Knot Failures

[Ponce]

As I mentioned in my fishing report I had a couple of know failures. As a matter of fact 2 out of my first 3 drops they failed.

I use the 12 turn bimini and connect to a 10-12 foot wind-on. Fishing 20 pounds of drag with PE-6 Daiwa Boat braid (less then 1 month old).

Here is what would happen I would get a strike, set the hook and it would break. The failure was at the knot or above, I had no part of the knot when I reeled in. The second time I made sure that I cheacked for any chaffing on my mainline and the same thing happened. Third time tied the same set-up and fished the rest of the day with no problems chatching multple AJ's.

I talked with Seadraggin, he thought maybe because I was tieing half-hitches around each leg of my knot that could be the problem. It could be bad line. Or maybe I had some damage on the line I did not see. I am very carefull with my stuff so I think that may be low on the possibilites.

Anyway thought I would throw it out there for the brain trust to see what everyone thought.

[Shortfin]

Do some pull test on the braid alone ,use some gloves and tie it around something stout ,I had some problems with some bad braid a few years ago and was going out of mind trying to figure out what the hell was going on ,figured it out when i seperated each possabile failure point ,I originally went to my knots and was surpirsed to find that it was in fact the braid

[captdavdavis01]

Heres my take on it...

Bimini's are notoriously problematic with braid, even when properly tied. I started with them and quickly found a new knot that was more reliable for me.

I use a 6 or 8 pass spyder hitch, and connect my flouro with a albright. Ive used this connection for years and Ive never(yes I said NEVER) had a problem at the knot. Leader chafe through...yup, braid have a bad spot in it and break, of course.

the syder hitch is super easy and really quick, plus you can tell from looking at it if its tied correctly(all the lines will be "in pattern" and nothing loose looking or bunched up on one end).

Anyway, hope you get it figured out before it costs you a huge bite.

Danny

[Jiggin Junkie]

First of all what braid were you using? I also use an 8 turn spider hitch and an albright with a 3 turn uni lock to set the leader. I have had no problems at all. That is once I got rid of power pro. I use Jerry Brown and Tuff Line XP. Big time major improvement.

[mozza]

50 turn bimini...... a couple of half hitches on the legs and finished with a rizzuto finish joined to the leader via and albright or loop to loop onto a wind on leader.

12 turns doesnt seem like enough

it does sound like bad braid though

[WhiteLakeBuc]

50 turn bimini...... a couple of half hitches on the legs and finished with a rizzuto finish joined to the leader via and albright or loop to loop onto a wind on leader.

12 turns doesnt seem like enough

it does sound like bad braid though

I agree 100%

[swell rider]

Forget the bimini..A muti turn spider hitch is all you need for your connection.. I use this not for all types of fishing bluewater, Bottomfishing , jigging ect..It hasn't failed yet. I've seen to many bimini's fail over the years to have confidence in the knot and being a full time fisherman I tend to stick with what works..Ken


Swell Rider Sportfishing
www.swellriderfishing.com
Atlantic Beach, NC
910 233-1714
910 200-2502

[WhiteLakeBuc]

Forget the bimini..A muti turn spider hitch is all you need for your connection.. I use this not for all types of fishing bluewater, Bottomfishing , jigging ect..It hasn't failed yet. I've seen to many bimini's fail over the years to have confidence in the knot and being a full time fisherman I tend to stick with what works..Ken

I don't recommend the spider hitch for braid unless you are using at least 100lb or higher. The spider hitch is regarded as a 40% knot in braid lines.

The bimini is 85% to 90% http://www.marinews.com/Bimini-Twist-336.php

Bimini Twist

The bimini twist is one of the better methods for producing a strong double in line, including the super-lines. It looks a little difficult to tie, however, with just a little practice it is quite easy to master. Personally I prefer to the plaited double, however, the Bimini Twist is handy when working lighter game fish such as Barramundi etc.
There is a lot of debate about the Bimini Twists breaking point. In fact it is very high, especially if you do a high number of twists ( 45 to 55). What weakens this join is any jerk motion or sudden snap, (which happens regularly in non stretch lines). Such an event weakens any knot and this is especially true for the Bimini Twist. The only other splice or join, for forming a double, that retains the original line strength better is the plait.
Doubles and loops are a major part of sports fishing and loop to loop connections are essential for the connection of wind on leaders and for the connection of fly line to backing from the reel. There are a number of differing methods of tying the Bimini Twist. The method I have demonstrated here you will need to place your rod in a holder allowing you to use it to provide the tension required to form the knot. Once you have mastered this method you will find it easier to progress to other tying techniques. The Bimini Twist retains between 85 to 90% of original line strength. The more wraps in the making process (up to 55 or 60) seem to help increase its strength, especially when tying super lines. As with any knot; but definitely with the bimini twist, a sudden jerk reduces this knot strength considerably so select a rod and set drags to suit and it will give you little trouble.

Spider Hitch

The Spider Hitch is not a hitch bit rather a loop knot. It retains around 80% of line strength in monofilament lines and as little as 40% in gelspun lines. It is a very quick and easy way of forming a loop or double in line. There is substantially reduction original line strength in gel spun lines which can be curbed if the shock factor is controlled by the use of a suitable rod and proper drag setting. However the spider hitch knot is best utilized in monofilament and lighter lines.............. http://www.marinews.com/Spider-Hitch-434.php

[hattrickll]

Swell Rider, I'm new to the jigging scene and have been praticing the bimini with the albright knot for a few weeks now.
Isn't the bimini a 100% knot compared to the spider hitch ?
Also what connection are you using to the spider hitch, loop to loop etc.
Thanks for the info.

[Ponce]

I am going over my stuff in detail in the couple of days. I'm going to test the line and work on some differant knots. To see if I can find a weak spot, other than the guy who ties the knots.