Shark traces

Hi Guys
A couple of queries on shark traces

What knots are best for multistrand wire before crimping the tag end?

There appear to be a couple of different ideas on whether to use an all wire trace of 13 feet or so, or 3 feet of biting wire trace and 10 feet of 300lb mono

All opinions respected :P

Kev

Hi Kev you can use either option just make sure your swivels are good and crimp the hook to the trace direct.

If using wire use 2 swivels no more (every time you crimp you are potently weakening the trace ) For hooks i use 10 o Mustad Sea Masters.

RE Knots i make a loop and wrap the wire true it once then up to two crimps. Make sure you cut the end or the trace close to the crimp as they tend to stick out and can give you a nasty cut.

Roll on Cork

Cheers Danny

Hi Kev,

As Danny said!

Only one thing I do differently is I take a "Round turn" to double the wire through the hook whenever possible.

Like Danny said watch the wire near the crimps it can do a nice job on your hand. I strongly advise wearing good rubber work gloves especially when trying to boat a shark. I put a swivel on the top and centre of the trace as sharks ball themselves into the trace. I never use snap swivels on the mainline. If you can get the large old barrel type swivels they will last you a lifetime.

I use all wire in the trace but heavy mono above a shorter wire bite trace will work fine. If you can get 7 strand SS wire 1.5mm diameter make up a dozen and if you change your mainline regularly they should last you for years.


Jim

so what poundage would ye recommed for the mainline? 25lb or more?

so what poundage would ye recommed for the mainline? 25lb or more?

50lb Mono is what I use. Spool up with new cheap 50lb mainline before you go sharking. It is very cheap so it's not worth taking the chance with old line.


Jim

A small trick I learned from the americans chasing big king salmon in salt off Alaska is to load small robust reels with 150 yards of heavy mono and 300 yards of braid, essentially as backing

It allows you to use slightly lighter more user friendly reels when chasing big fish that can run serious line off your reel.

The latest generation of penns and avets have the build,gearing and drag to cope with large fast running fish, and the braid as backing allows you to treble the line these smaller reels can hold

FWIW

Kev