a few simple questions

**criss** · 31-03-2007, 21:53

got myself a rod and reel ready for my hols down in newquay and loaded the reel with 15lb mainline and a tapered shock leader,my probably most stupid question is how much leader should actually be on the reel when ready to cast,as i,m a freshwater chap,when i fish normally,a shock leader would go around the spool about 1/2 a dozen times,but this tapered thing if i were to cut it back,{15to45lb bs}would reduce the strength or dont it really need cutting back?its actually 13 metres.also when ledgering,if fiishing paternoster style,do you tie the ledger to the end of the shockleader,if so that would mean tieing hook lengths onto the shock leader as well, or is it just best to fish a running ledger,thanks in advance chaps.

**Largerider** · 31-03-2007, 22:11

How long it will need to be depends on the length of the rod and where you're fishing. It generally needs to be around 2 rod lengths to allow for the casting drop and a least 6 tuns on the reel. Some people will use a longer leader when fishing from high areas like pier, breakwaters or high ledges to give something strong to lift the fish up with.

Normally a clip is tied to the end of the leader to allow a rig to be clipped on ( you can tie direct but each time you do this the leader will get shorter)

**welshkev** · 31-03-2007, 22:53

Originally Posted by criss

got myself a rod and reel ready for my hols down in newquay and loaded the reel with 15lb mainline and a tapered shock leader,my probably most stupid question is how much leader should actually be on the reel when ready to cast,as i,m a freshwater chap,when i fish normally,a shock leader would go around the spool about 1/2 a dozen times,but this tapered thing if i were to cut it back,{15to45lb bs}would reduce the strength or dont it really need cutting back?its actually 13 metres.also when ledgering,if fiishing paternoster style,do you tie the ledger to the end of the shockleader,if so that would mean tieing hook lengths onto the shock leader as well, or is it just best to fish a running ledger,thanks in advance chaps.

Hi mate, I've never used the tapered leaders but i wouldnt reccomend cutting them back coz this WILL reduce the stregth, if you use it like a normal shockleader you would probably only be using 20lb max. You should be looking to use 10lb per ounce of lead.Just use it as it comes after all that 13meters will be gone in 2 seconds off your spool so it isnt going to make that much difference in your casts.

As was said in the previous reply all rigs should be made with a swivel at the top so this can either be attached straight to the shockleader or to a rig clip,which makes it easier to clip/unclip rigs. This method is mainly used by match fishermen though when a bait is needed in the water for the most amount of time as possible. If your just pleasure fishing you can just tie the swivel straight to the shockleader. If your not up to making the rigs just go and buy a few from the local tackle shop, just make sure they are quality rigs and not just some cheap one desinged for the tourist

Greys and mustad do well made ready made rigs. Hope you have a good holiday and cach lots of fish. PM me if you need anymore info on rigs etc

**criss** · 01-04-2007, 00:44

thanks for replies chaps,really appreciated,no doubt i,ll be scratching your brains again soon!

**bluejt2000** · 01-04-2007, 01:18

Originally Posted by criss

got myself a rod and reel ready for my hols down in newquay and loaded the reel with 15lb mainline and a tapered shock leader,my probably most stupid question is how much leader should actually be on the reel when ready to cast,as i,m a freshwater chap,when i fish normally,a shock leader would go around the spool about 1/2 a dozen times,but this tapered thing if i were to cut it back,{15to45lb bs}would reduce the strength or dont it really need cutting back?its actually 13 metres.also when ledgering,if fiishing paternoster style,do you tie the ledger to the end of the shockleader,if so that would mean tieing hook lengths onto the shock leader as well, or is it just best to fish a running ledger,thanks in advance chaps.

First of all, I understand from the above that you're using 15lb mainline (which is fine) with a 45lb tapered shockleader. You would not cut a tapered shockleader; you would just tie the thin end to the mainline using a blood knot (you probably already know how to tie it, but just in case you don't here is a link that demonstrates it: http://www.sea-fishing.org/fishing-blood-knot.html]).

BUT - what casting style and what weight of lead are you using? For anything other than a basic 'overhead thump', with the arc of the rod travelling throughout the cast in the same direction as that in which the lead will hit the water, the golden rule is 10lb breaking strain for every ounce of lead used. So, unless you are using 4oz leads, and/or are using a very basic style of casting, you need to uprate that shockleader to 50lb (preferably 60lb, if you may be using 6oz leads) breaking strain. It would be better, in fact, if you were to get into the habit of using such a leader, ready for when your casting style progresses.

Secondly, Rigs are made up or purchased as seperate units. The main body of the rig - that which runs from the leader to the lead - should be of at least the same breaking strain as the former. Hook lengths, or snoods, are attached to the rig body. You need to visit the Shore Rigs pages of the main WSF website to see how these are constructed, and the Shore Species section for a guide to which to choose.

It's as much about safety as it is about effective fishing - and it's imperative that you get the former right!

Don't hesitate to post here if you need more advice.

Tight lines,

John

**Pugs** · 01-04-2007, 11:32

Being a bit thick but why can't you cut a tapered shock leader, what happens if you need to cut and rejoin the two lines but use the same shock leader?

**bluejt2000** · 01-04-2007, 14:27

Originally Posted by Pugs

Being a bit thick but why can't you cut a tapered shock leader, what happens if you need to cut and rejoin the two lines but use the same shock leader?

Pugs,

It gradually tapers from around .35mm diameter/15lb breaking strain to the diameter and breaking strain of the actual leader section. If you cut any substantial amount from the heavier end then it will be too short to be safe, and if you cut it from the tapered end then it will no longer be close to the diameter of the main line.

However, in the latter case, provided there was enough leader proper left, you could join it using a standard leader knot, which is used to join lines of differing thickneses. Here is a link showing how to tie it: http://neilmackellow.sea-angler.org/knot5.html.

I can't see any reason for shortening a tapered leader other than the thin end becoming worn while enough undamaged leader remained so as not to affect safety.

Cheers,

John

**big guy** · 02-04-2007, 20:44

you need to use the whole tapered leader, i personally use a normal leader. each to there own i guess.

most people make rigs up that can be tied or clipped onto the leader, and the lead clipped to the other end.

**blankerman** · 02-04-2007, 21:43

i noticed a reference to using a blood knot for tying the leader.imo this knot can fail or slip,a lot better knot is the leader knot,slightly more difficult but easy to learn
http://neilmackellow.sea-angler.org/knot5.html

**criss** · 02-04-2007, 22:34

Originally Posted by big guy

you need to use the whole tapered leader, i personally use a normal leader. each to there own i guess.

most people make rigs up that can be tied or clipped onto the leader, and the lead clipped to the other end.

thanks for that, i actually went to buy a 60lb leader,but on advice from the bloke in tackle shop he

said that with a tapered leader ,it will keep the leader to the mainline double blood knot to a minimum size without it impairing casting