Are marlin leader shy?

[SERprise]

I recently lost a pretty big blue marlin using a 400# ande leader the marlin bit through it almost instantly after the first run about 3 seconds. Could I use 480# galvanized aircraft cable that I have or are they leader shy? Would I be better off getting some heavier mono? I will be targeting only blue marlin with the hope of catching a big mahi as well.

[Squidnation]

Where did the line break. most of the time the lines rubs off on the bill or something else. They don't bite through. Some guys use cable or wire between the lure and the hook. The old carolina style was always long wire leaders. You really shouldn't have a problem using 400lb mono as leader material.

[SERprise]

Originally Posted by Squidnation

Where did the line break. most of the time the lines rubs off on the bill or something else. They don't bite through. Some guys use cable or wire between the lure and the hook. The old carolina style was always long wire leaders. You really shouldn't have a problem using 400lb mono as leader material.

It broke right at the hook or pretty close to it. I think in swallowed the whole thing because it was a small 7" lure and it broke off right above the lure head.

[Squidnation]

Originally Posted by SERprise

It broke right at the hook or pretty close to it. I think in swallowed the whole thing because it was a small 7" lure and it broke off right above the lure head.

I would check your crimps. Not saying that is what it was but many times it could be a faulty crimp or over crimping line. Did you get the crimp back? Was the line severly chafed around the break? Was there a pronounced kink in the line as if maybe the crimp pulled? 400lb leader is tough to break on an initial run without severe chafing especially with the tackle that you are using. You would have to have some serious pullage. If I am correct you are using 50's and senators.

[esangler]

Originally Posted by SERprise

I recently lost a pretty big blue marlin using a 400# ande leader the marlin bit through it almost instantly after the first run about 3 seconds. Could I use 480# galvanized aircraft cable that I have or are they leader shy? Would I be better off getting some heavier mono? I will be targeting only blue marlin with the hope of catching a big mahi as well.

400 lb. is usually more than enough. If the leader above the break is not chaffed from the bill, then you either had a nick in the leader or a sleeve crimping/rubbing issue. If it had been just a matter of it breaking without an underlying problem, your line would have parted way before the leader...marlin lack the dental work to bite through a leader, especially in 3 seconds.

[SERprise]

Originally Posted by Squidnation

I would check your crimps. Not saying that is what it was but many times it could be a faulty crimp or over crimping line. Did you get the crimp back? Was the line severly chafed around the break? Was there a pronounced kink in the line as if maybe the crimp pulled? 400lb leader is tough to break on an initial run without severe chafing especially with the tackle that you are using. You would have to have some serious pullage. If I am correct you are using 50's and senators.

I didn't get the crimp back it didn't look like there was any kinks. It almost looked like a big wahoo hit it but we were at 400 fathoms and there was some sand paper like chaffing too20 mins later we got another strike and it was the marlin we caught..... I am using 9/0 senators with a lot of braid backing.

[clt_capt]

A lot of folks use a stiff rigged hookset - A short piece of cable covered by heatshrink inside of the lure.

Here are a couple of examples;
????? SINGLE OR DOUBLE hook rigs....
http://georgepoveromo.com/gaffrigmarlin.htm

You can also buy pre-made hooksets...

[Patudo]

Sounds like you got the blue marlin bug mate....

Anyway, YES, if a fish closes its jaw hinge onto mono leader in just the right way it can break the leader. It's fairly rare but does happen, especially when a fish sucks a lure down and the leader comes out through the "scissors".

I don't think blue marlin are all that leader shy but especially with the smaller lures you are using, over-leadering can drown the action of a lure, so I would stick with the 400 lb, certainly for those jets and bullets in the 7" class you showed in your photos as they are unlikely to carry much heavier. Some of the bigger 9" skirts size baits and most of the 12" will carry heavier leader and you could try 450 to 530 (530 momoi extra hard is excellent) for those. But 400 by and large is fine. It has the advantage that after it is chaffed during a fight it can be broken fairly easily by the wireman to release a fish that is too hot to remove the hook (get the lure in the boat before doing this).

ps. Also check the leader where it enters and exits the lure as sometimes the copper or brass leader tube can chafe the leader. Ream the tube smooth with the point of a big hook if there are any rough edges, and if its a large diameter tube you may be able to insert a little plastic tubing to protect your leader, etc.

[SERprise]

Thanks patudo you are always hooking me up with good info, and your right I do have the blue marlin bug....I can't stop thinking about the next one and find myself fighting to fall asleep at night thinking about the best way to find/ catch the next one.

[SERprise]

I have some 12'' 14'' 15'' and 18'' lures I will probably use the cable or some of the 550# momoi on. Thanks!