attaching their eel leaders, or


do most people use a barrel swivel to lessen the
chances of eel hari kari?

i may be over reacting, but i could've sworn that the 3 p-ups
that got SPIT OUT this am after 1.6 seconds were due to my quarry feeling the barrel of the swivel.
is there any reason WHY i can't tie directly to my mono shock???

thanks, gentlemen, in advance for any suggestions

I used to tie directly to the hook with 25 or 30# mono running line before I started using braid. This was also when I fished more sandy locations and the fish were picky.
As far as removing the barrel, you're over analyzing IMO. Lots of times I have 3/8 to 1/2 oz rubber cores on the line and the fish still take. When a big enough hungry fish comes along it will all work out. Try a high speed retrieve if the fish are short hitting or set the hook sooner.

Your leader should be 3-4 ft long.The bass isn't going to feel the swivel.Don't forget to let him run with the eel for a 5-6 count.

for the most part i don't think bass are leader(swivel) shy at all. they've taken 12/0 treble snags on wire leaders when i've run out of smaller ones. when they are in gin clear water or they are casually feeding flouro might give you some sort of edge. but if it concerns you use those tiny spro swivs.

I tie direct to the leader and direct to the hook. No hardware to fail. I trust my knots.

Thanks everyone....................
once again your wisdom and insights preceed you,
and i kinda figured iwas overthinking things.............

that is gonna be my next move.
i'll tie direct, trust my knots, 'cause i've always
liked the feel of direct and my knots are solid.

appreciate the reminder, Bob, except these gurls
were having none of it; hence the concern for the barrel :huh:??

in Striper Surf, Daignault speaks of them being swivel
skeeered and does suggest as long a leader as you can cast comfortably and efficiently...........................

THANKS Again, gentlemen,,,,,,,,,,carry on!
:bl: :bl: :bl:

BassDawg,
I tie direct when conditions dictate - bright moon, champaign water or when bass are just nudging the plugs or grabbing and dropping my eels. With the advent of braid not many do it anymore. I use 20 lb mono and tie direct when I need a subtle presentation. Tying direct can and does make a difference in certain scenarios - just have to be extra cautious when trying to land decent bass without a leader.

DZ

If using a spinning reel I would suggest a swivel. My eel leaders are 30-36" long with a snelled 6/0 gami octopus and a 130# spro swivel.

attaching their eel leaders, or


do most people use a barrel swivel to lessen the
chances of eel hari kari?

i may be over reacting, but i could've sworn that the 3 p-ups
that got SPIT OUT this am after 1.6 seconds were due to my quarry feeling the barrel of the swivel.
is there any reason WHY i can't tie directly to my mono shock???

thanks, gentlemen, in advance for any suggestions

Bassdawg,
In my previous post I neglected to address the barrel swivel issue in your question. I’d be hard pressed to think the barrel swivel on your leader spooks bass – but consider this – there was a time when we were getting phantom strikes at night but couldn’t hookup. We tied direct with no leader and the strikes stopped. Now we were stumped, finally we attached a small bare hook onto our black barrel swivels and immediately started catching harbor pollock on the swivels. If the pollock could see the barrels in the dead of night I suspect that bass can.

One other scenario I’ve witnessed on a few occasions: a night with flat calm conditions – at the point my running line hits the surface of the water it creates a dimple on the surface sheen. Bass keep hitting my line at the dimple even though there is nothing to hit but the disturbance of the water. Bass can sense and see everything.

Both good reasons for surfcasters to pay attention to what is happening.

Try tying direct, or if you use braid downsize the leader strength to 20 lb test

DZ

I tie direct . I wouldn't think a swivel is needed except for maybe when using a spinner.
'Leaders should be long , like 6 to 10 feet if possible with your set up.

DZ:

Good call, Mr Z as it was a calm, flat night on the cusp of the New. and i did notice the entry point/slack of the line moving the surface, as you mentioned. didn't think much of it, at the time.

Thank you very much for your excellent suggestions and the
sharing of your vast experience. it's gentlemen like you that have proferred this sport to its current levels of interest and keep hungries
like me coming back for more........................especially when given
such succinct advice!!! Thanks, tons!

Saltheart and Sea Dangles:

Yes and Yes, i am using a spinning reel (PENN 750ssm) and that is why i think i went with the swivel in the first place, but neglected to
use the spros i had tucked away in my leader wallet and went, erroneously i'd say, with sum mombo cheapie swivels that were giant
compared to the rest of my rigging. i downsized the hook to a mustad 5/0 and that was mistake #2............

first night out eeling for the year, and i should've just stayed with what worked last year ~~like you guys do~~ 6/0 or a 7/0 snelled Gammi Octopus, then 4'- 6' of shock, then the 130# spro, palomar to the main......................

MUCH APPRECIATED GENTS!