Splicing spectra with mono

[hattrickll]

I'm looking for some info on HOW TO for splicing spectra and mono, etc.
Is there a book, a good web site that someone can recommend.

[Slacktime]

Here's a site that provides a simple knot: www.leadertec.com/tips_index2.html

Also, here's a method for splicing that came from J&M Tackle (www.jmtackle.com) in Orange Beach for splicing Jerry Brown's Hollow Core Spectra to monofilament. Jerry's line is the industry standard, as it has more fibers per length of measurement than any other hollow core Spectra available. It is extremely easy to work with.

You will need a needle kit, and you will need two of the needles to make the splice. First, you select the needle that the 80 lb. mono will fit within. Next, find the next smaller needle in the kit. Using this smaller needle, you will insert it into the Spectra and "open the weave" for a length of about five feet. Take the needle out of the side wall of the Spectra once you are done "opening the weave." Now you are ready to insert the mono into the Spectra using the needle sized for the 80 pound monofilament. Note: the tighter the monofilament fits within the needle, the better. You don't want it coming out as you run it up inside the Spectra. Now, inch by inch, insert the needle (with the mono hanging out of the back end) into the hollow-core Spectra and run it up into the five-foot length of Spectra which you opened with the smaller needle.

Now comes the part which is really more easily demonstrated than told, but I will try: after you have run the mono-filled needle up five feet into the Spectra, take the needle out of the side-wall of the Spectra, along with the monofilament. Remove the needle from the mono. Pull the mono out of the Spectra at the five-foot point, for a length of five feet. Take a scotch-brite pad and run it along the five feet of monofilament two or three times. You are roughening it up so it will grab the inside walls of the Spectra. Next, take a lighter and touch the bitter end of the monofilament ever so slightly to the flame from the lighter, forming a very small mushroom, which creates an "anchor" for the mono within the Spectra. When you have roughened the mono and made the mushroom, grab the mono where it exits the Spectra at the Spectra's bitter end, and pull the mono. At this point the mono is re-entering the sidewall of the Spectra where you pulled it out with the needle. Keep pulling until the mushroom you made disappears into the Spectra. Now all that's left is to whip the connection where the monofilament exits the Spectra. Dan showed us to use 30-pound J.B. non-hollow Spectra as the whipping. Basically, with the spliced connection pulled tight, either in a vice, or by two people holding it tight, you will half hitch the 30-pound Spectra across the splice, starting on the hollow core Spectra about 1-1/2" up and working down to the monofilament, whipping another 1-1/2" along the monofilament. Next, you must use Jerry's two-part glue to seal the whipping. Ordinary super glue will not work. Once all this is completed, you will have created the knotless Chinese finger-cuff splice, a 100% unfailing connection from Spectra to monofilament that passes easily through most ring or roller guides. I know it sounds complicated, and it is until you do it a few times, but it is worth learning. One last word of advice: it is absolutely a must to spool Spectra onto a reel with a line machine. There is no physical way that I know of to apply enough pressure spooling it by hand. If the Spectra is not tightly packed, it will dig down within itself when any pressure is applied from a fish.

Hope this helps.

[gradyfish265]

Search BHP tackle online, Basil has a great site with many how to's and explinations of just about all you will need to know. He can do it for you or if you have the time can give you pointers to do it yourself. It really is easy once you do it a few times and get the hang of it, I learned from a local guy at a tackle shop and have done my own ever since. Put them to the test on some 200+lb bluefins on 80JB/80momoi mono and my connections held for hours. Your making a smart investment.

BTW I'm in Tuckerton, send me a pm if you'd like I'd be happy to show you in person if that works as well. I have the needles and all the supplies to show you before you invest your money. It is a very wise investment IMHO if you plan to keep your gear a long time, or to use a size smaller reel then you would typically use offshore giving the angler a better advantage.

Tom

[misokat]

Plenty of sites and info out there, save your money and use 80 to 130 dacron for splices- easy n cheap, never had one fail yet, even after 3 plus hour battle with a beast-380 plus pounds

[Sea Draggin]

Chinese Handcuff - How to with pics

Chinese Handcuff pt 2 - the loop

Chinese Handcuff Videos

[dunn6253]

I'm looking for some info on HOW TO for splicing spectra and mono, etc.
Is there a book, a good web site that someone can recommend.

You have the best information on the web here bro.

Sea Draggin posted up the link to the pictorial he did just before I was going to. Easy to follow, make sure to add it to your favorites, as im sure you will look at it many a times when first learning how to splice them together.

[Sea Draggin]

Before the end of the month, I will try to redo the loop instructions. I do it more by the book now (meaning like the instructions in the glue pack)

[hattrickll]

Thanks for all your info,it's greatly appreciated.

Jim

[hattrickll]

Thanks again, went down to the marina and borrowed some needles and spectra and tried my hand at splicing, not to bad, need a little practice.