BigBendFishing.Net

Need info on the best way to connect. Use a swivel or tie direct and if so what type of knot. I've read several different articles on the matter, would like to know from forum members.

You'll get a lot of responses to this question and most are good. I think it comes down to what you can do well. Here's a link to the J-knot that has become my go-to for terminal (non-loop) knots as well as the braid-mono connection. It's as easy a knot as I could find to accomplish the task and it does a great job:
http://www.saltwatersportsman.com/saltw ... 07,00.html

BTW -No Swivels!!

J Knot....Basically two uni knots fighting each other....Never had one fail...Good knot, strong like bull

This is why I love this site. You can always find someone with an answer.

What Chalk said. Uniknot works great on braid to mono or anything else.

What size lines will you be using?

I've found on 20 lb. fluorocarbon leader to 10# power pro
that uni to uni works great with number of wraps 2:1
line to leader, normally 6 braid: 3 leader.

On my light rods the knot still pings a little sometimes going thru
the tip guide.

Hope this helps!

Thanks for the link Littoral.
Thanks for all the info everyone.

When do u guys use leaders inshore?

Evertime I make a cast.

catchin1 wrote:When do u guys use leaders inshore?

Never, unless I'm using braid...Offshore, every cast

Leaders? When I'm fishing, or teaching my kids to cast.

BTW Littoral, Why"no swivels" I've seen them used on inshore apps. I know some downsides to them, but you sound like none at all.
What are u a "Swivel Nazi"?

I use swivels. #10 SPRO swivels. 50# test and so small the line barely fits thru the eyelet. Never had one break. They are so small they cast thru the eye on the rod unnoticed.

JT51 I have used them also. Tony Johns a guide in Suwannee always used 1 inshore fishing. About 8" of heavy mono attached to the jighead and joined to the main line with a small swivel. He said it stopped a lot of cut offs by blues and spanish and such.

A Swivel Nazi? Maybe.
I do know I seem to be headed toward the elitist fly fisher mentality so the "no swivel" is probably a symptom of the developing affliction. I don't have a fly rod yet though. Anybody know a cure? Wind?
I don't have much scientific evidence to cite for my no swivel stance, I just feel more confident about what I'm using if there isn't a small black thing leading my lure. Spanish in clear water is the only place where I'm pretty certain the swivel effected fishing.

You make a good point, because its all about what we have confidence in or feel good about. Fishin is unpredictable at best. We plan trips around tides and water temp and consider all variables, but when it gets down to it you get out there and cast a piece of red and yellow plastic(candy corn) that doesn't resemble anything in the ocean and they will eat it up. Go figure.

But it makes you wonder do we make this thing called "fishin" more complicated than it is? Hmm.....