I’ve noticed over the years that a lot of lines can change characteristics at certain pound test intervals (i.e. manageability, sink rate, stretch rate, knot strength, etc).  Sometimes it’s subtle, other times very noticeable. 

 

Wondering if anyone has an opinion about the difference between Tatsu 12lb and 15lb? 

.011 vs .013

.285 vs .330

Those are facts, lol.

 

My opinion: 12 is fine for general stuff, but 15 is the workhorse size.  15 is thick enough for strength, but doesn't handle like cable.  I don't use much 12, but I use quite a bit of 15, 10, and 6.

I recently bought a spool of the 15lb Tatsu to try out, replacing the 15lb Invizx I have been using.  

 

It is softer and more manageable then the Invizx despite being the same thickness.  However, it seems to break with far less force and seems to abrade more than the 15lb Invizx as well.  I had a pretty unlucky day last weekend and had to break-off four lures and every time I was shocked at how little force it took to pop the knot.  12lb Invizx is my most used line and the 15lb Tatsu seemed no stronger then it.  

Not to confuse things further, but my other consideration is Sniper 14.  Using for dragging hard-heads and Jointed Structure heads along the bottom.  Long casts - has to be manageable, and abrasion resistant too.  

1 hour ago, FryDog62 said:

Using for dragging hard-heads and Jointed Structure heads along the bottom.  Long casts - has to be manageable, and abrasion resistant too.  

 

Just a dumb Cajun, deep water structure step up to 20#. It's the same diameter as 15# Big Game.

39 minutes ago, Catt said:

 

Just a dumb Cajun, deep water structure step up to 20#. It's the same diameter as 15# Big Game.

Yes could probably do that... However one of the reasons I’m thinking of switching to fluorocarbon for this type of fishing is sink rate.  When dragging jigs across the bottom at greater depths (18-24 fow), it can be challenging to maintain bottom contact for any length of time while retrieving long distances horizontally.  Am hoping the density of fluoro will help keep it down longer/easier.  And thinner diameter may sink better than thick...

3 hours ago, FryDog62 said:

I’ve noticed over the years that a lot of lines can change characteristics at certain pound test intervals (i.e. manageability, sink rate, stretch rate, knot strength, etc).

 

That would be 20# over 15# ?

 

I fish a lot of 15-30' with Texas Rigs & Jig-n-Craws with 15# Big Game. I also have several friends who throw Tatsu 20# because of your reasons list above.

Depends on your specific situation. I fish both 12 and 15, but generally prefer 12. 

I rarely (never) break-off on fish, just hang-ups.

 

I'd echo what J said that 15 is the best all around size for me. I have not had any issues with breaking or abrasion, it's been incredibly strong and difficult to break when it does get snag and I can't get it lose (SDJ knot). I've gotten several fish out of places I had no business getting them out of with 15lb line as well.