Shockleader!

I just bought some shock leader and have never used it before. Daiwa Tournament Tapered Shock leader, 16-65lbs. What is the difference in it being taper compared to other thicker shockerleaders? Is this shock leader suitable for beach and general shore fishing and how much should I add to my main line?

Hi Mark,

The Daiwa Tapered shock leaders are pre cut to length - just wind them onto your reel and it will come away from the spool.

I use them for clean beaches, they are too expensive to be used when rough ground fishing ( maybe I am just miserable ).

The main difference is that you get a tiny leader knot which does not catch anywhere near as much weed etc. The only thing I would say is that I cut the first 12 inches off the leaders as they seem to be slightly weaker than stated here and I have had them break after the knot.

Lee.

A couple of pointers about shockleaders.

The cardinal rule is that for every 1oz of weight, use 10lb of shockleader at least. So if you are trying to punch holes in the horizon with a 6oz weight, use 6x10lb=60lb shockleader at least. More breaking strain is advised if you are fishing over rough ground where the leader tends to get rubbed-this will obviously weaken it, so up the breaking strain.

Inspect and if necessary change your shockleader regularly.

There are two types of shockleader - tapered and linear. A tapered shockleader will have a 'thin' end with a lower breaking strain rating, gradually increasing to a 'thick' end with the higher rating. Since it's both easiest to tie two lines of similar diameter together and you need the 'thick' end of the shockleader for it's breaking strain (make sure the end you leave to your terminal tackle is strong enough!), you tie the 'thin' end to your mainline as this will be a few turns down on the reel and as such is not taking the strain directly during casting.

Either are suitable for general beach or shore fishing.

As to how much shockleader to use, tie securely to mainline and wind on until you have at least half a dozen turn of the shockleader on the reel. then leave enough shockleader projecting from the rod tip so that when you tie on your terminal tackle that it's roughly at the length you prefer for casting.

There are a number of knots you can use for tying shockleader toa lighter mainline - different knots for mono-mono and mono-braid. All knots weaken line and there are a number of schools of thought on which knot is 'best'. Best can be defined as depending on how small the knot is - so it gathers less weed in the water etc, or how small its impact on overall line strength is, to abrasion resistance right throught to how secure it is. Ask a hundred people, you'll get about a hundred different answers.

You'll even hear tips on putting superglue on the leader knot to make it more streamlined, secure, stop it rattling on the rod rings etc.....

I'd like to point out that I'm part of Lee337's tight-ar*e fraternity. I just use cheap and heavy mono of a suitable breaking strain. If you can tie a decent knot, you need neither tapered shockleaders nor superglue :lol:

I think the only time I've ever had tapered leaders was when they came free with magazines....and I didn't like the length they came in - seemed when I wound them on, I had far too much on the reel by the time I had enough strength at the terminal end. So I had to cut a bit off the mainline end, measuring against the rod length. Then retying the leader knot....way too much trouble.

You do finish up with a neater knot, it has to be said, but I just adjust my grip wires to break over at a higher pressure to deal with the little extra weed that might get caught on the knot.

No point farting about with tapered leaders on a beach at night if you have to change one, IMHO.

i have used the tapered leaders, but they are too long i find, and are bloody expensive, bought all mine mail order and stocked up,

Less of the tight-ar*e remarks please sandman! lol

I don't use shockleaders. Are they really necessary?

You are joking - aren't you?

For any sort of distance casting you should always use a shockleader.

I don't use shockleaders. Are they really necessary?

:shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock: :shock:

Remind me never to stand near you mate. :!: :!: :?

Once again, I'm with Lee337 on this Irish_Shamrock.

The only possible exception is if your mainline is strong enough straight through to take the force involved in casting. I guess for your mainline if you follow the 10lb breaking strain per 1oz of weight, plus 10lb just to be on the safe side, then you don't need a seperate shock leader as such.

Can't see you getting a lot of distance that way though. Except between you and other anglers who have a distinct aversion to getting hit with a slug of lead at a high rate of knots. :lol:

The idea in shockleaders is to provide a strong end to carry the force of the cast, marrying this to a lighter mainline which will allow a longer cast.

When i received my first SC rod i just had to try it..

Didnt have a schockleader so i was very carefull picking a spot with no people around me, a fotballfield.

Had a 0.40 mm mainline and connected a 75gram (2,6oz) leadweight to this.

Wacked it aprox halflength of the field and reeled it home again, wacked a little harder and allmost hit goal ;D approx 100meters this time. reeled it home again and loaded up for another cast...

WHAC SNAP!! TAKE COVER!!!!!!!!!!!!! :shock: :shock:

Never again!!! thank god it didnt hit anyone, and my kid came just a few sec's after so im happy it didnt hit her. never found the leadthough, might be imbedded in my skull and i dont know about it ;D;D;D

No I'm serious.

I've never once had a snap-off either. Maybe it's coz I can't cast that far - I'd be suprised if I could hit 80 yards.

Think you have just been lucky so far to be honest.

What strength of mainline are you using on your reel?

The only time I would not use a shockleader would be rough ground fishing where I am using 30lb mainline and only casting perhaps 30 yrds but even then I check the line regularly for damage.

As Sandman pointed out earlier, the general rule for a shockleader is 10lb for each onz you intend to cast ( this is the bare minimum ).

Lee.