connecting the leader to mainline

[OCtuna]

Ok guys I need to know some ways of connecting the leader to the mainline. I'm 15 and my dad and I are just starting to use our own boat to fish. Anyway I would like to know some set up's for the leaders. I've read that BOX changes his leaders after everyfish so how exactly do you have your lines set up if you dont mind sharing? The rods we are going to be using are Penn International 50's with fifty pound test so how should I set up a leader? I hope you guys could offer me some advice.Thanks.

[austin ensor]

i tie and 15 foot bimini to a 150lb. wind on swivle then to the leader.

[OCtuna]

Now would you have to tie the leader to the swivel everytime I have not seen one of these swivels before.

[Glenn W]

I see you are from OC. More and more guys seem to be using dead baits up your way although alot of spreader bars are used. For a beginner and seasoned pro alike I am a big believer in keeping things simple--- If you are dead bait fishing (ballyhoo) for Tuna, It's tough to beat a wind on leader (especially when you are just getting started and not that used to wiring fish). In this regard, I prefer SPRO wind on swivels. There are two kinds: "heavy" and wind on barrel. I would recommend the "heavy" style and trust the strength of these little jewels. Size #3 (150lb) is more than enough. The Power Swivels are fine too but they are not as forgiving going though the guides (they will break if the rod angle is wrong). If you are using spreader bars and such, a clip on snap swivel is probably better. Big point, is alot of Northern guys use swivles designed for 130lb class gear. Buy and used quality snap swivels and a 80-100 lb snap is more than enough for 50lb gear.
You can get all hi tech with the knots and loop to loop stuff but there is really no need if you tie a simple knot properly and carefully. A uni knot on the main line will not fail you if properly tied I guarantee it and is about as simple as it gets. I would suggest crimping the leader end and learn to crimp properly and get a decent pair of crimpers making sure you always use the correct size crimp. It's really pretty simple with a given size leader. Remember, the more connections you have and the more high tech you make things, the more chance for failure. Do things simple but do them well and you will not have any problems with leaders or leader connections.
If you prefer to use clip on leader with all of your riges simply tie a uni knot ( or your preferred simple knot) on the main line and crimp a loop for each leader end to clip on (teeny tiny loop, not a loop big enough to lasso a small dog.).
Long story short--- pay attention to the detail of what is simple as opposed to spending needless time playing with all the high tech techniques and gizmos.

[HOLWACHAGOT]

I see you are from OC. More and more guys seem to be using daid baits up your way although alot of spreader bars are used. For a beginner and seasoned pro alike I am a big believer in keeping things simple--- If you are dead bait fishing (ballyhoo) for Tuna, It's tough to beat a wind on leader (especially when you are just getting started and not that used to wiring fish). In this regard, I prefer SPRO wind on swivels. There are two kinds: "heavy" and wind on barrel. I would recommend the "heavy" style and trust the strength of these little jewels. Size #3 (150lb) is more than enough. The Power Swivels are fine too but they are not as forgiving going though the guides (they will break if the rod angle is wrong). If you are using spreader bars and such, a clip on snap swivel is probably better. Big point, is alot of Northern guys use swivles designed for 130lb class gear. Buy and used quality snap swivels and a 80-100 lb snap is more than enough for 50lb gear.
You can get all hi tech with the knots and loop to loop stuff but there is really no need if you tie a simple knot properly and carefully. A uni knot on the main line will not fail you if properly tied I guarantee it and is about as simple as it gets. I would suggest crimping the leader end and learn to crimp properly and get a decent pair of crimpers making sure you always use the correct size crimp. It's really pretty simple with a given size leader. Remember, the more connections you have and the more high tech you make things, the more chance for failure. Do things simple but do them well and you will not have any problems with leaders or leader connections.
If you prefer to use clip on leader with all of your riges simply tie a uni knot ( or your preferred simple knot) on the main line and crimp a loop for each leader end to clip on (teeny tiny loop, not a loop big enough to lasso a small dog.).
Long story short--- pay attention to the detail of what is simple as apposed to spending needless time playing with all the high tech techniques and gizmos.

Glenn put it perfectly...


KISS. Uni knot is fine on fifty pound. I guarrantee you a beginner's Bimini tied to one side and my(or GW's) uni on the other of a swivel is gonna welt the guy pulling on my side.
Nice post by the way young man. I hope you and your dad burn em up this year.
HOLWACHAGOT

[Persistence]

An ugly knot, but I always use a Palomar knot for 40-80 pound mainline to a snap sqivel. Have never had one fail. I know a Uni is a great knot, I have just become confident with the Palomar and continue to use it.

I think starting out, snap swivels to your lure/leader will be the easiest way to get going.

This is a pretty good site for tying knots

http://www.netknots.com/html/fishing_knots.html

I've also useed that Jam knot with good success on 80 pound leader.

Good luck!

[tunakiller 4 hire]

I tie a bimini then albrite 100lb ande to the double line then crimp the swivel on then the leader usually 60ft of 100lb I like the 100 to the 100 if the crimp grabs a little it wont break.Not the only or maybe best but it is my way.

[Anders]

did some short research looking for some pictures so you might get an idea, these are not mine but may help you understand

[seapower]

Glenn W's, got it right in my opinion. Keep it Simple. I use "Billfisher" trolling(wind on) swivel's,crimp's, crimp plier's. I also use the Albright knot alot. I've had no problem's with any of the above. It's not the gizmo's that get-er -done. Pay close attention to all of your connection's whether they be knot's or crimp's. If they don't look right, they probably aren't, and don't be afraid to give them a couple of real good jerk's to test them. As Glenn also ponted out, the more connection's, the more likely point's of failure. Good luck, Frank

[jonesd055]

did some short research looking for some pictures so you might get an idea, these are not mine but may help you understand

Great info so far. I read that article a couple of times but still can't figure out how the dacron is attached to the spro swivel....Is it spliced or is a loop made in the dacron and then looped through the spro swivel? I would think if a low profile connection could be made to the spro swivel and leaders/lures could be changed out easily this would be a great setup since those spro swivels are so tiny and stealthy. Whipping and splicing lures onto a leader isn't really an option for me every time I would want to change the spread around though....