Nolongeramember

I like Schneider line. Also, for sizing of mono lines, use the number on the packet as a guide only. The thickness is a more reliable measure of strength generally. So if 2 lines say 10lb, the thicker one will more than likely be stronger.

I use similar lines for big kings but use heavier braid. If it was me I would tie a Bimini twist then tie an improved version of an Albright with the double. Everyone has their own opinions and tying styles. I wouldn’t take that table as gospel. You can bet every magazine and person would have their own unique table list order. My advice, take the time to properly test knots for yourself and use what works for you. When you see results, you will be glad you took the time to do it. Sometimes you only get one chance at a fish. I have proven to myself many times that time testing knots at home equals more trophy fish on the water. Anyone that says they have never had a failure on ANY knot are kidding themselves. It happens to the best.

He uses specialised equipment which you need for accurate line testing. For testing knots though, a spring puller is good enough. You mostly want to compare knots to each other so super accurate figures are not needed.

It’s accurate enough for knot testing duties. You can adjust it as well. I put a known weight on like a 10kg dumbbell and adjust so it reads 10kg. The main thing is you can compare results with it rather than worry about how accurate the numbers are your getting.

If you want to properly test and improve your line and knots you need a reliable way to test them. I use a Shimano spring scale that has a marker to show where the result was. Nothing wrong with testing knots mate. I reckon I use some of the strongest and reliable knots going (most with my own modifications to them) because I have tested and proved them over and over and compared the results to other knots.

Hey that’s awesome. Was a good read as well. I am sure if you keep trying we will see pictures up here of you and one of these beasts very soon.

Ok Sorry. I just seen the picture on my desktop. Its not as bad as I thought. If it was mine I would sand a little to maybe close up the gap to half of what it is for a better fit. Obviously, never take off so much as to let it go all the way until it hits the outside of top section. Anyway, from my experience I've never seen these joins get looser from 'wear and tear'. Only tighter.

What about rods that fit properly from new? Are you saying they will get loose with use?

It shouldn’t come out if it is pushed in snug, only you won’t have the full intended strength of the join if you leave it like that. I’m no rod expert but I have had a few like this. First I would give both ends a very good clean. Have a look inside the female end with a light to make sure there is nothing obvious that is stopping it going in further. If it still won’t go in all the way then get some fine sandpaper and take a smidgen (micro) off the male end until it goes in all the way. Work VERY slow and keep checking the fit. It’s an easy, simple process really.

What was his reply?

Hi. I can give you some tips from my experiences. Wind knots are mostly caused by the line not being sufficiently slowed down and controlled by the spool lip when casting. It needs to slow down just that little bit. Can you put up a close picture of the line on your spool.

I would just get a jump starter as a back up. I have a 60HP and only run one 100ah battery. It powers all my electrics (bait tank, sounder, bilge etc) What I think is important is to not neglect things just because you have a back up. Make sure everything is in good working order. Check and monitor voltages. You should be able to bring this up on your sounder. Make sure engine is charging the battery by confirming 14v when running. Keep battery in good order and replace when sluggish or old. Don’t wait until it lets you down. Check and charge if necessary, before every trip. If starter motor or something is not 100% get it fixed. Don’t wait until you are stranded to do something about it. Use common sense. If the engine has not been run for a long time, don’t run your sounder and bait tank constantly for hours and hours. Almost all break downs can be avoided.

Hey man, that’s a nice report and a fun few days of fishing. Thanks for sharing.

Don’t get salt water on it. Rinse rods after use. The pictured rust isn’t that bad. I’ve used rods that look like that for years. I say just use it and enjoy it for however long it lasts. Nothing last forever.

I would love to see a crackdown on this but I don’t think you can come back to the same area at the same time of year in say 5 years time, and those same school of (bigger) Kings will be there. Every year the same size, small Kings turn up to these kinds of spots. From what I’ve seen every year, I think when they grow bigger they move on to other places and a new batch of small ones take their place.

That’s a great result mate. Thanks for the video. What kind of baits do you recommend?

I see. So because that disc was sticking up, it made the spool sit a little higher than it should? Sounds like those discs were not put together carefully enough causing that bit to bend.

Check the outside of the drag knob is not tight for some season against the inside of the spool. Maybe an incorrectly installed drag knob rubber or something. Watch the drag knob closely when you pull line off and see if you can spot something that is making it turn. Take the knob off and check the top drag disk doesn’t turn with the spool. That will quickly determine if that is the cause. See how you go.

71 kings boated on bait your saying? From sunrise to before 9.30am when you left the water. Is this one person fishing or 10 people combined? You are a Super fisher

I check and clean my Suzuki internal anodes every 6 months. The more often you clean them the better. They build up with “junk” very quickly and need to be cleaned often to do their job properly. I change plugs according to the manual and also how I feel about how much use I’ve done and how the engine is starting/ running. I clean filters if they can be every year. I generally replace every few years. I do always check them often though.

Geez mate, that IS a lot of work. Are you sure it’s worth doing all that? What car is it? I haven’t tried hail damage but Ive used the dent removal guys on small dents and they are brilliant. As long as they can access the dent from the inside, it isnt really big and the metal is not stretched, they bring it back to normal.

Haha. Funny you chased him down and gave him a serve. This sort of thing happens everywhere. I don’t get it either. Stupid people, no consideration.

You must have come across something that was not quite right. Fluoro should perform better than “everyday” mono in my experience. Don’t use cheap stuff. Get quality and you will find it out performs mono.

Inconvenience? That would mean every moving boat is committing an offence. What boat makes waves that are convenient?

In that situation fishing so close to the structure, I would use normal hooks and the instant you strike and pin the fish start pulling/ winding to get the fish away from danger. Don’t wait until the fish starts pulling or flapping around before you do anything.