Another Shock Leader Question

[numbskull]

In big mono, or strong braid, I use back to back uni-knots (5-6 turns in the mainline, 3 turns in the #50 shocker). Lube 'em, tighten partway, slide together hard, tighten the rest of the way. When using lines less than #25, I create a double line with a bimini twist first. Makes a trim tapered knot, that is strong enough, and won't catch on your guides going out.

[Back Beach]

Forget the shocker. Use a spro 80# swivel, and use that as your leader to line link. Mono to mono knots are typically big and bulky, don't go through the guides well, and typically fail. Braid to mono is a little more compact and works well though.Use an albright knot for braid to mono. If you are going to stick with the Ande BC for your running line, abandon the shocker idea. Been there, done that, it doesn't work well.

[jim sylvester]

I agree..
80#swivel with 3-4 ft of 50 # flurocarbon and your in business.....

[gone fishin]

Mono to mono -- Braid to mono -- Crazy Alberto is the best - takes time to perfect it , but it runs through the guides easily. I have the same reel and found that it isn't plugging friendly. That is if you want to watch the plugs action. It is so fast that it has a tendancy to foul up if the line is not spooled evenly and TIGHT. Sometimes the parting of the line is caused by other things than the knots. Remember - the knot is the weakest point and will fail with a backlash before the line parts.

[GoFish]

Thanks everyone. Spooled off some line then went with an Albright knot with about 20' of 50# mono. Seems to work well.

If I nixed the shock leader and went with a swivel/3' fluoro leader (which I use anyway) wouldn't it leave too much of the load on the mono, and wouldn't the swivel beat up the guides?

Never ceases to amaze me how much I learn from this site.