knots

[piemma]

I use the improved clinch knot for all my connections and never had it fail. I use the Albright knot for braid to mono leader on my conventionals as I never use a swivel on the conventionals. Other than those 2 knots the only other knot I use is a dropper loop knot for my teasers on leader.

[numbskull]

This knot (i.e.,Trilene knot) http://www.fieldandstream.com/fields...182981,00.html is stronger than a clinch knot, but it is trickier to tie right (won't tighten with too many turns in heavy mono, and will cut itself if the turns around the hook overlap).......though in 50 lb mono any knot tightened correctly should be OK.

[Back Beach]

Originally Posted by numbskull

This knot (i.e.,Trilene knot) http://www.fieldandstream.com/fields...182981,00.html is stronger than a clinch knot, but it is trickier to tie right (won't tighten with too many turns in heavy mono, and will cut itself if the turns around the hook overlap).......though in 50 lb mono any knot tightened correctly should be OK.

That's a real good knot George. I don't use it for mono, but I use it for all of my braid knots, mostly for my running line to barrel swivel connection. You're right about it being difficult to tighten with heavier mono too. Even with braid you sometimes have to re tie the knot a couple of times to get it to lock down tightly.

[Pete_G]

Originally Posted by Back Beach

I should mention one more thing here too, and that's the condition/age of your leader material. In addition to being an advocate of tying up your leaders prior to the day’s or night’s fishing, I typically purchase a brand new spool of 50# big game prior to each season. Throw last season’s stuff out and go with the fresh stuff. When I used to fish the outer cape, which is obviously all sand, I would tie direct most of the time with 25# big game and would change the line every couple of days. Just like your produce, fresh is better.

To add to this, even fluorocarbon ages. Popular opinion is it doesn't break down or age much.

I used to use Varivas Fluorocarbon, it was awesome stuff. Soft, tough, thin, all the things you'd want in leader material.

But they stopped importing it 3, 4, maybe more years ago and I ran out shortly afterwards.

This past year I found some hiding in one of my storage boxes and was thrilled since I'd long run out. The thrill was gone after the first time I used it, it's break strength was gone. It broke with very little pressure.

[piemma]

Originally Posted by Pete_G

To add to this, even fluorocarbon ages. Popular opinion is it doesn't break down or age much.

I used to use Varivas Fluorocarbon, it was awesome stuff. Soft, tough, thin, all the things you'd want in leader material.

But they stopped importing it 3, 4, maybe more years ago and I ran out shortly afterwards.

This past year I found some hiding in one of my storage boxes and was thrilled since I'd long run out. The thrill was gone after the first time I used it, it's break strength was gone. It broke with very little pressure.

I also have experienced line that has broken down over time. last year i found a spool of 50# Spectron braid. I knew it was 5 years old but it had been in a closed box in my basement. I lost a beautiful fish in the 35# range right at the gunnel when the line just parted.