| Author | Message | ||
| Warden
Senior Member Username: Warden Post Number: 690 Registered: 8-2000 |
Contrary to the opinions of others, I've had problems with the strength of a Bimini Twist when forming a single line into a double line. The application I'm referring to is when you double your running line prior to tying on a shock leader to retain 100% line strength. One side of my Bimini would slip a little putting much more strain on the remaining side with a resultant failure at the shock knot junction. I found I had better line strength with the supposedly inferior Spider Hitch. Last week I learned to tie the Aussie Braid and I used it this weekend. Great way to form a double line from a single. No slipping here! Also, it's very thin and flexible so it flows through the guides well. It does take some time to tie. You aren't going to put this baby together in the dark with the wind howling during a good drum bite! Under those conditions I'll go with the Spider hitch but for rigging up ahead of time, I'll go with the Aussie Braid. http://www.leadertec.com/knots_Ausplaid.html This link should get you to the tying instructions.  | ||
| Flukinuki
New member Username: Flukinuki Post Number: 27 Registered: 7-2003 |
Ok...heres a few silly questions from a surf fishing newbie. 1. Why use a shock leader? Isnt 50lb powerpro, a swivel and my rig enough? 2. If a reel is spooled with 50lb powerpro and I choose to add a shocker, do I double the powerpro (running line) then add a shockleader? What lb test shocker? 3. What knots are best for joining (doubling) powerpro to a leader? 4. What is the rule for leader length? Ive heard the leader should wrap around the spool 5-6 full times when ready to cast, is this right? 5. Doesnt the large knot between shocker and running line get caught in the guides? Seems dangerous if it does and a few ounces of pointy lead comes hurling back at your mellon (head). Sorry if these are stupid questions (or have been answered before) but all this ahock leaded stuff is confusing to me. | ||
| Brad
Senior Member Username: Brad Post Number: 388 Registered: 10-2002 |
I'll give you my opinion on this, but be advised that I am not a true surf fisherman, but an avid user of mono/superline leader configurations. I would use a shock leader to keep from getting cut by the superline during casting. I would use the 5-6 turn analagy for deterniming the length. As for the line test of the shocker, I always used 20-30#, depending on the rod and sinker/plug weight. To join the lines for casting, I would use a uni-uni connection. I would double the braid to cushion the knot and keep from cutting into the mono. I would also super glue the knot to stop any slippage that might occur, further reducing the chance of cutting into itself or the mono. The finished knot should not be large if tied correctly, and if you make 3-4 turns on the mono, and 4-5 turns on the braid, it should be well within a diameter that will flow easilly through the guides. Cut the tag ends very short when the knot is complete. | ||
| Warden
Senior Member Username: Warden Post Number: 716 Registered: 8-2000 |
Fluke, A shock leader performs two main functions. First, it provides added strength when throwing heavy weights and bait. It's not difficult to break your running line under the stress of a hard cast. The second thing it does is provide a handle for landing a large fish. Trying to drag a 30 pound fish out of the surf by holding the Power Pro is not fun. With the shock leader, you grab the large diameter mono. The mono leader also is more comfortable on your casting finger. 20 pound PP will cut a groove in your finger in very short order. But you're using 50 pound PP. I use 20 pound PP with a 50 pound PP shocker. The 50 is tied to the 20 with a back to back Uni. Then I put a drop of super glue on the knot just for good measure. I have no problem with my casting finger with 50 pound PP. What I'm saying here is that if your using straight 50 pound, you probably don't need a shock leader. Just remember to make sure your drag is tight before you make your cast.  |