Losing Irons to the kelp! - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

09-18-2011, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregAndrew

What # line are you using, and what knots?

20# braid with 30# floro leader
Usually Braid -> 120lb crane swivel via improved fishermans/clinch knot

Leader to swivel with improved clinch

Leader to ring on iron with palomer

gabe · 09-19-2011, 04:20 AM

Get rid of the swivel. Your iron will swim better.

Gabe

-scallywag- · 09-19-2011, 08:41 AM

I think your major problem is the line....if targeting YT, cbass exc near the kelp... 50,65 or even 80lb spectra to a short 30 or 40lb flouro leader is the norm...

For the iron use strait 40lb mono...you'll loose less jigs.

CalicoCody · 09-21-2011, 08:13 PM

X2 on the straight 40lb mono for jigs. I have had weird experiences with the Palomar knot breaking before... and since then, I have stuck with the standard San Diego jam knot, or even a Double San Diego jam (ties the same way as the single, just double the line thru the eye/ring).

GregAndrew · 09-21-2011, 08:35 PM

You are much more likely to be able to pull an iron out with #30+ test (as long as you are comfortable being able to break that off). The San Diego Jam on the lure ring for sure. I am happy with the Trilene Knot for swivels and hooks. Lube the line before tightening knots and retie any knot that does not look or cinch up good.

http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php

http://www.steelheader.net/knots/knots.htm

09-21-2011, 09:21 PM

Just curious why you guys suggest mono when I can think of more benifits to braid? I must be overlooking a major benifit to mono?

Braid can cut the kelp, is stronger, and casts further? What am I missing?
Thanks for the help

The Kid · 09-21-2011, 11:57 PM

When you are targeting fish over the kelp it would be to your benefit to throw irons with spectra and a short leader. 80 lb Power Pro Slick 40-50lb flouro. Depending on your outfit, the rod may be able to withstand the shock of a strike. My personal beef stick, which is strictly used when the fish are over the kelp, is an Ulua and Saltist 40 H with 80lb Power Pro Slick 40 lb Seaguar. I don't use the outfit in open water, but for those other times braid makes life a lot easier. I will say that you should not be getting stuck in the kelp with irons unless you have a fish dug in there or you've got a backlash. Yo-yo irons should be worked in open water when the fish are keyed in on bait close to the bottom. Surface irons should be worked above the kelp, but preferably in front of schooling fish. Good luck!

Phatford · 09-22-2011, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CalicoCody

X2 on the straight 40lb mono for jigs. I have had weird experiences with the Palomar knot breaking before... and since then, I have stuck with the standard San Diego jam knot, or even a Double San Diego jam (ties the same way as the single, just double the line thru the eye/ring).

The trick to the Palomar Knot is to make sure you tie it correctly... Not saying you didn't but a lot of people just go through the motions and don't make sure the LOOP is above the Knot. It will cut a 97% knot down to like 20% if tied wrong.

09-19-2011, 04:20 AM	#2
gabe Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Posts: 120	Get rid of the swivel. Your iron will swim better. Gabe __________________

09-19-2011, 08:41 AM	#3
-scallywag- Banned Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: on the road... Posts: 598	I think your major problem is the line....if targeting YT, cbass exc near the kelp... 50,65 or even 80lb spectra to a short 30 or 40lb flouro leader is the norm... For the iron use strait 40lb mono...you'll loose less jigs.

09-21-2011, 08:13 PM	#4
CalicoCody Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Lakewood, California Posts: 46	X2 on the straight 40lb mono for jigs. I have had weird experiences with the Palomar knot breaking before... and since then, I have stuck with the standard San Diego jam knot, or even a Double San Diego jam (ties the same way as the single, just double the line thru the eye/ring).

09-21-2011, 08:35 PM	#5
GregAndrew Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Posts: 2,384	You are much more likely to be able to pull an iron out with #30+ test (as long as you are comfortable being able to break that off). The San Diego Jam on the lure ring for sure. I am happy with the Trilene Knot for swivels and hooks. Lube the line before tightening knots and retie any knot that does not look or cinch up good. http://www.animatedknots.com/indexfishing.php http://www.steelheader.net/knots/knots.htm

09-21-2011, 09:21 PM	#6
Drake Guest Posts: n/a	Just curious why you guys suggest mono when I can think of more benifits to braid? I must be overlooking a major benifit to mono? Braid can cut the kelp, is stronger, and casts further? What am I missing? Thanks for the help

09-21-2011, 11:57 PM	#7
The Kid Loves Surface Irons Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 455	When you are targeting fish over the kelp it would be to your benefit to throw irons with spectra and a short leader. 80 lb Power Pro Slick 40-50lb flouro. Depending on your outfit, the rod may be able to withstand the shock of a strike. My personal beef stick, which is strictly used when the fish are over the kelp, is an Ulua and Saltist 40 H with 80lb Power Pro Slick 40 lb Seaguar. I don't use the outfit in open water, but for those other times braid makes life a lot easier. I will say that you should not be getting stuck in the kelp with irons unless you have a fish dug in there or you've got a backlash. Yo-yo irons should be worked in open water when the fish are keyed in on bait close to the bottom. Surface irons should be worked above the kelp, but preferably in front of schooling fish. Good luck!