brad_tate Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 Hi Raiders, I'm currently using twisted dropper loops for bottom bashing, and also bottom fishing when anchored. My usual grounds are Botany Bay, so I use these outside the heads and when anchored at the Drums and Mollineaux Point with dead baits. My current rigs are made out of 17lb Berkley flouro, two droppers, with a solid ring on the top for ease of attaching to a snap swivel - makes it easy to switch to a trolling lure on the rods I use these on when I want to. I'm following Geoff Wilson's book as to how to tie them. I was testing some today in the shed and I was surprised by the failure rate I got under load - snapping at the dropper knot at only 7 lb or so. Does anyone else use these knots, and have any tips to share about appropriate material, tying tips etc? I like them as it helps the baits stand out proud, but am now wondering if they are a wise choice. Thanks, Brad. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NaClH2OK9 Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 (edited) Were they snapping at the dropper knot Brad? I just use a surgeons knot at the top. Easier and as strong as anything else. I use the same rig in 15lb black magic flouro for inshore and 30lb or 40lb same make for deeper reefs (70m) Edited October 25, 2014 by NaClH2OK9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brad_tate Posted October 25, 2014 Author Share Posted October 25, 2014 The failure was at the dropper. After the dropper is twisted I double the line and form a loop 4 times, then feed the dropper through and tighten (lubricating of course). It's this knot that failed on my tests. Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dfishin Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 I have found some lines fail with this knot and others are fine. some lines slip with this knot and others bite in and dont let go. Smaller lines seam to fail and slip. cheaper leaders seam to work well with this knot. I have found Black Magic leader ( which is up there) to slip and fail misserably with this knot. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sydneyfisher12 Posted October 25, 2014 Share Posted October 25, 2014 ive heard that fluro carbon has really bad knot strength and only has good strength if its crimped try using a mono a fluro and see which one has a better knot strength cheers sydneyfisher12 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave_ Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 Dropper loops in general have poor knot strength, sometimes sub 50%, hence the reason you mainly see them used with really heavy mono. Alot of guys are going away from using droppers for this reason. Using 3 way swivels is really the strongest set up you'll get if you're using multiple hook rigs but obviously this doesn't allow the line to stand out proud as you want. There's a dropper loop called the Seaguar that is said to have much higher knot strength and another a mate of mine uses which he calls the "kiwi" dropper, however I'm yet to try either of these methods. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crossfire63 Posted October 27, 2014 Share Posted October 27, 2014 I gave up tying twisted droppers long ago after finding shogun tri crane swivels . Brilliant idea dead simple and reduced chances of droppers and mainlines twisting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
galini09 Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 i wouldnt bother with droppers under 60lb leader. you do lose a lot of knot strength. It took a lot of lost fish for me to work this out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NaClH2OK9 Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 Sadly I have to agree with Dfishin. I tested at the weekend and found my droppers slipping. I'd never tested this before just line strength. I'm surprised and disappointed with the results. I'll be rethinking this on my rigs of changing flouro brands. Thanks Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SgtBundy Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 I was doing some pre-made rigs last night. Previously I have done simple dropper rigs with mono and some kato 10lb and 50lb FC and really had no issues with them. Last night I was using 6lb sunline rock FC and it was just hopeless. It snapped on a whim on basic knots, and was painful to form the droppers with as it would spring apart if not held just right or become distorted and have kinks in it from previous attempts. I don't pretend to be super skilled with knots but I have not had line so difficult before. I am not sure what the actual strength of these are - the previous setups I did with 10lb FC handled flatheads in the surf just fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest no one Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 3 way swivels for me... but i find these can still lead to tangles when the hook length is "too long". Funnily enough I just googled 3 way swivel vs dropper knot and there's a lot of world wide debate on this... mostly moving towards 3 way swivels due to poor knot strength from what I have seen! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NaClH2OK9 Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 Most of the 3-way I have seen are the nasty gold things. Any recommendations on a quality affordable brand anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SgtBundy Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 Crossfire gave me a few of his and they certainly worked better in the surf than some of my rigs I think you can find them on that large Coffs Harbour based retailer if you search "Shogun 3 Way Black Crane Swivel" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest no one Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 Watch out for them Jackets with those "Nasty gold things" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NaClH2OK9 Posted November 5, 2014 Share Posted November 5, 2014 (edited) Cheers Sgt. Cheaper solution than trial an error with multiple flouro brands I might also try using a little rigging tube to be pushed over the eye of the swivel to create a standoff from the main line. Edited November 5, 2014 by NaClH2OK9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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