Lines & Knots
Keep it simple, strong, and productive
Using non-stretch fiber line with a fluorocarbon leader has the following characteristics
The non-stretch line has no memory and will not need changing that often. I have a few reels spooled with Berkley FireLine and they haven't been changed in 2 years. The line is tough and a pleasure to use.
The non-stretch fiber line has no memory so it doesn't coil up like monofilament after a few uses.
Connecting lures directly to the leader without any hardware (swivel, clip, etc.) is possible.
The non-stretch line, when used with a leader, is much stronger then its rating.
It will pass through the guides easily allowing for longer casts.
It cuts through the water allowing for less line slack.
When changing leaders you only need to cut off 1 to 2 inches of the non-stretch line..
It's extremely sensitive, when using a good graphite rod. This means more hook-ups.
Setting up a spinning or baitcasting reel with non-stretch fiber line.
Install a 100' buffer of monofilament to the reel.
Connect the monofilament line to the non-stretch fiber line using a double uni knot.
Wind the non-stretch fiber line to fill the spool.
Connect a 6' fluorocarbon line leader to the non-stretch fiber line.
This leader accomplishes 2 things; it gives the line some stretch which is needed when setting the hook, and saves the waste of the expensive non-stretch fiber line.
NOTE: I use14# test Berkley FireLine or 20# PowerPro non-stretch fiber line along with a 6' - 20# quality fluorocarbon leader.
On the fiber non-stretch line make AT LEAST 7 overlaps before pulling the line tight.
The number of overlaps will change on the fluorocarbon leader or the monofilament backing depending on the test weight rating of the line you use. For a 20# test fluorocarbon leader 5 overlaps are sufficient, with 25# test on 4 overlaps and 3 overlaps with 30# test.
Wet the line before pulling the double uni knot together. To make sure the knot is correct, pull one line against the other with force. The knot should pass through the rod eyes without any trouble.
When using a double surgeon loop at the lure end of the leader, allows one to install and remove lures without tying a new knot each time.
Set Up
Make the loop large enough to accommodate different lures.
After making the loop crimp the loop end together between your thumb and trigger finger, slide the loop through the eye on the lure, push the lure up the line, back down through the loop and pull tight.
This knot gives the lure ample room to move naturally without binding up.
To remove the lure backtrack on 2.
A non-slip loop knot will allow the lures listed below to more in an erratic motion triggering striped bass to take them.
1. Tie on any size jighead
used with 4, 5, 6, 7 inch soft
plastic baits such as;
Bass Assassins-Assassins. Tie on a
Storm WildEye Shad.
2. Top water lures such as:
Storm Rattlin' Chug Bug,
Zara Spook,
Stillwater Smack It.
Note: I do not use any hardware when fishing for striped bass.
Summary
The non-stretch line is very sensitive allowing you to know when a fish first takes the lure. With very little slack in the line, hook setting takes less effort and allows you to catch more fish. I've been using the above setup on light spinning tackle for over 7 years and caught countless numbers of striped bass to 49#. I use 14# test FireLine or 30# test PowerPro teamed with a quality Seaguar or Bass Pro Shop Offshore Angler Extreme Fluorocarbon Saltwater Leader 20#, 25# and 30# fluorocarbon leader without any hardware. Top quality leader line comes in 25 yard spools.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Tom Hughes
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