Sugoi Fluorocarbon Line for Finesse, Casting, and Power Presentations
Story by Russ Bassdozer
October 9, 2008
In the movie, The Last Samurai, a recurring theme that threads through several key scenes are cherry blossoms falling from the tree. The actor refers to them as 'perfect' in these scenes, and the Japanese word for perfect is 'sugoi'.
Sugoi is also what Gary Yamamoto calls his fluorocarbon fishing line.
Years ago, before fluoro or braid, we really only had mono, and no choice but to use mono for everything. We caught fish.
But today, it would not be optimal to use mono for everything, or fluoro exclusively, or braid only.
Mono, fluoro and braid are three different lines - and I do use all three.
However, in the last few years, I tend to use Sugoi more than any other line, and it lives up to its name.
Today I'd like to review some of the ways I use it. These certainly aren't the only ways, just the ones I use most often lately.
Clear ~ 5, 6, 8 lb for Finesse
The 6 and 8 lb clear Sugoi came into existence about five years ago. Gary Yamamoto had just perfected his dropshot spinning rods at the time. It wasn't long before Gary came up with the 6 and 8 lb Sugoi for his dropshot rods. Shortly thereafter, Yamamoto added the 5 lb test.
The 5, 6 and 8 lb clear Sugoi prove perfect not only for dropshot. Sugoi excels with almost all light line finesse tactics, especially with spinning rods. Most any kinds of rigs or jigs, small lightweight crankbaits/jerkbaits or anything else with spinning gear.
But let's talk more about dropshot now. The difference between 6 and 8 lb test can be like night or day, especially on the dropshot rig. Get dialed into dropshotting for a few trips with only 6. Then suddenly switch to 8 lb test, and you're not going to like it a bit. In comparison, 8 will feel clumsier, heavier, more awkward - but may be necessary not to break off as easily as 6 in underwater cover.
On good days, you may get as many bites on 6 as 8. Yet there are tough days with dropshot when you can switch between 6 and 8 - and you will get less bites on 8. Pick up a rod with 6, you'll get more bites. Switch to 8, you'll get less bites. Line test can be critical some days. Why? That's not as important as knowing it does happen. I don't think it has anything to do with visibility, sensitivity, but simply that the lighter line is more supple, unfettered, doesn't tie the dropshot bait down as much. That's my guess.
Some anglers feel the difference between 5 and 6 may also make for more bites with 5 lb test some days. When fishing gets tough, 5 pound test can pay dividends. Interestingly, this phenomena doesn't exist in reverse. It's not as likely they'll be tough days when you'll get markedly more bites by going up the ladder from 5 to 6 to 8 lb test. But sticking with 6 or dropping down to 5 is something to keep in mind when the dropshot bite gets tough.
One of the biggest drawbacks to spinning tackle is line twist, and dropshot fishing is one of the worst. One trick to reduce much line twist is to wacky rig baits when you dropshot. It won't get rid of all the line twist, but it helps!
Sticking to the same reel model (one that comes with a spare spool) makes it possible to quickly move up or down in line test or different line types across two or more spinning rods. Shown are easily interchangeable spools of 5, 6, 8 Sugoi and 15 lb PowerPro braid.
Bassdozer says: "In regard to what fish can or can't see in terms of line color or line visibility, it's something I've never found to be a factor. Regarding line color, most mono and fluoro tend to have some see-through translucence. I've used mono and fluoro in many colors from clear, whitish, blue, pink, yellow, green, gold, grey, brown and black, including various bright fluorescent colors. Over several decades, I never found line color to make any difference that would matter to me. Now, line visibility - this is sometimes a concern for me with braided line. If I feel it's necessary to add an appropriate trace of fluoro or mono leader, that will end any concern there too."
Grey ~ 8, 10, 12, 14, 16 lb for Casting
When you need to make long casts in clear water on flat calm days, grey Sugoi is ideal.
The grey's best on baitcasting gear. I never cared for it on spinning as it seems to get constricted in the guides and I don't get the distance. So it's baitcasting line for me.
I do love the grey to get long casts with crankbaits and jerkbaits, and use the 8, 10, 12 most often for those baits.
Gary Yamamoto's Crankin' Stick is superb with crankbaits in 1/2 oz and heavier sizes on grey Sugoi.
I use the 14 and 16 grey most often on medium/heavy to heavy baitcasting tackle. For swimming jigs a long cast is often necessary. Most of the hits will come on the end of a long cast, and grey Sugoi excels for this.
The 14-16 grey is also my line of choice for fishing deep structure with heavy jigs and Yamamoto hula grubs.
The grey tends to be thinner diameter and therefore more sensitive than the clear Sugoi in the same pound test.
Clear ~ 12, 16, 20, 25 lb for Power
Power fishing often equates to fishing shallow, snaggy cover. This is where I favor the clear Sugoi in heavier tests.
The clear Sugoi tends to have a thicker diameter than the grey Sugoi. This simply means it will take a snag more time to saw through a thicker line (clear Sugoi) than a thinner line (grey Sugoi). A nick made in thinner line will weaken it more than the same nick made in thicker line. So when I'm fishing in tough stuff that can saw through or nick my line, I go for the clear Sugoi.
The clear tends to be thicker line and overall, I feel it's a little tougher and more abrasion-resistant in gnarly cover than grey Sugoi.
Clear 12 can be used for lots of things - Senkos, crankbaits or anything else - especially for casting in shallow open stretches away from cover.
However, for flipping and pitching right into the heart of shallow, visible snaggy spots, 16 and 20 gets the nod.
For punching through thick grass mats with heavy sinkers of one ounce or more, you may opt for 25 lb test.
Two heavy rods spooled with 16 and 20 clear Sugoi.
The heavy rods I use with 16-20 for flipping and pitching shallow cover, I also use them in deep water. One I'll often keep Texas-rigged, and toss it into any bush, tree or cover I come across, shallow or deep - or even use it on deep structure in open water - points, high spots, deep rocks, whatever. A Texas rig on a heavy rod and line will work anywhere.
The second, longer flipping stick I use for shallow water does double duty as a heavy Carolina rig rod in deep water.
That's just a brief review of how I use different Sugoi line options. It certainly doesn't cover every application, but they are simply some of the best uses I have found for Sugoi.
So if you're looking for a good line to try for any of the above purposes, give Yamamoto's fluorocarbon a try. Like me, you may find it's Sugoi (perfect)!