ToeJam sent me a roll of his brand when I bought a rod, and it sat unused for a few months. Then I tried it and have been shooting off my mouth about it ever since. Like peas and carrots, it fits my style perfectly.
Typically I am spiking five rods, three double droppers and two single hooks. That is eight baits to manage. I have been salting my baits to keep them on the hook, but no more. This stuff works BETTER than saltines.
Two thicknesses are available, and of course each works better for differing baits.
I find no need to tie an over hand knot at any point. My technique is to wrap the hook shank three times, then wrap the bait like a spider with a fly, and then back to the shank three times and pull to snap it off. Actually, you can use fewer wraps around the bait than you think. There is a small learning curve, and some frustration appears, but soon you too will be an old hand at it.
The advantages I have experienced are that my baits don't come off after a big cast and splashdown, bait stealers have a tough time cleaning my hooks, I don't have to salt my bait and chase off the oils and liquids inside before using it, and I can get a larger piece of bait on a small hook.
When fishing at extreme distance, it is not alot of fun to reel all that line back in....just to check my bait. On a hot day, it is even worse when you have multiple rods out there. This stuff takes some extra time to bait-up, but also keeps my bait on for far longer than saltines last. Now when I check my baits, there is still some left on the hook. Pleasant sight actually, as fishing with barren hooks cuts down my effectiveness.
I can wad up some fresh clam goo and wrap it to the hook shank. You can even use the pieces of the clam that you might otherwise discard. Big wad of meat, then wrap it down to where the hook is no longer choked, and cast. I have been having fun with sandwhiches. Clam and sand flea is my favorite.
Crab is made far more effective, when you use string. I like crab knuckles, but when I check my bait, only the shell remains. That soft meat just goes away. Now I make my knuckle, attach it to the hook the same way, but then lash the shell to where the meat stays inside, and cast. Almost like cheating.
Ever reel in a sand flea, only to see all his inards are missing ? Not no more baby.
Check this out. Clam goo and shrimp half, on a 2/0. Too much bait.
A few wraps with the string and.....I am ready to cast. Looks like a jig, but it floats.
I bought and used up about $200 worth of Fishbites, but need them not now. I have string. It makes me a better fisherman. The extra time it takes to prepare for the cast is more than made up for by being able to fish with viable bait for long periods of time. My fresh shrimp lasts twenty minutes.
Ghost Cocoon, from what I hear, is the best variety. They have been using this stuff in the New England area and across the pond for decades. It is a valuable addition to my arsenal of stuff. I now have five rolls of it, and the only problem is when I forget to bring it with me.
You really should try it. You will develope your own technique after you get past being all thumbs with it. It is a must have item for me now, especially when fishing with multiple rods.
Oh....it also works great for strip baits, like mullet fillets. Stab the end with the hook, and wrap it. The meat stays. Also, you can use it to position a bait onto the hook in a manner where it will not slide down and choke the hook- unbenounced. Also, you can use it with any bait, with just one stab of the hook into the bait, because threading baits onto the hook is no longer required. It can hang off the hook, and be wrapped only where it does contact the hook, and it will stay put.
Great post....thread about thread. LOL
Some will never consider this....and that is a shame.
Some will try it.....and surrender too quickly.
Some will master it and sing its praises for years to come. They will be better fishermen because of it.
Try to keep bait juice off the spool. Bait up, then dry your hands and attach the string. The juice softens the stuff if you get too much on it, and the spool can get rank. Good luck.
Hopefully it doesn't cost a bundle.
