Preventing ball sinker line twist in surf (wilson surf rod + alvey combo)?

[l2oBiN]

Hi guys.

My line setup is as follows main line to a small swivel > 30cm main line through a ball bearing to another small swivel> ~60cm leader to a hook.

When surf casting and in strong currents, the ball sinker seems to wrap itself around the leader line. Is there any way of preventing this?

[GreyNurse]

If you're using brass swivels, replace them with ball bearing ones. Brass swivels are hopeless in the surf. They often jam up with sand. Even then, you could be using swivels that are too small. Try going up a size or two. I wouldn't use a ball sinker in strong current either. It's probably rolling and twisting the line. Try a channel sinker or a running star sinker between the swivels.

Better yet, use a paternoster rig.

[Guest Guest123456789]

This rig works for me. Aside from two swivels being weaker they're a pain in the backside to rerig. If you don't like the split shot you can always idea float stop or rubber band

[l2oBiN]

I thought alvey requires swivel to prevent line twist...?

[Twinfisher 4.9]

Yes, with an Alvey you do need to have a swivel above the sinker. So the paternoster is good as it only requires the one swivel. As was said, having two swivels is a pain and ball bearing swivels are definitely a better option. I'm not sure about using the split shot as with the weight of a surf sinker they would have to be crimped pretty tight so as to prevent them slipping with the force of casting and would be concerned about damage to the line if crimped with much pressure.

[Guest Guest123456789]

Yes, with an Alvey you do need to have a swivel above the sinker. So the paternoster is good as it only requires the one swivel. As was said, having two swivels is a pain and ball bearing swivels are definitely a better option. I'm not sure about using the split shot as with the weight of a surf sinker they would have to be crimped pretty tight so as to prevent them slipping with the force of casting and would be concerned about damage to the line if crimped with much pressure.

I was worried about the split shot weakening the line too. I've had some big bust offs (Rays sharks etc) and it's always broken on another spot (not the split shot). Think about a blackfish rig and the number of split shots there, not often the line breaks around the split shots the blackies normally bust you off near the swivel.

I don't know why but when you use a split shot you don't get the problem of the sinker getting tangled with the leader. Could be the small weight keeps the sinker more towards your main line and away from your leader when on the bottom.

[Twinfisher 4.9]

Understand your point, but using split shot (which i stopped using quickly & using then strips of lead) it doesn't need to to crimped very hard, just needs to stay on the trace, as opposed to withstand the force of a 2oz sinker whilst casting. May not be an issue, but I would never do anything that weakens my line.