Sea Angling Ireland

Just a quick question. At present I use a fluorocarbon leader with a snap swivel attached to my lure. The leader is then attached to my main line with the aid of a barrel swivel. Is this set up ok?..

You'd be better off using a knot, a modified Albright knot or the Henry Gilbey knot, it's on his blog.

I used that method for a number of years and never had problem, it was only when I bought a new rod that cost a small fortune did I change to the Albright knot. I was worried about damaging the top eye of the rod with the barrel swivel especially when lure fishing in the dark.

Knotting takes practice and it is important to be able to tie quickly and often. The only way to achieve that is by practice. You will find that most lure anglers do not use a "shock leader" in the traditional sense but a "tippet", same as you describe. Many use a swivel as you describe, some use a "tippet ring". I join my Flouro/Mono to my braid using a knot. I have used various different knots over time. The one that I am most comfortable with at the moment is the Yucatan Knot. It is easy to tie, especially "in the field".


http://youtube.com/watch?v=VbgVO0sWhP8

personally, i would not use a swivel here, it does not serve any purpose, it's extra trouble
and sometimes might tangle or snag up

i also use the yucatan knot, i stick to one brand of braid and leader, test the knot
by pulling against a scales, then i know it will be ok

I use a Rapala knot onto the lure, and a swivel backed by a rubber bead between the fluoro and the braid mainline. A snap swivel directly onto the lure can damp the action, especially with very light lures. Never had any trouble at the tip ring.

The yucatan is in fact a reverse allbright - tying and fishing it for years and would recommend it - simple but very effective.

Small clip tied to short leader is perfect