Leader Problem: Hang-Ups Breaking Off At Leader Knot Instead Of Lure Knot...

[SirSnookalot]

Didn't break off at the leader once using the Alberto knot. Thanks for the helpful advice. Now for a new knot besides the Palomar

No comment on whether the palomar is good or not, I don't use it myself.  When I'm attaching my leader to my swivel or my jig head (loopknot or lures) I use a plain old clinch knot.  Most of my leaders are 20 & 30# mono although I've used f/c as well, I don't worry about line knot failure even with a 50# fish.  The reason is simple, I don't ever lock down a drag.

[jhoffman]

I dont lock down drags either, seems like foolery to lock the drag, why even have one. At some point something has to give, I certainly dont want it to be the rod.

 

I hate leaders but its almost impossible to break 65lb braid.... almost. I wish i could invent a different style of lure retriever and call it the line retriever. It would go down as far as it could and cut your line.

[fish365]

I mostly use braid/floro in winter throwing bladebait like a silver buddy and have used the Seaguar knot with fairly good results. Very easy to tie quickly in cold weather so i can get my gloves back on

[Jolly Green]

Didn't break off at the leader once using the Alberto knot. Thanks for the helpful advice. Now for a new knot besides the Palomar

 

The Pitzen knot has become my favorite. Easy to tie well and once you get the hang of it you will only leave an inch or two of tag.  

[WRB]

It would be great if a line maker would make hollow braid, then you can make up knotless leaders like we do for salt water big game fish with loop to loop connection. Hollow braid isn't available in 15 or 30 lb.

No reason to loose anything but the weight with a drop shot rig, the weight should come off first.

Selecting the proper jig head shape and weight for the structure or cover will help reduce snagging. Developing control of what the bottom contact rigs are doing will also keep you of snagging or hook setting into a snag.

Often a light rod tip giggle into controlled slack line with the rod held high overhead will pop the jig out of a snag. When you tightened up on a snag it may worsen the problem and with a boat you have the option of pulling it out from another or opposite direction, often works good.

The bow & arrow trick is the last option before sliding a lure knocker down the line or breaking it off.

You can also super glue coat the braid to FC knot, then snipe the tag end flush with the braid.

Good knots shouldn't break. Keep practicing until it turns around. Your lines are good choices, knots need a little TLC.

Tom

Pa

PS, the little Pocket Knockers work OK for jigs but you lose them if the line breaks.