January 25, 2018
By Ned Kehde
During the past 17 years, growing numbers of Midwest finesse anglers have spooled braided line onto their spinning reels.
The primary reason that they have opted for braided line is that it is not as adversely affected as fluorocarbon and monofilament lines are affected by all the twists that our finesse lures create.
Durability is another reason. If an angler periodical reverses the braided line on the reel's spool, it is possible to use the same line for two years or more.
Therefore, many Midwest finesse anglers focus a keen eye on the goings on in the world of braided line manufacturers. And KastKing of Garden City, Long Island, New York, has recently introduced a new braided line that will be catching the attention of a goodly number of Midwest finesse devotees.
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It is called KastPro.
According to Tom Gahan, who is the chief marketing officer of Eposeidon, Inc. and KastKing, it is a "fishing line designed by rocket scientists" in the United States. It is made with a specialized formula of Spectra fibers, which is a creation of Honeywell International, Inc.'s aerospace endeavors. Gahn calls it another manifestation of American ingenuity.
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It is a four-carrier braid. Gahan says it possesses the "industry-best fade resistance." What's more, it is significantly thinner than other braided lines, and for instances, its 20-pound-test has a diameter of 0.20mm, which is the same size of one of the angling world's often exalted 10-pound-test and eight-carrier braided line.
Not only is it more fade resistant and thinner than other braided lines, Gahan notes that it is stronger and more durable than other lines. The four-carrier Spectra fiber braided line also possesses less internal friction than other types of braided lines, and the lessening of internal friction decreases frays and increases longevity.
"Its most amazing feature, Gahan says, "is its extraordinary abrasion resistance," and at the same time, it is "incredibly strong" and possesses "minimal line stretch while maintaining a thin, round profile." On top of all of that, it has superior knot strength.
At this time, it is available in two colors: Combat Green and Coastal Blue. More colors are in the offing. A 300-yard spool of 10-, 15-, and 20-pound test KastPro costs around $18.98. (Midwest finesse anglers back the spools of their spinning reels with inexpensive monofilament line, and on top of that backing of monofilament line, they spool about 60-yards of braided line. Thus, a 300-yard spool of KastPro will fill five spinning reels, and if an angler reverses the line regularly, that 60 yards should last for many months and hundreds of outings.)
Endnotes
(1) In a telephone conversation, Tom Gahan said that KastKing is pleased to note that all of their lines are made in the United States and created by "American ingenuity and technology." It is part of KastKing's mission to create innovative products that are affordable.
(2) KastKing has become a notable steward of the environment. For instance, Gahan and his colleagues worked together to create a biodegradable spool instead of a plastic one to hold the KastPro braided line. These environmentally-friendly spools are called the BioSpool, and they are made from non-polluting wheat waste. KastKing is the first line manufacturer to use biodegradable spools. For more insights about this admirable undertaking, please see this YouTube link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfZm7sIg6_U .
This is the biodegradeable spool.
(3) Along with KastKing's creation of its biodegradeable spool, it has created YouTube series that focuses on the environment and conservation. It is titled "KastKing Keeps It Wild." Here is a link to its inaugural episode video that originally aired Sept. 19, 2017: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Re-rXxZfvDY .
