Wind on Leaders

[arthurj]

Hey guys,
I have always considered going to wind on leaders but haven't made the move for a few reasons. I'm talking about the bimini to spectra wind on, not the spro swivel to leader type. My question is on how you guys set yours up. I saw the good thread down the page on making the loop to loop connection but do you guys do this just to put a snap on swivel 5 feet in front of your lure? Does the swivel scare some fish away? I guess a yellowfin wouldn't like it but are you guys mainly targeting billfish when using them?
Thanks,
Al

[rarhomes]

All fish except tuna, (trolling or swordfishing) heavy tackle 50#plus = 21' wind-on, 8' leader with a 3' double. You can use a crimp on ball bearing swivel or I use a 150# ball bearing snap swivel to connect my leader.

[sportfishingusa]

When offshore fishing other than sharking i am not big into wind ons.. i love top shots!! look into top shots!! call basil as bhptackle!!


he has great stuff!

[Green Machine]

We always use them sharking but I am with SFusa... not as big on them for other stuff. Top shots are definitely the way to go for tuna etc. You can do them yourself directly into the spectra or dacron or as he says buy some pre-made and then you will always be able to change them out even on the water. Top shots are just a longer and lighter wind on leader IMO better for all kinds of tuna fishing.

Sharking we like a 250 or 300 lb wind on leader connected by bimini twist and loop-to-loop (cat's paw). Have to keep the total length (double line - wind on - wire leader) under 40' I believe in IGFA tournaments.

[sportfishingusa]

What you want to do is either call your local offshore shop or call basil at www.bhptackle.com

he is in nj and will help you out.. If you are going to be using your trolling and chuking gear as one unit then he will point you into the right direction..

What i like to do is put 80 lb 100yd top shots on my 30s

130lb top shots of 100yds on my 50s and same goes for my 80s...

What i would do is put a snap lock on the end Ball bearing of course, and then run that onto your trolling lure.. this will allow the same if not a little less depending on what lure your trolilng lb test than your leader..

If your trolling tuna chances are you are running atleast 100lb leaders... sometimes with ballyhoo for whites maybe i would use 80lb sometimes but depends on the weather.. if i am running whites you use smaller gear anywa.

But for tuna fishing stick with the above set up and you will be fine!!! when chunking you can use a chunking rig or just tie the hook right to the top shot!! works good!

[rarhomes]

Top shots and wind-on are two different animals. He asking about wind-on leaders. And yes IGFA rules for leaders for 20# line and above, can't exceed 40' - 30' leader a 10' double. Thats why I say 21' wind-on, 8' leader = 29' + a Bimini under 10' ( a 3' Bimini is plenty).

By the way because I am not looking to set any records I also use a top shot. My backing is 130# power pro., 300 yds of 50#mono top shot tied with a improved albright to a double and then my to my wind-on. In reality I am fishing 130# class.

[rarhomes]

As stated earlier this is NOT a tuna rig.

Let me take this one more step, when fighting a big fish I want the full 29' of 400# leader for obvious reasones. I don't want to tie my top shot to my 8' leader (even if it is 130#).

[sportfishingusa]

As stated earlier this is NOT a tuna rig.

Let me take this one more step, when fighting a big fish I want the full 29' of 400# leader for obvious reasones. I don't want to tie my top shot to my 8' leader (even if it is 130#).

What do you exactly use that set up for.. just want to pick your brain.. i like the idea and have used it in the past just have not implemented it anytime in the near past..

[arthurj]

Thanks guys,
I am actually using some setups done by Basil with 100-150 yard topshots. I go to the snap, then to my leader like sportfishingusa is talking about. I was curious about going from topshot to wind on by a catspaw.
Thank you,
Al

[sportfishingusa]

Thanks guys,
I am actually using some setups done by Basil with 100-150 yard topshots. I go to the snap, then to my leader like sportfishingusa is talking about. I was curious about going from topshot to wind on by a catspaw.
Thank you,
Al

That is okay also... you can do that like was said above.. use a 50-80 lb top shot and then you can add a 3' bimini and a 25" 300lb windon if you prefer for trolling!!

If you are in nj and need any help or anything let me know i am always willing to help!
I am in toms river