Tuna/Marlin Lure Rigging Questions???

[chase'n tail]

I have been mostly a lurker on this site, and there seems to be a lot of hard core knowledge. I have some questions about rigging Tuna/Marlin lures. I have been rigging my own for a couple of years, but have been using simple things like offshore loops and crimps for the majority of my needs. I am primarily fishing tuna with Clones, Zukers, small jets, and Cedar Plugs.

My question is as I try to clean up my rigging, and maybe get a little fancy with it, I have started using chafe protecting springs. I have read somewhere and for the life of me can't find it, that saltwater in the aluminum crimps will corode them. I have also read that the use of shrink tubing will combat this? Is this important?

I know that with Marlin riging the shrink tubing is used to give a stiff rig. Is it also to help protect the crimps from the salt?

Finally, if the rigging looks good from last year on my 150 & 200 pound leader, should I still replace it this year?

Thanks for any help and enlightenment!

[johnseafood]

Instead f going all fancy dancy on it with shrink tubing and all that you can just use electrical tape. We used it to make stuff rigs and do just fine. I know alot of other guys on here do as well. As far as the loop goes and offshore loop does the trick. When you start adding all that other crap all it does it gives you one more reason to buy stuff that you don't need.

As for the leader from last year this is how I explain it to everyone. Cost to go offshore for the day 800-1000 roughly. Times spent in prepping for the trip 8-10 hours. Cost to replace 10 rigs less than 10$. Why spend all that time and money to have it break. I do all my rigs every year and if we use them alot then more than twice a year.

Hope this helps you out on what your going to do this year. Remember keep it simple all that extra stuff is only to catch your eye not fish

[Dick_Formula233]

I have read somewhere that saltwater in the aluminum crimps will corode them. I have also read that the use of shrink tubing will combat this?

Finally, if the rigging looks good from last year on my 150 & 200 pound leader, should I still replace it this year?

chase'n,

Aluminum crimps are fine for use with mono, but will corrode if used with stainless. If you're using stainless leaders, copper sleeves are recommended.

Shrink tubing does nothing to combat the effects of saltwater. It's useful for stiffening the rig or smoothing rough edges.

The way I deal with saltwater is after each use my lures go into a bucket on board. When I get home they get a good soap-and-water washing. I inspect each leader for abrasion, nicks, or kinks. If any are found the leader gets replaced. Last, I make sure the hook is nice and sharp and pack it in a ziplock, ready to be used again. If your leaders are still in good shape, I'd say use them again.

[brandon558]

90% of the time i redo all rigs after they were pulled in the spread. When i get back to the dock i simply cut the leader get the skirts,chin weights, and hooks toss em in a bucket of water and throw the leader away.

Kinda like seafood said, you spend all the time rigging and prepping for a day offshore the last the you want it tackle failure. New leader isnt shit compared to all the money you spend on bait and fuel. This is what i do though...some never change out leaders. I dont like the take the risk of losing a fish because of a kink in the leader.

Brandon

[chase'n tail]

Thank you guys very much for your help. I appreciate your words of wisdom!

[ancient mariner]

Great info:
I change my leaders at least hree times a month when I fish 'em hard. I know lots of guys who change 'em twice a season when they fish on weekends only.
WARNING...WARNING...WARNING... Check for nicks and rough spots EACH time you pull that lure in .No matter is it just to clear off weeds, change lure color , WHATEVER. You will find that the leaders get nicked up and you'll never figure how it did that.
HINT...HINT...HINT.... NEVER just throw yout your leader/lure ofgf the back of the transome. WHY? 'Cause all that white water trashing and bashing your transome, WILL TURN that lure around on the leader and nick iot most times. ONE BAD running lure will screw up your whole spread.ALWAYS put the leader/lure o/side in the corners , that way when you let the leader out thru your hand, U KNOW it will go out straight and NO NICKS.
I'm off to NORWAY in a few days. I'm going to CODZILLA land for the big COD and HALIBUT that lurk there. YOUWZA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WACKM N STACKM
Joseph B...aka...Ancient Mariner

www.ancientmarinertackle.com