08-25-2003, 12:57 AM
Hey , if your like me there's nothing that ticks me off more than getting a big fish on and fighting that battle when suddenly , the line goes limp . Your just left standing there , a little embarased as fellow anglers say , " lost em' , huh ? " and let out with a barley auditable chuckle . You reel in and see that little bit of twisted pigtail , remenants of your knot .One ounce of prevention could have gotten you that trophy .Knots are your weakest link to the fish, so inspect knots for damage while fishing .
Retie knots after catching a fish. It will pay off when the big one bites. There may be hidden damage from the stress.
Make sure knot wraps are lying cleanly inline. Overlapping line will cut your knot strength.
Wet your knots before cinching tight. (saliva or a water bottle)Pull knots tight with firm even pressure.
Don't jerk on knot!! That will stress the line and weaken its strength.
Trim knots to about 1/4 inch in length unless its a knot that travels though the guides. The extra bit of line may hold the knot if it slips.Use finger nail clippers to trim your knots.
Cut off minor nicks and cuts on your leaders and mainline.
Make sure you have enough wraps on your knot.
On hooks never tie a knot to the hook eye unless the hook is designed for it. Tying the knot on the eye puts extra stress on your hook shank and eye. Big fish will shear off or straighten your hook.
Remember , knots are your weakest link to the fish, so inspect them .
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Retie knots after catching a fish. It will pay off when the big one bites. There may be hidden damage from the stress.
Make sure knot wraps are lying cleanly inline. Overlapping line will cut your knot strength.
Wet your knots before cinching tight. (saliva or a water bottle)Pull knots tight with firm even pressure.
Don't jerk on knot!! That will stress the line and weaken its strength.
Trim knots to about 1/4 inch in length unless its a knot that travels though the guides. The extra bit of line may hold the knot if it slips.Use finger nail clippers to trim your knots.
Cut off minor nicks and cuts on your leaders and mainline.
Make sure you have enough wraps on your knot.
On hooks never tie a knot to the hook eye unless the hook is designed for it. Tying the knot on the eye puts extra stress on your hook shank and eye. Big fish will shear off or straighten your hook.
Remember , knots are your weakest link to the fish, so inspect them .
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