How do you rig it?

[Eerman]

I was wondering how others tend to rig there baits when fishing for trout, redfish, etc. I've been rigging a 2-3 foot fluorocarbon leader tied to braid; but, my Albright knots leave something to be desired. They are also a general pain in the neck. If you tie jigs, topwater, etc. directly to braid, is the braid to visible to the fish? Just kicking around thoughts on a rainy day.

[Chalk]

I use a J or Stren knot to tie leaders to braid.....

Dependent on the water clarity as to whether straight braid would effect the fish or not....dirty or stained water you could say probably not, clear probably would....

[Tom Keels]

From braid to flouro I tie a surgeons loop in the braid and then tie the flouro leader to the loop with a simple clinch knot. Learned it from Capt. Gene Strickland. I use this same technique when tying much heavier leader to lighter line when I'm jigging for grouper.

[drayno]

I usually to my mono for floro to my braided with a swivel and a standard uni knot. I know a lot of people don't like hardware, but I found that when using worms or my swim shads the lures don't spin in the water like they do when they are tied directly to the braid. With live bait it's up to you. The spinning of the bait in my mind doesn't make a good presentation. I know several people who experienced this when connecting braided to mono or floro.

Drayno

[Jarhead '68]

The Albright is really the best knot for mono-to-braid (Power Pro reccommeds it). The knot isn't all that hard to tie and a rainy day is a great time to practice tieing.

If you really can't get the hang of the Albright and want to use the swivel with uni idea I would suggest a dark swivel. Fish have a tendency to strike at a shiny swivel causing the line to fray.

[drayno]

Thanks Jarhead. I forgot to mention that I only use dark swivels. I didn't know that fish would strike the shiny ones, but I just had a feeling that it would be better to use the dark ones. Kevins has some REALL nice light weight ones that will still hold 150# - 200# ones. If your going for trout or reds the smaller and less obvious the swivel the better. When going grouper fishing my swivels are HUGE buecase I'm too cheap to buy the small high power ones (something like $12 for 2). At sports authority they are changing over thier entire stock, but they have some decent bags of swivels that are matt black and have worked for me so far. I've used them in fishing for everything. I used braided on all my reels but given how easily it gets frayed I choose to use the swivel so I can just cut off 2 - 4 feet of frayed line and just put the swivel back on. If I had to tie an albright every time the line got frayed I'd never get any fishing done.

Drayno

[Chalk]

If you can tie a Uni Knot, you can tie a J / Stren Knot....Only difference is you use both lines to make two knots...The uni knots intertwine the leader and braid and then the knots work against each.....The only way it will give is if there is a nick in it....Takes about twenty seconds to tie and trim....I break the leader at the hook each time if I get hung up

[Littoral]

I fought this battle a while back and I've come to love the J-knot for a lot of purposes. I was using the Albright in particular for Braid to Leader and while it's not really difficult I found the J-knot & it's a cinch ( ). I also use it for terminal knots. It tighten's up without having to trim tag ends. That's nice for conserving leader length and it's real quick. Here's an earlier post & link on it:
http://www.bigbendfishing.net/phpbb/vie ... ght=j+knot

Now I'd appreciate any help on a good loop knot for my hardbaits -especially the Spooks.

[Chalk]

http://www.mirrolure.com/assets/mirrolure_knot.jpg

[rev]

For a loop knot, I really like Lefty Kreh's non-slip loop. Easy to tie, and doesn't open or close.

E.g.,

http://www.flyfishlouisiana.com/nonslip_loop_knot.htm

[Littoral]

I If you tie jigs, topwater, etc. directly to braid, is the braid to visible to the fish?

I'm not a fish, yet, but I think it's pretty safe to say braided line tied directly will reduce hook-ups.

The right line is certainly an important factor in initiating hook-ups but I think it's often over rated. Presentation is at least as important and follow-up is a key element. Flowers can seal the deal. I've found if you want to ensure subsequent connections catch and release maximizes the chances you'll catch the one you really want.

[Littoral]

Thanks for the loop options. The Mirrolure looks easier but it cautions leaders under 14lbs. I stick with 20 so I guess that's not a problem. Any problems with it Chalk?
Lefty know's his stuff & that knot isn't more than a few twists more.

[Chalk]

Only problem I had was making the loop too big and fouling the plug...I have used it with 12lb test..no complaints.....