Adding new techniques to my arsenal
I received an order of new toys this week from BHP Tackle. Basil was very helpful in getting me setup with the basics I will need but also with quality tools that will last and that I can grow into. As many of you know I make most of my rigs, jigs and tackle. This is something I take great pride in, especially when myself and others catch fish with my creations.
I am now stepping up my game and going to start making my own stinger hooks and wind-on leaders. I already started rigging some hooks. I still have to glue the knots and cover them with shrink tubing which should be arriving today but here is a sneak peak at a couple. The smaller one is a 7/0 heavy duty live bait hook rigged with 200# Jerry Brown hollow core and the larger is a 10/0 with 300#.
I also rigged two wind-ons last night that all they need is to be served and cut to length. I am sure the serving will take a little getting used to but I should be up to speed on that by next weekend since the weekend weather looks horrible. I am also going to make my own wind-on jig for doing the serving. At least I am going to try. If it doesn’t work out then I will buy a bench jig. I was just trying to get in the game for as little as possible but there is no substitute for the right tool for the job.
The more I thought about how useful wind-ons would be the more uses I came up for them. I previously hardly used them due to cost. One big advantage for them would be trolling wire line for striped bass. You have the end loop, or haywire twist, in the wire, it would be so much more convenient to just use a loop-to-loop connection to attach your leader than tying an Albright knot over the wire. Especially in rough conditions which are usually present in the early spring and late fall.
Another situation I think will be more convenient as is when bottom fishing. While I typically only use 30 or 50 pound leaders most of the time you break off or get chafed off on structure near the jig or rig. After re-tying a few times the leader needs to be replaced. If you have a Bimini twist in your main line (in my case typically braid) you can just un-loop the damaged leader and loop on another. Much quicker and easier than cutting, tying a new Bimini twist and Albright knot to attach a new leader.
You could also have wind-on leaders pre-made with your rig or jig already rigged at the tag end. That way you just un-loop the damaged leader and loop on a new leader and rig all in one shot. Saving valuable time when the bite is hot.
Once I hone my serving skills I will post pictures and videos in the how to section for creating both wind-on leaders and stinger hooks.
Tags: rigging
