Tracemate Heavy Mono Tying Tool

Heavy mono over 150lbs or so is just about impossible to knot. You need to crimp 200lb mono, and that takes time. The introduction of TraceMate changes all that. This little tool is easy to use and can knot mono up to 400lb easily. I say 400lbs because it's the heaviest we had around at the time.

It has been tested by the TraceMate production team for the past 4 years using 250lb mono for tope traces and they've got it dead right.

To use the tool, start by threading the line through the eye of the hook. Place the hook in the TraceMate putting the point in the central channel towards the back and the eye in the channel towards the point of the TraceMate. Leave a 6-inches length of tag end facing to the left side of he TraceMate.

Keeping the main line under tension wrap three coils of the tag end around the point of the TraceMate working up the point towards the hook. Now feed the tag end back through the channel from the hook side so that it travels between the coils of line. The coils will now naturally slide off the point and around the main length of line to form the knot. Pull it almost tight using the tag end of line adding a little saliva as a lubricant. Now place the knot against the channel wall on the point of the TraceMate with the line running through the channel and use the TraceMate as a puller to tighten the knot. Snip the tag end off and the knot is done.

Study the explanatory photos supplied on the information sheet and you'll instantly see how easy it is to tie. After a few knots it's so simple you'll be kicking yourself for thinking of the TraceMate yourself.

The TraceMate is made from aluminium with a red anodised protective coating for durability. There is also a lanyard hole drilled in to the base of the tool for security. It is cylindrical in shape with flutes in, but tapers to a point with the line and hook channel running through the middle. It fits comfortably in the hand, and is lightweight.

We see the TraceMate as being a popular tool for both anglers and skippers, not just in the UK but also overseas, especially America, Australia and South Africa where heavy mono is used extensively for big game fishing. As mentioned, we tied up 400lb mono, which is very stiff and springy, but managed a neat knot with ease, the one pictured here.

The retail price for the TraceMate is £9.99 plus £1.99 post and packing. It's available from good tackle shops, or for your nearest stockist, or to buy direct contact...

Dawson Shanahan Ltd
Cranborne Industrial Estate
Cranborne Road
Potters Bar, Herts
EN6 3JN

Tel: 01707 602000
Fax: 01707 602049

You can also get the Tracemate in the UK from: Sharnbrook Tackle

You can get the Tracemate in the USA from: Leadertec

tracematesales@dawson-shanahan.co.uk