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I just read an incredible article in the latest Sport Fishing magazine written by Doug Olander who is one of the big dogs at Sport Fishing Mag. It had to do with breaking strength of all lines, both mono and spectra, but more importantly the strength of various popular knots when using spectra. By the way all of his tests were done on the IGFA machine in Dania Beach, Fl.
First regarding breaking strength I think everyone knows that the actual breaking strength vs. the posted strength of line is quite a bit higher. It always amazed me when a vendor would say "our 20# line is the strongest out there." Well to me 20# should be 20#. Anyway that's not the main point of this thread. The main point is: breaking strength of various knots using spectra: The conclusion that stood out the most is the 40-60 turn bimini. According to Olander these had a breaking strength of less than 50%. Actually 33% on a 60 turn bimini. Believe it or not a 12 turn bimini is infinitely better when using spectra. Also a 12 turn bimini on 30 pound mono gave a breaking strength of 101% vs only 70% on a 20 turn one. He also did test on other various types of knots: line to leader, line to swivel/tackle, splicing line to line.
Bottom line here are his conclusions as to what he will be using personally from now on:
DOUBLE LINE: 12 turn bimini- on mono and spectra
LINE TO LEADER: some variation of an albright, yucatan, no name, bristol with line doubled over, and wrapped 10 times. These knots are all similar depending upon which way you wrap (going up or going down) and where you put the tag end through.
LINE TO SWIVEL/TACKLE: line doubled and using a "2 times through" palomar knot
SPLICE LINE TO LINE: On spectra just don't. The common knots for this (uni to uni, blood, etc) don't break they just slide through at very low numbers.
WOW!! How many of us have 30 or 50 wides spooled with 3-500 yards of spectra and several hundred yards of mono top shot on top with the two joined together with a loop to loop using a 40 turn bimini on the spectra. Even if you used an albright to join your spectra to the top shot, you still have that 40 turn bimini in the spectra. And I think this is why a lot of people overline their spectra (100# spectra over 80# mono., etc.). But why do this if you can use 80# spectra (get more on your reel) and use knots that will break close to the rated number of the spectra.
REEL FOOD FOR THOUGHT-- READ THIS ARTICLE. IT WAS FASCINATING.
THE "RE-RIGGING" JAMMER
First regarding breaking strength I think everyone knows that the actual breaking strength vs. the posted strength of line is quite a bit higher. It always amazed me when a vendor would say "our 20# line is the strongest out there." Well to me 20# should be 20#. Anyway that's not the main point of this thread. The main point is: breaking strength of various knots using spectra: The conclusion that stood out the most is the 40-60 turn bimini. According to Olander these had a breaking strength of less than 50%. Actually 33% on a 60 turn bimini. Believe it or not a 12 turn bimini is infinitely better when using spectra. Also a 12 turn bimini on 30 pound mono gave a breaking strength of 101% vs only 70% on a 20 turn one. He also did test on other various types of knots: line to leader, line to swivel/tackle, splicing line to line.
Bottom line here are his conclusions as to what he will be using personally from now on:
DOUBLE LINE: 12 turn bimini- on mono and spectra
LINE TO LEADER: some variation of an albright, yucatan, no name, bristol with line doubled over, and wrapped 10 times. These knots are all similar depending upon which way you wrap (going up or going down) and where you put the tag end through.
LINE TO SWIVEL/TACKLE: line doubled and using a "2 times through" palomar knot
SPLICE LINE TO LINE: On spectra just don't. The common knots for this (uni to uni, blood, etc) don't break they just slide through at very low numbers.
WOW!! How many of us have 30 or 50 wides spooled with 3-500 yards of spectra and several hundred yards of mono top shot on top with the two joined together with a loop to loop using a 40 turn bimini on the spectra. Even if you used an albright to join your spectra to the top shot, you still have that 40 turn bimini in the spectra. And I think this is why a lot of people overline their spectra (100# spectra over 80# mono., etc.). But why do this if you can use 80# spectra (get more on your reel) and use knots that will break close to the rated number of the spectra.
REEL FOOD FOR THOUGHT-- READ THIS ARTICLE. IT WAS FASCINATING.
THE "RE-RIGGING" JAMMER