I was about to fire off a quick Google+ post about Berkley Trilene TransOptic monofilament but then I realized that it would be better suited to a full blown review.
Now before you say, “Oh… Another boring line review” check out the video below:
I knew that would get you excited!
Do you remember Hypercolor clothing? For those who missed the 90′s, Hypercolor shirts were unique because they changed color when they got warm. When I was a 5th grader this was a very big deal. I remember getting in trouble in math class because we spent the whole time leaving hand prints on each others shirts. I’m still not very good at math…
But I digress.
The Hypercolor of fishing line
Berkley’s TransOptic line is a little bit different. Instead of turning colors when you touch it this line turns gold in the sunlight. The idea is simple, the line remains clear under water (for the fish) and high visibility above (for you).
So what’s my verdict?
Is this line worth buying? Does the color changing work or is it just a gimmick? Will it get you in trouble in 5th grade math class?
Berkley Trilene TransOptic works. In fact, I love it. I kept my favorite spinning reel spooled up with this stuff for almost all of 2011. I will buy more this year, and it will most likely be my go-to line on all of my spinning reels.
A must for Senko fishing
I’m going to admit a dirty little secret. I used a 3″ Gary Yamamoto Senko almost exclusively all summer and I loved it. The TransOptic line was a large part of my strategy. When I fish a Senko most of the time I’m doing so on a very slack line. Instead of feeling for bites I’m watching every move the line makes. When the line creeps or bumps I slowly reel, feel for weight, and slam the hook home.
TransOptic’s bright gold color (which got brighter in strong sunlight) did a great job of helping me keep an eye on the line.
I hate fluorocarbon
Want to know why I’ll never be a pro angler? I think fluorocarbon sucks. I know, I know, it must just be me, but mono is just easier to work with. Every time I use fluorocarbon I end up with tons of line twist and loops on my spinning reels. Why am I mentioning this? The fact that TransOptic is monofilament makes me happy. I use a lot of inline spinners which often cause a good deal of line twist. This usually eats through the line on my reel pretty quickly due to birds nests and line twist. I can honestly say after a full year of using the same line, the spool is still pretty full.
There was blood
Can’t say there have been many8lb fishing lines that were strong enough to make me bleed. The force required to break this 8lb line is crazy. I once made the mistake of breaking off a lure by pulling directly in line with my hand. Under full force, and with the sound of a .22 rifle, the line snapped, recoiled back, and the loose end actually made a small welt on my hand. Yes there was blood.
Price ain’t bad
In these hard times we’re all looking for a deal. A 200yd spool of Berkley Trilene TransOptic mono can be yours for only $8.95. NOT BAD. If you’d like to buy some from Amazon RIGHT NOW and help us make $.01 you can buy yours by following the link above.
Conclusion: I’ve found something I like. I’d even buy it for a friend (or let a friend buy it for me).
Disclosure: I work a hard 40+ hours a week and while I’d love a little Berkley sponsorship this line was purchased with wifey’s money my very own hard earned cash.
Have you tried Berkley’s magical Hypercolor line yet? Have you ever gotten in trouble in math class? Let us know in the comments below!
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Clif
