Method Help

[Alex Peake]

Having bit of a nightmare sorting out a strong in line method set-up. Am currently using 6lb specimen hook line and 8lb specimen main line, but have had line broke 6 times in as many days (Also a damn hook snapped clean in half). Basically i need to up my strength but don't know how to go about it. I was thinking either flurocarbon mono or braid for my hooklink what lb i don't know? And what should i use for my main line, can i use mono,braid, and does it have to all be specimen type line. Any help would be much appreciated. cheers

 

[richard turner]

alot depends on the lake and features of the lake eg snags etc and of course size of fish your fishing for.i think i would up the main line to a good quality 12lb mono and a coated or braided hook lenth of about the same strength i dont no what hook youhave been using but for one to snap in half is very strange i always use korda hooks but thats a personal thing i have loads of confidence in them but other anglers will like other hooks.

 

[Alex Peake]

I am trying for 7lb carp and up to be honest. Snags not a massive issue where i fish but would like assurance that the line will handle it should it happen. Could you also tell me what the term specimen actually means ie can i just use normal mono not specimen mono. What size of hook would you recommend as well currently on size 8-10. The lake is heavily stocked as well.

 

[Alex Peake]

Also a lot of people say to use different strengths for main line and hook line ie could i use 10lb on both?

 

[William Foxall]

i fish a lake similar to yourself heavily stocked with carp and i use 10 main and 10 hook length, the amount of small hooks attatched to light lines ive had to take out, id rather play safe as it were.

 

[richard turner]

well said m8 fish safety sould be your first priority normal mono will be fine and asize 10 sounds fine to me just make sure its a good quality one and double check your knots

 

[EC]

If you use a good quality mainline, say 10-15LB maxima or berkley big game(although remember a method feeder with groundbait can weigh 4oz, so make sure you do not snap out on the cast) and say a braided hooklength of 8-10LB, something by kryston or drennan or someone like that, then there shouldnt be any problem with snapping mate!

Hooks, go for drennan super specialists or kamasan animals, both sharp, strong and reliable

 

[EC]

What line, hooks and set up are you using now Alex?

 

[Big Rik]

and don't forget it'll have to be balanced to the rod.
If you're using a 3lb carp rod and 8lb mainline with a method feeder, then the line is undergunned for the set up.

What rod are you using Alex?

 

[Alex Peake]

Am currently using a shakespeare potenza multi feeder quiver tip. 6lb line with animal micro barbs size 8-10. Line length about 3 inches to swivel then specimen method feeder, then bead and leger stop. I can't believe my hook snapped though must have been a badly produced hook. cheers for your help by the way.

 

[EC]

Go with whatever lines are rated for the rod then alex, I wouldnt over do it, shaky rods usually have recommended mainline breaking strains stated on them or in the catalogue!

What brand of line is it you are using mate, could it be old or damaged?

 

[Big Rik]

Animal hooks are pretty good and shouldn't snap, but that's as maybe, I'd say that 8lb mainline is pretty good for the rod and 6lb hooklength is much of a muchness, maybe step up to 8lb as you're only using 3".
The ledger stop above the feeder should go.
1) It's dangerous
2) It could weaken the line if it's one of the old "push the peg in the hole" type stops.

As Eddie says, check the line, or maybe check for a cracked eye that may be shredding the line.

 

[Shaggy]

i always tie my method feeders with a shock leader,a fully loaded method feeder can be heavy and by using a shock leader you eliminate the possibility of snap off on casting,my main line is 8lb tied to a 18lb shock leader of about 18inches shock beads top and bottom of the feeder and a hook lenth of 6lb maxima tied to a swivel with a size 6 strong forged barbless hook

 

[Big Rik]

18 inch shockleader or 18 feet?

 

[Shaggy]

yeah sorry rik i meant 18 feet,i haven't woke up properly yet,only had 2 coffee's need another three yet before i can function right,lol

 

[Bully]

Alex doesn't actually say how the line broke?? 8lb main line should be fine shouldn't it?

 

[Alex Peake]

Have decided from your advice to use a good quality 10lb mainline mono and a 8lb braid for my hooklenghth just so i feel confident in my set-up. As soon as the rod bends round and the wiley old fish have made a run for it, the line has just snapped. My knots are up to scratch and so many snaps can't be attributed to rough hooks and line is brand new drenan 6lb specimen line. What are the advantages to coatings on braid by the way? How do you think I should safely set this rig up Rik. Cheers

 

[Alex Peake]

In fact I value your advice rik so will in fact go for 8lb main mono and 8lb hooklength. thanks again

 

[Big Rik]

What method feeder Alex?

The fox or Richworth inline ones are simple enough, you thread them up the line, tie on a swivel and then push the rubber insert back onto the swivel.

I know other ones may be different and they have all manner of beads and other trapments, but the effectiveness of method fishing is not in the nuances of the feeder, but in the basis and the application of the feed.

e.g. a good method mix, cast in the same spot and fed properly will catch more fish than a fancy feeder.

 

[Big Rik]

and check the eyes of your rod with a magnifying glass.

You only need to drop a rod once to crack the ceramic insert and a hairline crack wont be seen too easily, but will shred line.