Gold Label Tackle have been around the angling scene for many years now. I can remember using a lot of GLT products back when I was a teenager, and on every trip to the tackle shop, it was always products from the GLT stable that were first placed into the paying arms of my mother (thanks Mum!!!).
Although GLT have continued to supply shops with top quality items of tackle, the brand has taken a back foot in comparison to newer companies with regards to being the first choice for every angler upon visiting their local tackle shop.

Throughout the years, the products from GLT have continued with the high standard of quality and without resorting to marketing gimmicks to sell consistantly to anglers that are in the know.

In recent years, GLT have been more well known for their lines, with the ultra successful Pro-Gold being the choice of some of the top anglers in the country in all the disciplines of angling.

Some of the UKMA team have been using Pro-Gold for a number of years now, and when GLT sent UKMA some of the new Pro Tough line, it was a few moments of heated discussion to who would get to review it.

What The Manufacturers Say

LOW-VIS - Beneath the water this line features very low visibility characteristics with our exclusive U.V. clear finish.

SOFT/SUPPLE – An ideal line for fixed spool or multiplier use. There are none of the springy and coiling tendencies that you usually associate with such an abrasion resistant line. It’s suppleness makes it ideal for fixed spool use, even in the heavier strains. The ultra smooth surface of this line make it ideal for long range, accurate casting.

ABRASION RESISTANCE – Featuring the same characteristics which amazed anglers and testers alike when they first used Pro-Gold line. Just as resistant and with the same limp and pliable features.

HIGH STRENGTH – A most important feature is the high shock absorbency properties of this line. This helps to cope with the sudden lunges which can occur, especially when a fish is right under the rod tip. Pro Tough also has extremely high knot strength coupled with precise, uniform diameters to ensure that you are fishing with a consistently reliable line.

FRESH/SALTWATER - Prior to it’s launch Pro Tough (15lb test) has accounted for 60lb+ carp and 150lb+ catfish. The 30lb test has accounted for fish to over 350lb at Gillham’s Resorts in Thailand, these were Arapaima, one of the hardest fighting fish ever encountered by the big fish hunter. In saltwater testing it has landed big tarpon, shark, snapper, bonefish and barracuda without a single loss due to line failure.

RELIABILITY – As with all our products, we test thoroughly so that you can fish with complete confidence.

UKMA's Thoughts

For a line that is designed to be super abrasion resistant, we could not believe how limp and supple it actually was. The line flows off the bulk spool with ease and any residual coiling of the line upon spooling up at the factory, is removed simply through running between finger and thumb.

The line that we were sent is rated at 12lb, with a straight breaking strain of 16.5lb. On the testing station, we found that the "12lb" Pro Tough line had a knot strength of 16lb 3oz when tied with a Palomar knot, and 15lb 13oz when tied with a 4 turn Grinner knot. Wrapping the line round the tension hook and securing with strong tape to stop slippage off the hook under pressure, we managed to get a straight breaking strain of 17lb 5oz!!!! For a line that has a stated diameter of 0.32mm, this is outstandingly good!!!!

On the UKMA callibrated digital micrometer, we took our usual random measurements along a 10 metre length, and found that the diameter was spot on 0.32mm with every measurement taken. This is something that we have not been able to achieve on any other line as there is a slight variation along the tested length.

The larger spools are all loaded with 1000yards of the line, which is more than enough for the average angler to fill at least 3 spools with and something that a lot more companies should do rather than supply as 4oz or other weight spools.

UKMA are looking forward to putting the Pro Tough through it's paces in a true angling situation on a snaggy pool that one of the team fishes where tackle reliability is paramount and any weaknesses will be shown within the session.

Check back soon for our on the bank findings.

For more information on the Pro-Tough line or any of the other products in the Gold Label Tackle range, please click the image below.