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does everyone leave a little loop at the hook end so the hook can move a bit or do you tie a knot right tight to the hook? I am not usuing a snap swivel I want to hook direct to the hook/hooks so just wondering what everyone does.thanks
crimpers, crimps, and leader material on the way. can't wait to start this experiment....
For musky I always use ball bearing swivels and at least 50 lb flurocarbon ( I have had one musky snap it like thread.) Other than him, never a break off or knot slip. I always use palomar knots. For pike this year I am using 60 lb flurocarbon, ball bearing swivels and a trebel.
i use 60 pound seaguar fluro and love it .
alright leader makers. I just got my new cup to cup crimp tool, crimps and my 80 lb seaguar leader material. I am doing the crimps per everyones suggestions and all my research. Burn crimp end so it mushrooms a bit, then do the proper crimp, leaving a 1/16th on each end to flare up away from leader. everything seems to be going good. but when testing how much they can handle, they usually fail at 45-50lbs. maybe it is the way I am testing though. What i did was made up 3 leaders, and put one loop end on my digital game scale that goes to 330lbs. then the other loop end I put a screwdriver through to get some leverage and pull down steadily, not jerking. always breaks around 50lbs. the last one i just broke, the leader material itslef was fresh, no kinks, dings, etc right off the spool and where it broke the leader material broke and frayed like. Am i testing these too hard or what?thanks
I tried palomars, double surgeons knots and crimps and everything is breaking way below strength. it has got to be from the way I am testing. I thought I would be able to test each one then put them in my tackled box for later use when I need them or want to switch them up because of blades/beads but I am afraid even when I get them to test to my satisfaction that they will be damaged from testing and loose strength.
Bennett: do you mean for hard or soft water? I would fish for musky the same as pike. 50 lb fluorocarbon trebles. ( for ice)