Shock leaders

[Jack Sparrow]

Hi there, i was just wondering what you would class as a good shock leader, ie, make and why, im going to be loading my reel with 18lb red ice if that makes any differnce.

 

regards

Jack

[Norm B]

Hi there, i was just wondering what you would class as a good shock leader, ie, make and why, im going to be loading my reel with 18lb red ice if that makes any differnce.

 

regards

Jack

The standard answer is 10lb of shockleader for every ounce of lead. There is a bit of leeway if not power casting or using heavy mainline but stay within the guidelines of 10lb for evey ounce and you should be OK.

[Jack Sparrow]

Cheers for that Norm, i understand that part, its what make would you class as good, as the same as normal line some is good and some is total crap?

 

 

YIS

JS

[Norm B]

Cheers for that Norm, i understand that part, its what make would you class as good, as the same as normal line some is good and some is total crap?

YIS

JS

Greased Weasal is considered very good, Stren, also VG, most of the better brands are good to VG. Just don't go for very thin leaders as although they are strong they don't stand up to abraision very well.

[glennk]

I suppose there is a good reason for buying brand shockleaders but I just opt for a 4oz spool of 60lb ballistic phantom. Caught plenty of fish with it too :) .

[Holmesy]

Don't spend a lot of money on leader, just buy the cheap stuff in bulk spools. If most of your fishing is done in the 4-6oz weight range 60lb will be plenty.

[glennk]

I think something always worth looking into when discussing leaders is the type of knot used to tie them on. I was amazed at the strength of a bimini twist when a friend first showed me it. It beats the standard leader knot hands down.

[Jack Sparrow]

Cheers for the advice its greatly apreciated, Knots is a very good question Glennk, i just used to use a blood knot, but have been looking at the Albright Knot which i picked up from a link on another thread, the Bimini knot was mentioned but there was no pictures to show how it was made, there was an indepth article but as the old saying goes a picture paints a thousand words

 

Regards

Jack

[maidstonemike]

The ready made expensive shock leaders were brought in for the new anglers who couldn't tie their own or couldn't be bothered.

I liken them to the people who pay someone else to wash their car, bone idle.

Much cheaper to buy good quality branded line in bulk, and once you have learnt the knots, it's easy, and satisfying to tie your own.

[glennk]

I liken them to the people who pay someone else to wash their car, bone idle.

 

You are funney at times Mike.

 

The Bimini Twist.

 

It looks complicated, it sounds complicated. I taught big cod to tie it in 5 minutes with his great big shovel hands so its quite easy. Better if someone can show you than getting it from an article as when you see the knot you wouldnt actually believe it was a knot at all - just a mess in your line.

 

Its strong as hell. I find 25 pound to a 60 shocker is stronger than 31 sylcast straight through - a line renowned for strength.

 

try this article :

 

http://georgepoveromo.com/lineleaderconnection.htm

 

I find it easier to put your loop over your foot once you have enough twists in.