Drop Shot Line Breakage

[J Francho]

Those aren't even close to the numbers I get on a scale with my knots. At the last show I was getting over 6 lbs. before breaking 6 lb. Invisx. Now my buddy Paul could only muster around 3 lbs. However, using a different knot, he was getting closer to 6 lbs.

Conclusion? Not everyone can tie a good knot, and fluoro will exacerbate the issue.

[WRB]

Those aren't even close to the numbers I get on a scale with my knots. At the last show I was getting over 6 lbs. before breaking 6 lb. Invisx. Now my buddy Paul could only muster around 3 lbs. However, using a different knot, he was getting closer to 6 lbs.

Conclusion? Not everyone can tie a good knot, and fluoro will exacerbate the issue.

Just using TT knot strength data!

Tying knots on the water under fishing conditions isn't always easy.

Tom

[martintheduck]

Just using TT knot strength data!

Tying knots on the water under fishing conditions isn't always easy.

Tom

 

I just know I've not had any issues with that knot on FC yet, even the light stuff. It's possible too I tie a real good palomar or I just have magic fingers... at least thats what my ole' lady says! 

[masterbass]

I prefer the vmc spinshot dropshot hooks over traditional dropshot set ups.  I just use improved clinch knots on both ends.

[RipSomeLips]

Something else I don't think I mentioned is that two out of the three times it broke off just below the hook.  I still had my hook and bait on, so I don't think it would have been the hook set, as it wasn't breaking at the knot.  I wonder if maybe I'm pulling the knot too fast, as I am used to puling the tag end, which would end up just below the hook on a drop shot.

 

Another thought...yesterday is the fist time this has happened, but it's also the first time I've tried send the tag back through the hook eye to keep the direction correct.  Is this something you guys do?  Is it something that could be contributing to the problem??

I can speak to running the tag end back through the hook eye, I do this to get the hook to stand straight out from the line. I actually learned this from watching a KVD video where he said this is the technique he uses. 

My other thought is that because you are breaking off close to your hook/knot then there is a good chance that you may be stressing the line when tying. My best advice is to watch a couple of close up videos on tying the palomar knot and try to perfect the technique. One thing I learned is to try to keep the knot very loose until I have pulled the loop through the knot. Then cinch it down. I can sometimes see when I don't keep the knot loose where my fluro is actually flattened or stressed next to the knot, I of course retie.

[zachvu]

I see that most of the replies are regarding knot type or tying technique, however, I am going to respectfully disagree that this is the issue.  I say this because I have yet to lose any other type of setup (Carolina, Texas, weighted jig head, spinner, crank, etc) on a cast, or even on a fish, and only rarely on a real bad snag!  If the knot type, tying technique, or line was to blame, wouldn't this happen on all of the other rigs, and not just on my drop shots?  

 

I tested that theory and ran a drop shot all weekend without running back through the eye of the hook.  I didn't have a single break, and didn't retie after catching any of the fish.  This confuses me even further, as others haven't had the same problem when using this method.  The hooks I'm using don't have barbs, and are what many others are using for drops.  

 

Any further insight or speculation as to what could be causing this?  I'm thinking it has something to do with where the wire touches back to the shank to make the eyelet.  Maybe it's sharp, maybe the angle is just right for my line diameter, maybe it's..........

[J Francho]

Remember, the drop shot is the only rig that you fish with both the main line and tag end. It's a little different in how the knot gets stressed than other terminal rigging.

[zachvu]

Remember, the drop shot is the only rig that you fish with both the main line and tag end. It's a little different in how the knot gets stressed than other terminal rigging.

 

Didn't think about that!!

[J Francho]

If it's any consolation, I lose the tag end very occasionally during the fight. It hurts less now that we pour own weights.

[fish365]

My guess is that the line is causing majority of the problem. I had nothing but bad luck with the line you are using. Premium floro costs more but you get what you pay for

[zachvu]

My guess is that the line is causing majority of the problem. I had nothing but bad luck with the line you are using. Premium floro costs more but you get what you pay for

 

I've been thinking about switching, and have heard a lot of praise for Sunline Sniper FC.  Is it worth the price, or are there other lines that are a better bang for the buck?

[J Francho]

I use Tatsu or Invisx. Been using Tatsu since last year, Invisx for many. 6# is my preference for spinning.

[WRB]

Sunline Super Sniper FC line is good, the 8 lb is .009 diameter, same as the 6 lb Stren you are now using.

Tom

[MikeinFresno]

I too use the invisx, good stuff

[NorthernAnglers]

id throw 10lb braid on and then tie a 6 pound leader on longer enough for the drop shot rig

[NorthernAnglers]

oh i will add i'm experimenting  with 6 pound invisa braid straight up no flouro leader compared to my brother who is using 8 pound sunline straight up... so far hes up on me 2 fish , same baits , same length from hook to weight

[zachvu]

Thanks guys.  I think I'll probably run some spiderwire that I have laying around on a spin rod with either Invisx or Sniper 6lbs leader, and let that be my drop shot setup.  That rod is much softer, and hopefully will play nicer with my line!