I have TLD25 reels with 600 yards of 30lb Momoi hi vis yellow line. I have a double leader about 3 feet long tied with a bimini twist to an offshore swivel knot at the swivel. I have snapped the line a couple of times lately when these big dolphin get close to the boat. This has come mostly from handling the leader. I’m thinking I want to take some of the 30lb off and put 50 or maybe 100 yards of 50lb test in it’s place so I’ll have a heavier line and leader when I get the fish close to the boat. My question is, can I use the same line in 50lb test and tie it on? And if so, what knot would you use to join the lines.
Any “helpful” opinions would be appreciated.
Cape Horn 24OS
twin 150 Optimax
I don’t want to be rich,
I just want 1 dollar more than I can spend!
Brian… you could topshot using a few different knots… albright, noname/Yukatan… etc… but one method that you might look into as well is using a wind on leader.
Use your same short bimini and tie an offshore knot to a wind on power swivel (these are much smaller, and stronger than normal swivels spro makes a good one) and then tie or crimp 60-100 lb Fluorocarbon (I usually use 80lb) and run about 25’ to your snap swivel. This gives you:
A.) a longer clearer leader (which may or may not matter)
B.) a much stronger line at boatside, considering your leader will probably be at least 100lb.
A few things to consider:
1.) the size of the roller guides on your rods. If they are too small you can have issues with the swivel snagging up. You can avoid this by making a true spliced wind-on that will allow you to not use a swivel at all (these are a little more technical to make)
2.) Make sure you leave enough room on your reel to accomidate the leader and swivel, even if the agler doesn’t level correctly.
This system is extreamly effective, and its also easier to re-rig should something go wrong in the cockpit. The initial hit is a little pricey buying the fluoro… but once rigged they will last you an entire season… barring any kind of major loss.
Mike, thanks a lot for the tip. I think I’m gonna take some of my existing line off and replace it with approximately 100 yards of 50lb mono. If my calculations are correct, instead of having 600yds of 30 I will have around 525 yards of line. I think I will use that yucatan knot. Field & Stream tested it at 157% with a double line.
Cape Horn 24OS
twin 150 Optimax
I don’t want to be rich,
I just want 1 dollar more than I can spend!
2’ double (bimini or aus. braid), albright end of double to 25’ of 100lb mono. crimp bb snap swivel on the end of 100lb. This technique is used the world over for 30lb and less tackle. no need for 2 swivels.