Hollow Spectra V: Mainline Loops (End Loops, Biminis, Surgeon's)

[bmac]

Thanks for this excellent post and its companion link on the hollow to plain spectra splice.

After struggling for several days trying to find a good way to thread the boat braid through the JB 80# I just ordered from BHP, I finally figured out a good method. I screwed it up about 5 times in a row with plain wire and an assortment of sewing needles. I was on the verge of settling on Slim Beauties for life, but then decided to try fashioning a home made rigging needle out of trolling wire. (Malin 60# I think).

I cut a 4' length of wire and then bent a small 1/2" piece on the end 180 deg and closed it with a pair of pliers to make a tight U shape. Then I got a bobbin and served that U closed. I need a lot more practice swinging that bobbin, but I finally got it without any major injuries. Then I used the old rod wrapping technique to secure the thread and i was left with a small but rounded point on the wire with an eye to work through the hollow spectra. I also used some parafin wax on the wire and thread wraps-- took some of the old Lady's canning wax and rubbed a light dry coat on. It seemed to help.

It still took painstaking attention to get it through 4 feet of hollow braid, but the results were pretty good. Not nearly as many trips outside the braid as before. To pick up the boat braid and thread it through the eye of the makeshift wire needle, I used my bobbin threader from my fly tying desk. No need to go out and buy one. You can make your own out of some small stainless wire. Then I worked the boat braid back down through the hollow spectra per the instructions.

Two Uni Knots finished the splice. Then I tied a nice end loop in the JB Hollow Braid using the latch needle kit from BHP. It's a very smooth connection that appears very strong. I'm set to go test how well I tied it. Now all I need to learn is how to tie my own wind on jigging leaders. Thanks a million for the instructions and good photos. As a side note, I ordered line, latch needles and shears from BHP and got them in two days down here in North Carolina. User friendly web site and prompt service. Good to go.

[pametfisher]

Thanks for this excellent post and its companion link on the hollow to plain spectra splice.

After struggling for several days trying to find a good way to thread the boat braid through the JB 80# I just ordered from BHP, I finally figured out a good method. I screwed it up about 5 times in a row with plain wire and an assortment of sewing needles. I was on the verge of settling on Slim Beauties for life, but then decided to try fashioning a home made rigging needle out of trolling wire. (Malin 60# I think).

I cut a 4' length of wire and then bent a small 1/2" piece on the end 180 deg and closed it with a pair of pliers to make a tight U shape. Then I got a bobbin and served that U closed. I need a lot more practice swinging that bobbin, but I finally got it without any major injuries. Then I used the old rod wrapping technique to secure the thread and i was left with a small but rounded point on the wire with an eye to work through the hollow spectra. I also used some parafin wax on the wire and thread wraps-- took some of the old Lady's canning wax and rubbed a light dry coat on. It seemed to help.

It still took painstaking attention to get it through 4 feet of hollow braid, but the results were pretty good. Not nearly as many trips outside the braid as before. To pick up the boat braid and thread it through the eye of the makeshift wire needle, I used my bobbin threader from my fly tying desk. No need to go out and buy one. You can make your own out of some small stainless wire. Then I worked the boat braid back down through the hollow spectra per the instructions.

Two Uni Knots finished the splice. Then I tied a nice end loop in the JB Hollow Braid using the latch needle kit from BHP. It's a very smooth connection that appears very strong. I'm set to go test how well I tied it. Now all I need to learn is how to tie my own wind on jigging leaders. Thanks a million for the instructions and good photos. As a side note, I ordered line, latch needles and shears from BHP and got them in two days down here in North Carolina. User friendly web site and prompt service. Good to go.

Basil at BHP is great, don't hesitate to call him. Also, congratulations on getting four feet spliced. It might be hard to believe at this point but splicing will get easier and easier as your hands get adapted to it. I have large hands but can splice 4 feet in no time. Be patient, it goes faster. Try 27# or 40# wire.

If you make each splice section of the end loop more than 3", you won't ever break one, they're that strong. In fact when you compare spliced connections to regular knots, they are fully 40-50% stronger.

Since you want to make your own leaders, I will post Hollow Spectra II here on Sportfisherman or you can look for it on 360 ... in the meantime.

Nice work.