[TopSnipe]

Okay, I know the general recommendation of 10# to 1 oz. of lead. Now, does this generally hold true in all casting situations or does it mainly apply to heavers?

What about the mediocre caster using a 7-9' rod (me)? There are times I may need 4-6 ounces to hold in a current while casting maybe 100-200 feet (very optomistic ). Should I use a 10#:1oz ratio in these situations?

Thanks...

 

[*BRANDON*]

I used to use 80 pound as my shock leader when casting 8nbait but i had so many problems with the knots hanging up i went down to 50 for 8nbait and 40 for 6nbait. Are you casting a convetional or a spinner??

 

[TopSnipe]

Spinner now, conventional soon.

 

[shaggy]

Personally, while fishing Assateague, use 15 lb main line and either thirty or forty (usual) pound test as shock (on fish-finder rig with cut bunker). 5 oz to 10 oz worth of lead used depending on current and wind, and never had a problem.

A lot of people I have talked to have said just double your main line test (15 main line = 30 lb shock, 20 = 40lb test).

Remember the heavier the line (only my experience) the more the wind, current and grass can effect casting distance and drift.

 

[flistell]

Why so much lead? I fish Florida surf and 2 oz usually ok--allows me to use 12# and 40# leader, mainly for toothy fish, not for fear of snap offs. Easily hit 100-125 yards with no snap offs. Is your current strong or your surf much rougher. Thanks.

 

[bluerunner]

On obx especially current can be a lot stronger and surf is usually a lot rougher than it is in florida.

 

[catman]

Is shock leader even neccessary when using the new super braid line like Power Pro? 50 lb braid is like casting 12 lb mono and 80 lb braid is like casting 20 lb mono. I would think it isn't neccessary and you do away with the knot problem. Any opinions?

Catman.

 

[HR]

What knot are you using to connect the two? Anything special so it doesn't get stuck?

 

[chest2head&glassy]

Some of the folks on the distance casting board recommend this knot.

http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/ffactshockleader.html

I've used it and have yet to get it hung up or have it slip.

 

[Drumdum]

Why so much lead? I fish Florida surf and 2 oz usually ok--allows me to use 12# and 40# leader, mainly for toothy fish, not for fear of snap offs. Easily hit 100-125 yards with no snap offs. Is your current strong or your surf much rougher. Thanks.

Many times down here we CAN drop down on lead size,but like Chicago,we could be called the "windy city" as well. Our current and surf are strong,so strong at times,you have to use OVER 10 and bait to hold.. Me,I ain't goin over 10 and bait,it's a little tough castin after that..
Fireline will work for shock and running line,if you don't mind wearing gloves when ya pull the fish in.. The stuff CAN cut you..
IMHO,when throwing 8 and bait put on at least 50 shock. Use a double line knot in running line such as a bimini,spider,or surgeons loop. Then tie double uni,albright,blood,no-name(also known as Bristol knot) any are good connections when the running line is doubled..
For a medium caster as the first poster said,you aren't that close to anyone else,using 17 or so lb test and throwing 2 to 4 oz,I don't see where you have to have shock..

 

[poleant]

http://floridasurffishing.com/cgi-b...oteboards/gowge.cgi?noframes;read=62316#62316 Check out this knot it works great and easy to tie.

 

[Black Beard]

Hey guys - I have sequencial digital shots of tying a shock leader and a braid to mono knot. How do I get these uploaded?????????
I have posted them on Frosties board, quite happy to put them up here but unsure how - BB

 

[shaggy]

Flistel, out at Assategue, when you get a nice n'or-easter, with 15 - 20 winds the tide gets pretty rough. In order to hold bottom, 10 ounces of lead sometimes isn't enough (some good rain gear and survival instincts may also come into play). Personally never tried to heave more than 10 ounce, but sometimes out there I have wished for a twelve.

 

[Drumdum]

Just testing img,this is a new uni-knot I saw this morning..

Oh well,I tryed.... Uploader only..

 

[TopSnipe]

Okay, plenty of answers but, none to my original question.

Quote:
________________________
Okay, I know the general recommendation of 10# to 1 oz. of lead. Now, does this generally hold true in all casting situations or does it mainly apply to heavers?

What about the mediocre caster using a 7-9' rod (me)? There are times I may need 4-6 ounces to hold in a current while casting maybe 100-200 feet (very optomistic ). Should I use a 10#:1oz ratio in these situations?
________________________

 

[shaggy]

What is your main line test? If 10 lb double to twenty lb, if 15 lb double to thirty, if 20 lb, double to 40. I use 15 or 20 lound test, and 30 and 40 lb shock leader.

 

[Drumdum]

If you are using 10,as you say,and up to 6,use at least 30lb shock.. AND DO DOUBLE THE LINE,as Shaggy suggested.. IMHO,if you tie good knots,and you say you are an avg caster,shouldn't be a problem..

 

[LongRanger]

The issue is safety. Remember that it is your house, car, and assets on the line if someone is hurt by your cast. I use 10" per ounce. Try the knot that Neil has at the link about. If your cast is smooth you should not have any problems. Give it a try.