Advice?

[janines.fishtales@cox.net]

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

[double p]

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

[5-20]

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.

[troutking]

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

[Carp]

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

[jorluivil]

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

[janines.fishtales@cox.net]

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

[pbb]

Originally Posted by jorluivil

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

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.)

[YTHunter]

Originally Posted by Carp

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

x2

[SLYACKER]

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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[FlyFishinYakr]

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.
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).
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

[Cbad Mike]

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

[walrus]

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.

[PapaDave]

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.

[ful-rac]

Originally Posted by walrus

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

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!

[Fishwhisperer619]

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!

[janines.fishtales@cox.net]

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

[FlyFishinYakr]

Originally Posted by janines.fishtales@cox.net

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

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.

[gary sullivan]

Originally Posted by janines.fishtales@cox.net

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

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.

[Widgeon]

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