Advice?
 

Hey guys. Been a while since I've been fishing so I tend to stay off the site cuz it bums me oout to live vicariously! Looks like I'm missing lots though. A while back I shared that I have the opportunity to go on a 6 day on the Vagabond in September. It's coming up and I'm pretty excited. I have always gotten good advice on this site so here goes:

Is 65# spectra good enough or should I get some bigger too? I have little experience with spectra and have always been a mono girl, but so many times, I see the guys who use spectra with a flouro leader and they do get bit more.

So what kind of knot for spectra to flouro, from flouro to hook? What is the best way to learn these knots? I need to start practicing them now so they get to be natural for me when the time is right.

Hooks? I like gamakatsu and owners with the little rings on them. Size? Advice on hooks? On a 6 day I am told, there is the potential for bigger fish. Any info you guys can provide is greatly appreciated!

Janine

janine,

i, too, wanted to find a good, easy to tie, strong reliable knot for spectra to flouro/mono. i found a great youtube video by the "lets talk hook up" guys on the rp (royal polaris) knot. it is very easy to tie and seems to be a very strong knot.

paul

For the spectra/fluoro connection, the albright's really good and its pretty easy to tie. For the fluoro/hook end, the san diego jam or palomar.

ALBRIGHT KNOT
 

Janine,

I have been using the albright knot from 65lb spectra to 30lb flouro and have never had the knot separate. This knot is easy to learn and apply.

Hope this helps,

-T

I have had luck w/
double uni (spectra to Fluro)
Palomar spectra to hook.

If I'm not using swivels here's what I do

Spectra to Mono or Flouro: Albright knot

Mono or Flouro to Hook: Improved clinch knot

Hooks: all circle hooks size 1 or 2

I haven't had a knot fail me

Thank you all! I looked at the RP knot. I will try it tomorrow. I also know the improved clinch and have always used it, so I will continue (you know what they say about old dogs and new tricks!). Now circle hooks... I have never used them. I hear you are not supposed to set the hook. Is that right? Why is a circle hook better than the others?

Janine

This is how circle hooks work

https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-u...966903413.jpeg

That RP knot looks amazingly easy and strong. I was in a pinch for time the other day and tied a quick and easy blood ... big mistake. Lost a nice Cuda ... that's what I get for being in rush. Anyone else have experience with the RP knot?

I like albright, or bimini twist (spectra) to albright (mono) which is what the guys at the LTS use. Everything else I use a palomar because it works great with any line and if I remember right is one of the strongest knots.

For certain types of fishing where you would need the fish to hook them self would be more beneficial to use circle hooks (bottom fishing) For your type of trip and given that you are not a rookie j hooks would work better. Baiting is much easier especially when the bite is good.

I have tried both and now use j hooks for top water fish especially after talking to deckhands and captain of the boat. Still use circle hooks for rockfishing and other bottom fish.

And buy a variety of sizes especially smaller hooks like 2 and 1/0 in case bait is small and fish are picky as well as floro from 15 up to 60. Good luck

Modified albright (7up7back) thats how i do it anyway work great, and cant go wrong with the palomar simple and strong


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Janine, check out the Fisherman's Landing website on tackle recommendations (has some good basic stuff!). This length of trip can have the necessity for the most equipment because of the variety of fish you could run into. :D
My 7-10 day trips I tend to bring "the kitchen sink" (a rod for each species and size with appropriate line 10-15 rods). :confused:
Something they don't mention, I'd bring extra (1/4# spools of mono, for back up, up to 40#...I personally bring 1# and 3# spools up to 80#) because if you get into many "WFO" bites you could end up in a few tangles and lose quite a bit of line which may require respooling one or more times! Though they do carry extra terminal tackle and line on some boats I don't remember if the Vagabond does (only fished w/Art a couple times), in a good bite you may have to wait until someone is free to help you (but by that time the bite is winding down or hopefully not over!).
Circle hooks are good because they do hook fish themselves and in the corner of the mouth.
Ringed hooks can sometimes help your bait swim more naturally but bulk packs can be expensive (and that's ALL I buy just NOT the ringed ones! I tie my Tuna/Dodo Flies with them also). I buy Owner Power Split rings to add if absolutely necessary and pre rig a handful (my personal preference is a dozen to start then restock at night) to start.
Given the unusual year we're having this year, I'd keep careful watch on the multi-day fish counts to see what they're catching. September can be a really good time of year as the Big Eye Tuna tend to show about this time!
A week before your trip call the landing and see if they have any "last minute" recommendations and where the boat may plan to fish (sometimes you can thin out some of the gear if the fishing is real good or tough.)
Feel free to P.M. me if you have any other ?'s
Hope this helps. Just my .02
FFY

I use uni to uni for spectra to fluorocarbon
And a San Diego Jam for the hook. I've never lost a knot yet.

If you need a refresher on how to tie knots check out
NETKNOTS. com

Good luck

You started the thread by saying you have used only mono in the past.

When braid line first hit the scene, many commercial boats did not like clients using it. The problem as they saw it, was too many lost the fish at the strike.
The braid does not stretch and hooks would be yanked from the fishes mouth.

If it's your first experience with using braid set a lighter drag for strikes and use a fast action rod. Most boats have the correct gear to loan, all you have to do is pay for the line. On the way down talk to the crew about drag settings, they'll help because they want you to have a great time, catch fish, and tell all of us about your catch so we'll want to go to.

RP knot for braid to spectra, floro to hook whichever you have become really good at tying is my recommendation.

I use a uni for the hook, seems to work pretty good.

Be careful on the uni to uni on the braid-fluorocarbon link, if the diameter of the braid is a lot smaller than the flouro it may end up cutting through it.

There is a pretty easy knot to tie but I don't know the name, a deck hand showed it to me on an 8 day. Talk to the mates, they will be happy to show you.

Lot of good recommendations. One thing that wasn't mentioned is to not use green spectra. In darkened weather conditions it's very hard to see where your line is in relation to others nearby. You can't follow your line if you can't see it. Personally I use white 65 lb. test spectra with a 4-5 foot top-shot of fluorocarbon and J hooks to easily pin the bait on.

This is my recommendation as well. 65# spectra is good. With 6 days your probably most likely going to fish all this tuna, yellowtail and dorado that's close, with a possibility of going to cedros and benitos. Make sure that you bring lots of flouro of different sizes, from 20-50#. Switch leaders depending on what kind of bait, what kind of fish and how good they're biting.
'

As far as hooks...I prefer J hooks. Owners and Gamakatsu hooks are excellent hooks but don't overlook the mustad's. Mustad hooks are pretty much disposable and cost pennies, vs dollars....and they have a bigger barb that holds a bait and holds a fish. Bring some smaller hooks like a size 2 or 4 for anchovy (just in case). Also bring 1/0 to 4/0 maybe even 5/0 hooks for the larger baits. Ringed hooks are nice to have, definitely bring some, they allow the bait to swim more naturally, you will likely get bit more. Another option is to tie a sandiego jam knot but not to cinch it down all the way, just leave a small loop, that will act as a ring. If you get bit the whole knot will cinch down tight.

Now as far as fishing spectra...it's great for fishing tuna! I personally love fishing spectra for tuna. If you have a lever drag reel that's a real plus when fishing with spectra because you can make drag adjustments quickly on the fly, more pressure or less pressure.

If you don't have a 2 speed reel get one, or borrow one or rent one. When the fishing gets hot and heavy...having that second gear is a life saver, and will allow you to catch more fish quickly.

Remember the rail is your friend!

Good luck! :luxhello:

Hooks
 

The size hook generally depends on the bait your using. Your on a 6 day, so I suspect that the boat will make bait at some point; but you'll likely be starting off with anchovies as off a week ago, that was all that has been available, with exception of some Macks. So, I'd take everything from a 2 to a 6/0, just to cover all my bases.

It's possible that you could fish as far down as Alijos rocks, but I wouldn't think they would run down that far on a 6 day, as they can find good fishing well before Alijos, and they'd burn 2 days/nights getting there and back.

Up to 65 pound Floro is fine, you shouldn't need anything heavier, except for trolling, and the boat will have trolling rigs; but you might want to bring your own pre-rigged troll jigs/lure's, with 100#. I am not sure if the wahoo are still within range of a 6 day, but you may want to bring some wahoo rigs, in case they are (a call in to the Vagabond just before the departure date should answer this)

Fish spectra with short tops shots of floro, not only because your likely to get bit more, but because if you don't everyone else will be, and you'll get cut off on a regular basis. Besides, in the long run, it's less expensive, as your only changing your top-shot.

Dont forget some cast-able jigs, like salas, tady, 6X Jr, mega baits... as the fish are also hitting the jigs well right now.

Best of luck!

I tend to run a very long leader so it the knot passes through my guides. Uni to uni was what i used to tie until I learned how to tie an alberto knot (or at least thats what I was told its called). Low profile and simple enough. Allows me to use my long leaders and not worry about getting hung up or anything. Good luck on your trip!

Awesome!
 

Sooooo much great info. I need to start practicing my knots! Keep the info coming gents. I love it and I am learning lots! I am learning that a lot of the stuff I already do is a lot what you all are suggesting. I like the idea of not using the green braid and I will look for white. I was thinking I would just put a whole 25 yard spool of flouro on top of my braid (so I don't have to keep tying splicing knots?) but most of you are suggesting short top shots.... hmmm. I like that someone suggested not overlooking the good ole mustad hook. Last year I went out on an overnighter on the Penetrator. Capt Clay called the owners and gamakatsu's "gucci" hooks and he used only mustad! I do see the benefit of good hooks though. A two speed reel huh? I was thinking about that but $$$! How much would one of those set me back?

Thanks again,

Janine

Strongest, smallest braid to flouro knot...
http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=4R3_znSAPz8

thats pretty cool! I'll try it.

tks

J

If you're lucky you might still be able to find a Shimano TLD 20II 2-speed for about $200 (if you're using Mono, not recommended for braid). I picked one up for just over that a few months back. If you have more $ (MXJ Raptor series if using braid $450+) look for an AVET.

[QUOTE=janines.fishtales@cox.net;201291]thats pretty cool! I'll try it.

tks

I have been using this knot for a couple years now. From 30-65# spectra with 15-40# fluoro leader.
It's great..
I generally use either a Palomar or Uni knot from leader to hook or lure.
:D

X2 on knot. Now if I could just remember it while rushing to re-tie between bites.

I keep the top-shot to 4-5 feet for several reasons. The uni to uni knot doesn't go through the guides, and I have less weight from the line which allows the bait to swim away faster. Usually abrasion occurs within six inches from the hook, so I can retie my Mustad Big Game hook multiple times. The only time a long top-shot is a must is when the seas are choppy and the boat is heaving up and down a lot. The stretch afforded by the mono fluorocarbon combo prevents pulled hooks and broken lines.
Most long range boats have 2 speed reels at your disposal for next to nothing or no cost. When you shell out several thousand dollars they aren't going to nickel and dime you, they want you as a happy return customer. Have a 2-speed available to use if you're in an area where the 60# plus tuna start showing up. Good luck out there.:reel:

Check with the boats in the area. Some will have rigs you can rent for the 80-100 lb. line and will do a topshot for you on your reels. They will have their recommendations as to what they find works the best overall.

With braid to mono the strongest knots have been the Albright and the Slim Beauty so you can decide which you find easier to tie. With all these knots it is important to cinch the knot with the line wet or you risk weakening the knot and turning 65 lb test line into 30 lb test.

Cool. Thank you!

Janine

Are you suggesting under some circumstances to use swivel at the end of the spectra and attaching the floro leader to the (snap?) swivel?

If so, under what circumstances?

It seems to me that although the swivel might get fouled with seaweed, it would also tend to keep that salad from sliding all the way down and fouling the bait.

(I, like Janine, have always been a mono angler, and sometimes use a snap swivel to attach a mono or floro leader. It certainly makes it easier and faster to try different gear without taking a billion different rods.)

Albright. Palomar and Improved clinch (4 twists on 25# or less 5 twists on 30# and up) depending on the application.

three way swivel

Spectra to swivel
Mono/flouro to swivel & sinker
Mono/flouro to swivel & hook






Drop shot or dropper loop

Spectra to swivel
swivel to mono/flouro

or

spectra to mono/flouro using albright knot

I don't really have a preference on this one, sometimes I use a swivel and sometimes I don't.


I'm not a big fan or snap swivels so I don't use them much on my fishing rods but I do use them on my sabiki stick

1. improved albright for the spectra to flouro
2. Uni for the leader to hook
3. j hooks when it comes to flylining a bait, you cant to be able to set the hook which you can not do with a circle hook. I also like the ringed hooks if the bait is not very good
4. Always pin your bait through the nose sideways never pin their mouths shut with the hook
5. Be sure to carry egg sinkers, rubber core sinker, torpedo sinkers

Info
 

Anyone know anything about the Shimano Tiagra 16? I just found out my uncle has one and is willing to let me borrow it for my Sept trip. Is it a trolling reel or can I use it to toss a bait?

Janine

Janine, the Shimano Tiagra series are very good reels.
The Tiagra 16 has a twin drag system (It's been the original design, to this day I don't understand why.) You can use it to toss bait but too light (IMO) for trolling. My trolling reels are 50 & 50W (with mono). I own a Tiagra 16 for a bait reel (for tossing bigger baits or smaller ones with sliding weights w/40-60#).
Looking for a "dedicated" trolling reel for 200# Spectra Hollow-Ace w/150# top-shot! Maybe the AVET, 50EX or TR-X 50. :D
JUST MY .02
FFY

A 50W and 200# hollow is great combo if you're trolling for marlin and the like.
Major overkill for a general kayak bait/trolling rig.

Janine's original thread was help/advice for a 6-day trip on the Vagabond in Sept.
Her last question had to do with a Tiagra 16 as a trolling reel.
My last comment on a dedicated 200# Power Pro Hollo Ace w/150# top shot was just an example of what I'm looking for [strictly just for trolling to bring in any type of Tuna {Big Eye, Larger yellowfin} fast]) in a reel.
My Kayak trolling outfit is a Beastmaster 12/30 (aka; original TLD 30II) loaded with 60# mono and my new TLD 20II loaded with 40# mono both 2-speeds. :D
FFY

Trolling
 

Thank you gents. I don't really care about trolling gear. The boats have those. I am interested in using the Tiagra for tossing a bait in case we get into bigger stuff. From what you guys are saying, it will be fine for just that, so I'm good!

Janine

my trip is fast approaching!
 

Ok guys, time to get this thread started again. This is what I have been up to in planning for my trip:

I have got a pretty good handle on the RP knot for braid to fluoro/mono. I've used it, its easy to tie, and it works. This will be my go to knot for this application.

I have learned my go to knot for mono/fluoro to hook will be the improved clinch. I was taught this knot from the very beginning and it works for me. I have confidence in it and I can tie it quickly.

My thoughts on braid.... I think it is a necessary evil! I tried it and I don't like using braid straight to fluoro top shot. I don't like casting the braid, it's kind of touchy casting wise. So, I will use braid as backing, then mono to a 3-5' top shot of fluoro. Thoughts?

Rods... I think I have (and let me know if this is overkill) about ten rods/reels. Here is the line up: 1 light bass type outfit, 2 20-25# outfits, 3 30-40#, 1 surface iron, 1 40-50# with a two speed reel, and 2 50-60#.

As far as misc tackle, I will have extra mono and fluoro, weights from light rubber core and egg sinkers to varying sizes of torpedos. I will have light and heavy irons, a squid jig, varying sabikis and that's it I think.

So, am I on the right track here? I have gotten some good advice from you guys and I appreciate it.

Janine