Top Shot

[Eng 94]

Maybe someone here can clear up the issue of using a top shot and how to. I'm a little confused on the issue of tying a top shot to braid line.

1. How much Mono or FC to use as a top shot.
and what is the advantage of using it.

2. should the top shot match the breaking weight of the braid?

[Hotrod]

Gills and Rocks can cut braid..

[Reel Time]

 For inshore purposes, use a lighter top shot so you can break off in structure and not lose the more pricey braid.

 For offshore, I use a heavier topshot for wear resistance, such as with tuna, since you may be in for a long fight of tug a war.

 The use of top shot offshore is for line stretch, gotta have some give in the line for hookup, and the safety factor if you have to hand line in the last bit of line and to position the fish for a gaff shot.

 For offshore trolling I would try to go with 75yards top shot at a minimum. Jigging rods I go with two lengths of the rod, and inshore about 8'.


 For the connection knot of braid to mono/flouro I go with the PR knot. It's easily researched and not as complicated to make as it may look, although you will need a weighted tying spool to make it.

[Duffman]

I'm absolutely no expert but been following what I've read and have been told on braid.

Braid is not abrasion resistant. So the reason for using a mono topshot is that mono can take the abuse of sand,shells, wrecks, etc. w/o breaking (compared to how soon the braid would break).

Braid does not stretch. So, if you have a fish at boatside, anything from a fluke to a yellowfin, you want the "rubber band" shock absorbtion of mono to take up some of that force.  Hope that makes sense?

As far as length. Depends. Private boat, I go 2X rod lentgth. Party boat I double that.  Offshore 3 or 4X more.

Hope that made sense!

[fellinger]

There is no way in hell that I could tie that knot. The bobbin would be overboard in a hot second. I guess I'll stick with double uni's.

[Hotrod]

For inshore purposes, use a lighter top shot so you can break off in structure and not lose the more pricey braid.

 For offshore, I use a heavier topshot for wear resistance, such as with tuna, since you may be in for a long fight of tug a war.

 The use of top shot offshore is for line stretch, gotta have some give in the line for hookup, and the safety factor if you have to hand line in the last bit of line and to position the fish for a gaff shot.

 For offshore trolling I would try to go with 75yards top shot at a minimum. Jigging rods I go with two lengths of the rod, and inshore about 8'.


 For the connection knot of braid to mono/flouro I go with the PR knot. It's easily researched and not as complicated to make as it may look, although you will need a weighted tying spool to make it.

   

[Eng 94]

MmmmHmmmm t^PR knot Will Alberto work? That is the one I use.

[Bucktail]

MmmmHmmmm t^PR knot Will Alberto work? That is the one I use.

It will work.   The PR is preferred for big game though.

[Eng 94]

MmmmHmmmm t^PR knot Will Alberto work? That is the one I use.

It will work.   The PR is preferred for big game though.

PR? initials they drive me crazy. What does PR stand for. I'm not one of the knot experts.  

[Reel Time]

 Page Ranking knot

[Reel Time]

 For my pr knot bobbin, I got a fly tying bobbin for like 10 bucks, and a spool of fly tying lead for like 3 bucks,  wrapped the spool with hockey tape and I think it works perfectly for an under 15 dollar PR knot bobbin.

 For a wee bit more tension on the line, I wrap the braid around one of the bobbin legs two or three wraps then onto the spool.

[Eng 94]

For the type of fishing we do the knots I already use are much less complicated and sufficient enough for the class fish that we may catch.

I did a search after reading the last post on the PR knot, It looks a little complicated for my needs.