OT: Terminal fishing connections?

Bobwhite

Bobwhite

Joined
Nov 30, 1999
Messages
2,913
Hey all, I have just recently gotten into fishing. I had not gone since I was a kid and the bug bit me from nowhere. My wife even got me a nice rod/reel combo for my birthday two weeks ago. Here is the deal. I have read some books and magazines, learned some knots and such but I am learning all alone, I don't have anyone to show me hands on how to do anything. So there has been some trial and error, and I have lost some lures. I know that happens from time to time, but I want to eliminate as much error on my part as I can. So were can I find info on connecting lures to line? What knot to use when? Swivels, snaps, leaders? For instance, what is the best way to attch a Daredevle spoon? I have tried tying directly to the lure, tying to a split ring in the lure, snap swivle direct to lure, snap swivel to split ring in lure...which way is the best? I see a lot of info out there on rigs, but they seldom go into the basic details. Like this, "Try using a number X hook with a number Y slip weight and brand Z soft bait" but they say nothing about what connections to use. Or "swim a spoon over the weedline under such and such conditions for some great bass action" but attach spoon how? Any body point me in a direction where the info assumes that you know NOTHING about fishing already and includes step-by-step directions for different lures and jigs and such?
 
I pretty much use the same knot for everything. Some variation of the improved clinch knot, I think. No idea how it affects lure action. Some of the new high-tech lines have specific knots that work best with them - usually instructions are included.


If you get really desperate, there's always super glue, or really, really small pieces of duct tape. :D
 
Bobwhite:

I haven't done much fishing for a while, but here's what I used to do:

Use a snap swivel as long as it doesn't change the behavior of the lure--it's quick and easy. If it spins, another swivel can't hurt, especially when trolling. Avoid swivels connections at the lure when the fish can leisurely inspect the lure, like still fishing with live bait.

If using split shot, use a leader so you don't damage the main line. If your'e using a large lure with lots of weight, the swivel connection is fine. For the smallest lightest hooks and lures, like most flies or live bait, tie on a (maybe tapered) monofilament leader tied to the hook even if the fishing reel is loaded with monofilament. Braided casting lines or fly-fishing lines almost always need a monofiliament leader so the fish won't be put off by the line, especially in well-fished areas. Panfish, bass and trout can't bite through monofilament. I think only a couple fresh-water fish like maybe pike need a bite-resistant leader.

You only need a few knots--pick a secure knot that you can remember for the following:

-Cleanly splice monofilament
-Make an eye in monofilament
-Tie a monofilament leader to to braided or fly fishing line if used
-Tie a hook to the leader so the knot is on the shaft and the line passes clanly through the eye
-attach a swivel. For larger swivels a loop in the main line and works fine-you attach the swivel to the loop like hooking two rubber bands together.

Unless you're doing something pretty specialized that should do it. Put the rest of your effort into figuring what the dang fish want to eat and where they are!
 
Thanks for the link Kismet, that is a great source of info. I confess, I have an addictive personality. Thanks for the general advice Firkin and Tohatchi, I like to try to keep things down to rules of thumb. Thanks for the laugh Bruise, I did used to duct tape rocks to large fireworks for "pond chumming" as we used to call it.
 
Hmm... wonder if you could bag ducks that way?
 
Last time I fished was at Phewa Lake in Pokhara. I ended up buying fish from local fishermen who knew how to catch fish. That's why I like Bruise's idea.
 
Nepal has Masheer, regarded as one of the best freshwater trophy fish in the world. They are hard to get to and fight even harder. I would love to get a shot at one, with some dynamite backup maybe.;)
 
I use the improved Trilene knot and have not had any problems with it or any breaks at that point with a fish on. The manufacturer of your fishing line will have recommendations as to what works best for their line and their website would be the place to visit.
 
"Bagging" must be much harder. Sneaking up on them and all.
Click to expand...

Awww heck, its easy---just aim between their legs and if you're careful it'll come off in one intact piece;) ;) :p :rolleyes:
 
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