Loop size on the crimp?

[BYRD]

After reading BOX's thread about the lost bluefin, it appeared that the loops in the pictures he posted where of slightly different size.(maybe due to photo angles) I then went back and searched for pictures that showed hooks and swivels that were crimped, and it seems that the size of the loop varies depending on who rigged them. I guess what I'm getting at is this . . Is there a preferred loop size for hooks and swivels? Is it dependent to the size of the leader used or is there a standard size that should be used for everything?

I hope I'm not off base here and really want to know as I hope to be fishing offshore some this year.

[BTH284]

As small as you can get it without the leader kinking in a bind. This will vary depending on what lb test leader you are using. Stealth is key! I may be wrong but I would think bigger loops may leave an undesireable bubble trail in the water.

[z71offshore]

I usually go for a smaller loop. usually make a loop just large enough where a 100lb snap swivel just fits through the look. as for the hook end of the look, as tight as possible where the end of a ballpoint pen can barely fit through the loop,but usually i'm using a chin weight so that does not apply.

i would guess as a general rule i go for a smaller, tighter loop

[Satans_Chariot]

ive been told that if a loop is to large, that the mono when put under load could thin out and slip in the crimp. if the loop is to small, apparently it may nic on the crimp and game over...
also been told that a bench crimper, which has a fine adjustment to calibrate the maximum compression, can be improperly operated...
after 20 min of arguing, being fired, bench testing 5 different crimps and 4 bloody knuckles... it turns out boss man had an improperly tuned crimper.
was rehired later the same day... stopped working there bout 2 weeks later and now i make about 25$ more an hr than i did there... oh and i get to go fishng

[Jared D]

I go as small as I can with out the leader getting that "crease" in it. I usually put some sort of chaffing gear on the bigger stuff (I like the spring style stuff for 250 # leader, and the thimbles for bigger stuff.)

Leaving the flare is a must on your crimps... I like flares on both sides, though the loop side gets the most attention. If I miss crimp, I immediately cut and redo it. I had a nice fish lost to a crimp failure (ie miss crimped) and this was witnessed not only by a crew of my buddies, but also by the failed crimp being left on the leader to show MY error... lets just say a 93 mile run in + the biggest fish lost to my mistake + 4 buddies razzing the hell out of me = me learning a lesson.

I like to burn a small ball in the end of my tag end, just to prevent it pulling through, but its not really needed now that I have quality crimpers... its just an old habit that has died hard, and its worth the 10 extra seconds so I dont doubt my gear when it hits the drink. I also make it a habit to test my crimps and leader when ever I change to a different size/ brand/ etc. There is just something about having seen your gear hold up, that inspires confidence until it becomes battle tested.