Novice needs help with new gear

Hiya Guys

I've got a new 6-8kg line rated rod matched with a 4000 series reel and using it mainly for demersals e.g. pinkies, dhuies etc. I'm using braid for the first time (20 lb) and planning to put on a fluoro leader (40 lb). I need some advice on the following;

 

1. How long should my leader be? I'm thinking about 2m...?

2. I'm planning to use a double uni knot to join the 2 lines, would this be strong enough?

 

Cheers

Stumpie


bulkie's picture

Posts: 127

Date Joined: 08/01/13

Double uni is alright as a

Fri, 2017-02-03 10:46

Double uni is alright as a knot but not the best.  Youtube FG knot, it might look daunting at first but after a few tries you should be good with tying it.

sea-kem's picture

Posts: 15031

Date Joined: 30/11/09

 2m is fine Jerry and I'd got

Fri, 2017-02-03 10:49

 2m is fine Jerry and I'd got the GT knot but you need a bimini double in the braid first, I've never had one fail on me. 

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Andy, how's it going

Fri, 2017-02-03 10:55

Andy, how's it going mate?

 

Thanks for the heads up. I'm at work but I can't stop thinking when the next decent weather is gonna be to go out for a fish.

sea-kem's picture

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 Me too mate, very

Fri, 2017-02-03 11:52

 Me too mate, very frustrating. 

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Jackfrost80's picture

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Date Joined: 07/05/12

If the FG knot is a bit

Fri, 2017-02-03 11:45

If the FG knot is a bit daunting the albright/improved albright is a good knot to get you started and it's a good one to tie when on the water. 

This is the video I used to get started on the FG knot www.youtube.com/watch but I know have a tool for doing it which makes life a bit easier.

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Posts: 1522

Date Joined: 09/03/13

1. my standard is leader from

Fri, 2017-02-03 12:35

1. my standard is leader from reel to rod tip and back. works for all length rods.

and
2. no doubt FG knot.

(personally I'd go 60lb leader but whatever works for you.)

Tradewind's picture

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Date Joined: 18/09/12

I use improved albrightNever

Fri, 2017-02-03 12:44

I use improved albright

Never failed me even on larger sharks

clarky29's picture

Posts: 48

Date Joined: 15/04/15

PR knot

Fri, 2017-02-03 13:06

 I use a pr knot make the leader long enough for a few wraps on the reel. Single braid to leader not the easiest knot to tie and you need to use a bobbin but have never had one fail. Like the fg its a thin knot that does not catch on the guides.

Marineboy's picture

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Date Joined: 14/03/14

Knots

Fri, 2017-02-03 13:17

 hey stumpie,

as a newbie go with the keep it simple method until you gain more knowledge, all the above knots are great but if you are confident in tying a double uni then stick with that until you gain more knowledge and experience, better a well tied uni than a poorly tied fg etc. 

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 My spots are so secret even the fish don't know about them !

Posts: 790

Date Joined: 25/05/12

 Yeah agreed marineboy, you

Sat, 2017-02-04 08:22

 Yeah agreed marineboy, you don't need fancy knots to catch fish double uni is thought as nails for demersals plus quick and easy to tie when there's a hot bite 

Posts: 1116

Date Joined: 19/06/14

Practice makes perfect

Fri, 2017-02-03 14:02

 I'll always go a 25 twist Bimini on the braid ( use your big toes for this one too...:) Then it's an improved allbright to attach to my leader. Usually I'll do three armspans of leader material which is about 6m . If you're trolling it gives you a shock leader and a big plus is when you're getting a fish alongside the boat you've got a good 3m plus of leader on your reel . I find this makes my life a little easier! .Bottom line is you work out what works for you

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 My wife understands why I clean my rods n reels in the shower....

 

Coastrunner's picture

Posts: 453

Date Joined: 25/10/14

I tie the braid to a swivel

Fri, 2017-02-03 14:04

I tie the braid to a swivel with a Palomar, then a Uni knot for 60lb mono or fluoro to the swivel for the 1500mm-2000mm dropper loop paternoster rig for bottom bashing. Had a few bust offs but also had Owner 8.0 hooks break before knots give away. How do you guys keeps your rigs from tangling while the rods are stored in rocket launchers while travelling to spots ?

sea-kem's picture

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 Lol that's a constant

Fri, 2017-02-03 14:15

 Lol that's a constant battle.

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Posts: 578

Date Joined: 23/04/14

Snap swivel and loop

Sat, 2017-02-04 16:02

Instead of the swivel use a heavy snap swivel. Then on the top of your bottom rigs tie or crimp a loop.  Easy then to keep your rigs separate while travelling, and to clip on/off as needed.

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Posts: 155

Date Joined: 22/07/15

Awesome replies fellas

Fri, 2017-02-03 14:16

Awesome replies fellas thanks.

Another question... how often do you retie the leader to the braid? Is there a 'shelf life'?

Jackfrost80's picture

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I use mine as long as it

Fri, 2017-02-03 14:22

I use mine as long as it lasts until it gets too short but check for abrasion and knicks in the leader as it may have scrapped some reef and you won't know it's been weakened until you hook up and lose a fish and your rig/jig

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sea-kem's picture

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 Yeah just keep an eye on the

Fri, 2017-02-03 14:33

 Yeah just keep an eye on the condition of it Jerry like Frosty says. 

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Coastrunner

Fri, 2017-02-03 15:52

 Here's a good one ,

                            Use a 120lb swivel and clip on the end of your leader. I pre make all of my rigs and start em off with a nice swivel. When moving about I'll do a two second disconnect of my rig and I'll leave it in the side pocket on my tub, swivel will clip onto the bottom eyelet of rod ( through the side not the guide!!! ) chuck rod into rocket launcher and away we go . If I'm feeling lazy I'll leave rod in my baitboard rod holder ( Andy.... finally got to use it the other day works a treat ! ) and I'll let my drag off till the sinker and rig is sitting on the floor....:) no messing about. 

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 My wife understands why I clean my rods n reels in the shower....

 

sea-kem's picture

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 Nice Chris, looking forward

Fri, 2017-02-03 15:54

 Nice Chris, looking forward to some pics.

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Coastrunner's picture

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Cheers mate

Fri, 2017-02-03 18:48

 My preference is to also tie my rigs at home, I dont like stuffing around if the bite is hot.  Dont be too lazy with leaving the rods in holders that cop spray while travelling, thats cost me a premature bearing change.

Jackfrost80's picture

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Date Joined: 07/05/12

I do the same amd keep each

Sat, 2017-02-04 07:49

I do the same amd keep each rig in a zip lock bag. Looking for a CD wallet type doovey that holds all my rigs in seperate plastic sleeves so I can sort them in order

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Bing's picture

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+1 for the FG

Fri, 2017-02-03 16:31

practice the FG a few times, pretty simple knot really. I use it tying 6lb leaders to 60lb leaders and have no problems.

Dale's picture

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Date Joined: 13/09/05

Fri, 2017-02-03 18:54

 I use an Albright knot for joining, never had one fail yet. 

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 Fg knots the best ive found

Fri, 2017-02-03 19:59

 Fg knots the best ive found slimer than others and high knot strength=lighter line!

Stevo81's picture

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Date Joined: 16/04/12

 Here's an easy way to tie

Sat, 2017-02-04 15:16

 Here's an easy way to tie the FG knot 

https://m.youtube.com/watch

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