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LandlockedinMI · #1 10-21-2002, 03:38 PM

Fished this weekend from Quonset Point to Matunick with lots of bass and blues BUT lost a bunch of fish to the dreaded-wire-to-small-tippet-knot. I tie an albright to the seven strand wire and never seem to get good results. I use 10 turns and am careful to make sure the wraps lie flat and cinch up well. So- anyone have the magic key to making this knot fail at greater than a couple of pounds or a better knot to try?

Thanks

Lucky · #2 10-21-2002, 03:45 PM

Softex is a great knot dressing that not only penetrates, but also shrinks to about 2/3 of original size. I have NEVER had a softexed knot slip.

The only drawback is that you need to prepare a few leaders the night before as it does take some time to dry properly.

Another thing you might want to try is using a uniknot / uniknot connection.

MKDeceiver · #3 10-21-2002, 04:03 PM

I use a blood knot. Climax wire leader material is the best.

sage fly guy · #4 10-21-2002, 08:19 PM

Crimp a loop on the end of a 1/2 dozen leaders before you go out. Any old knot to a crimped loop will hold super. As for the Albright after tying hit it with the thin formula Zap-a-Gap, it penetrates better than anything.

PeterSorensen · #5 10-21-2002, 08:25 PM

It has to be the way you are tying them. It is a very good knot for the application and usually does not fail so easily. If they are not completely snugged down, slippage will make it fail and try having the tag end come out the same side it went in. Look here.

LandlockedinMI · #6 10-22-2002, 08:52 AM

Big Pete:

I'm all over that. I'm snuggin and tag end exits same side. Maybe I'm expecting too much knot strength. I'd guess it fails around 5-6lbs???

MKDCVR:

Blood Knot? No comprendo. I tie all my own leaders so no stranger to blood knots. Do you blood knot the wire?

Thanks ALL!

ACE · #7 10-23-2002, 02:03 PM

I don't get it. Why tie wire to small diameter tippet? Wire has to be the thickness, (more) weight, and density of about 20# test. Cut back the leader to the thick stuff before tying. Any fish that will hit a fly on wire will hit one on much thicker mono.

LandlockedinMI · #8 10-23-2002, 02:09 PM

Ace:

Point is to keep it interesting. If I'm throwing the 6wt at 5lb blues there ain't much sport in using 20lb test.

Onshore · #9 10-23-2002, 05:55 PM

I agree with Ace and Big Pete.
I have no problem tying an improved clinch know or going loop-to-loop, but with wire I never go below 15 lb. test.
Why use 10 lb. test in the fall? This is the time your most like to get that really big one and you probably can't handle it on #10 in most conditions.