When using the knottable steel tippet material for Pike or Barracuda, how long a piece should be used and what knots are best for attaching to the leader and the fly?
THANKS
IGFA requires your Shock/Bite tippet 12" or shorter. I connect with a loop to lopp using a perfection loop.
porcupine;
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Cactus
As far as length goes, as pointed out, IGFA regs state no more than a 12" bite/shock tippet. If you are not fishing for records than that does not matter. Typically I’m fishing between 4" and 8" of wire when needed.
I highly suggest steering clear of the multi-strand, coated wire. It kinks and pig tails like crazy, especially when a fish strikes too far forward and the leader runs through their teeth. Once pig-tailed it will never go straight again.
I have found the Titanium wire that Terminator sells to be the very best option on the market. Sure it’s not cheap but you will use far less of it than that other garbage because it stays straight. Use a standard Albright to join the leader to the wire and a 3 wrap clinch knot to attach the fly or fly snap. I’ve been using it for several years now and it is fantastic stuff. When tying the 3 wrap clinch you need to be sure not to pull too hard on the tag end and this can break the wire. Tie it properly, which is easy, and you can pull like crazy on a fish without question. As some of the newer “knotable” products have come out I have tried them and what I have found is that “multi-strand knotable” really means problematic and utterly worthless.
These are simply my observations after thousands of hours on the water catching Pike, Barracuda, Sharks, King Mackerel and other toothy critters.
Got Wire?
Why YES, I’ve got wire : )
Jeff - AKA Dr. Fish
If it has fins and swims than I must chase it!
[This message has been edited by Dr. Fish (edited 13 March 2006).]