The History of Saiko Pro

Written By: Dave Rush

Saiko Pro fluorocarbon leader from AFTCO has quickly become a favorite among anglers, setting new standards in both performance and value. Developed in collaboration with Sunline, a globally recognized leader in fishing line production, Saiko Pro was engineered to meet the demands of the most serious fishermen, from those targeting large tuna and billfish to inshore species. This ultra-premium fluorocarbon leader line is more than just a high-performance material—it is a product born from decades of expertise, meticulous testing, and innovative engineering.

The Birth of Sunline: A Legacy of Excellence in Fluorocarbon Line

Sunline, the parent company behind Saiko Pro, has a rich history that dates back to 1977. Over the years, Sunline has grown into the largest stand-alone line factory in the world, renowned for its commitment to research, development, and quality control. Specializing in saltwater and freshwater fishing lines, Sunline’s decades-long dedication to innovation has cemented Japan’s status as the global leader in high-quality fluorocarbon fishing line. Sunline’s reputation for producing reliable, high-performance products has made it a trusted name among anglers worldwide, making it the perfect company for AFTCO to partner with in developing Saiko Pro.

The Saiko Pro Timeline: From Concept to Market

The journey of Saiko Pro began in February 2018 when the AFTCO team visited Sunline Japan to begin the development of an exclusive fluorocarbon leader. Based on Sunline’s extensive experience and cutting-edge technology, the partnership aimed to create a leader material that would outperform existing products. 

March-December 2018: 

Prototypes of Saiko Pro were rigorously tested by anglers in the United States. Feedback from these tests, combined with lab data, led to the refinement of the final product, ensuring that it would meet the highest performance standards.

July 2019: 

Saiko Pro was officially launched in the U.S., with immediate success. Its superior abrasion resistance and strength quickly set it apart from competitors. 

October 2019: 

Just a few months later, the development of Saiko Pro Wind-On Leaders began, an extension of the product line designed for offshore big game fishing.

July 2021: 

After a year of further testing and refinement, the Wind-On Leaders were released, adding even more versatility to the Saiko Pro family.

Key Features & Innovations of Saiko Pro Fluorocarbon Leader

Saiko Pro is a 100% custom formula fluorocarbon leader designed and produced exclusively by Sunline for AFTCO. One of its key innovations is its unique combination of supple flexibility and a hard finish, giving the line superior abrasion resistance and strength. This resilience is particularly noticeable after abrasion, where Saiko Pro is up to 20% stronger than its leading competitors.

Its low reflective index makes it nearly invisible underwater, increasing the chances of attracting bites from wary fish. The line is also less affected by environmental factors such as UV rays, heat, and cold, making it ideal for long-term use in fresh and saltwater conditions. Saiko Pro is available in 15 to 300-pound test, and is now offered in convenient 100-yard spools, providing anglers with better value and convenience.

The line’s small diameter-to-strength ratio allows anglers to use a thinner, more discreet leader without sacrificing strength. Whether targeting the largest gamefish in the world or more cautious inshore species, Saiko Pro offers an undeniable advantage. The innovative AFTCO SecureSpool™ technology also ensures that the line is stored neatly and securely, eliminating the hassle of tangled, uncoiled spools.

Angler Benefits: Why Saiko Pro Stands Out

• Industry-Leading Strength and Durability: Saiko Pro boasts some of the highest tensile strength, abrasion resistance, and break energy ratings on the market, giving anglers the confidence that their leader can withstand the toughest challenges.
• Exceptional Knot and Crimp Strength: Lab tests have shown that Saiko Pro outperforms its competitors in straight and knot strength, ensuring that your tackle stays intact even under extreme pressure.
• Superior Invisibility: Saiko Pro is almost invisible underwater due to its low reflective index. This is critical for targeting finicky species like tuna and billfish that might be wary of more visible leaders.
• Unrivaled Performance in Tough Conditions: Designed to endure impacts from even the largest gamefish, Saiko Pro is engineered to deliver superior performance in warm and cold conditions, unaffected by UV rays or environmental factors.
• Ease of Use and Convenience: AFTCO’s SecureSpool™ system offers hassle-free leader management, ensuring your fishing experience is as smooth and organized as possible.

Saiko Pro vs. Competitors: The Clear Advantage

Saiko Pro sets itself apart not only through its technical specifications but also in real-world performance. Independent lab tests have demonstrated that Saiko Pro outperforms other fluorocarbon leaders, especially regarding knot strength and abrasion resistance. While other brands may show signs of wear and tear quickly, Saiko Pro maintains its integrity and strength even after prolonged exposure to harsh conditions, offering a clear advantage for serious anglers.

The Ultimate Fluorocarbon Leader for Serious Anglers

Since its introduction in 2018, Saiko Pro has earned a reputation as one of the finest fluorocarbon leader materials on the market. Whether you’re fishing inshore or offshore, targeting the world’s largest gamefish or smaller species, Saiko Pro delivers unparalleled performance and strength. This partnership between AFTCO and Sunline has resulted in a product that meets the demands of today’s anglers and sets a new benchmark for fluorocarbon leader line materials.

Saiko Pro is the clear choice for anglers looking for a leader that combines premium quality, cutting-edge technology, and exceptional value.

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Explore the full range of Saiko Pro products and learn more about this revolutionary fluorocarbon leader here. Put Saiko Pro to the test with a PR knot or FG knot and see for yourself why Saiko Pro is the ultimate fluorocarbon leader for serious anglers.

Author's Profile: Dave Rush

Dave Rush is a veteran outdoor writer and photographer who has worked in the fishing industry since 2009. As Editor in Chief of Best On Tour, he brings over a decade of experience and a deep passion for telling the stories behind the sport.