish lost because of connections. Izorline
Loop
to Loop Top-Shots
  Over
the years we've
worked with several firms in terms of wind-on leaders, Izor being
one of the first. They use a fairly bulky dacron for the line, which
does grip the leader well, but also will degrade over time more than if
they had used another material such as Spectra (which can be too
slippery) or Dynema (which is similar to Spectra but provides a bit more
grip). We came across another manufacturer's product we do like very
much for this loop to loop style of connection - Momoi. These are
very well made, and can boast some very good
catches to date. Honestly, we do prefer these to
home-made or purchased wind-ons given their
quality, consistency and stealthy diameter. These wind-ons are
available in twenty five foot lengths.
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