Braid backing on a Tiagra 50w?

[Massbaytuna3]

Terence, this video is GREAT for learning how to create top shots for loop to loop connections.

http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/...onnection.html

You guys may have seen it. Its on the site.

[Goodnyou]

Am I the only guy fishing straight 80 lb diamond all the way on my 50s?

[hotreels jr]

Am I the only guy fishing straight 80 lb diamond all the way on my 50s?

Nope, we fish the same thing on our 50wides

[Col. Kurtz]

Terence, this video is GREAT for learning how to create top shots for loop to loop connections.

http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/...onnection.html

You guys may have seen it. Its on the site.

Bryan,

Thanks for the video man! I had not seen this before but definitely have a new technique to learn during the upcoming winter months. Any needle kits you guys recommend (or are you doing it old school with wire like the skip in this video)?

[Reel Pursuit]

Nope. I do the same thing. I can get just under 500yds of 80lb mono on a 50w. Pretty simple and no connections to mess with.

[Dads Dream]

Thanks again fellas. I am going to go with the 130#/100# combo this offseason on my reels. I also think the loop to loop connection makes sense for me with the key selling point being the ease of changing out the topshot on the water.

Terence

Ding- Ding! We have a winner.... I echo other's thoughts with Jerry Brown 130 HC.....although this year I upgraded to a 175 lb top shot ! Sure making the wind-ons myself was no easy task and they're a bit plump going through the Roller Trollers....but its giving me more confidence for switching between tuna & shark.......

My 2 cents...

[Massbaytuna3]

Bryan,

Thanks for the video man! I had not seen this before but definitely have a new technique to learn during the upcoming winter months. Any needle kits you guys recommend (or are you doing it old school with wire like the skip in this video)?

I use the same wire method to create a double sleeve, but I use a needle on the end of the mono to thread it inside the braid (instead of rounding the tip with sandpaper and inserting that way).

I think I got my kit from Fisherman's...can't remember. Pete at Belsans can get them as well.

[rarhomes]

Just to give you another option. I have no problem with tieing my mono to my double with an improved albright. Works great and never had one fail (although I don't fish for GBT). If you can tie good knots it's easy, if you have trouble with knots stay with the loop to loop system.


Capt. Rick

[EJR]

A couple winters ago I did some pretty extensive bench testing using the improved albright and a few other types of connections for a spectra to mono top shot connection. I knew a hand full of people that were using these connection but wanted to test it. The results were not good at all, in my testing. I tested close to 100 connections and every time I couldnt get to the connection to handle more that 50lbs before the spectra cut through itself. Doubling the spectra before tying the knot, for all connections, did allow about 15-20 lbs more.

I guess my one comment would be if you havent benched tested these knots you are using I think you should. All of the connections I made will handle a bft tuna standup. getting 40-50lbs out of your knots probably will not break since most people are only fishing between 20 and 30 lbs at strike. I have not strayed from doing chinese fingers only because I dont like having a knot that will hold a bft but will break at less that 50% of the lines actual strength.