How to tie shock leader to main line? In the world of fishing and especially for anglers, shock leaders are prerequisites. This is mainly because they make it easy to cast heavy rigs at long distances. In fact, when any kind of power casting or coarse fishing is involved, a shock leader can prove to be very beneficial. With all the benefits involved, anglers can still steer clear from using it because tying the shock leader to the main line of the reel is a little stressful. However, there is nothing that a little bit of practice and the right kind of instruction cannot fix. Here is how to tie shock leader to main line.
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What does a shock leader do?
A leader basically ensures breaking the main line at the time of casting is avoided. To make certain this is possible; you require at least 50lb line along with a 150g sinker to be on the safe side. Alternatively, you can also go for 60lb along with a 170g sinker.
If you are looking to cast at a good distance and commence and operate your fishing activities successfully, on sand or shingle beaches, a 15-20lb main line is sufficient so combining the two is important. While a simple overhand knot works wonders, keep in mind that you have to ensure the knot in the thick leader line is as small as possible.
Steps involved in the tying process
You need to stand true to the following steps to ensure you are accurately tying shock leader to the main line.
- Tie the knot: First off, tie an uncomplicated overhand knot. You need to do this on the 50lb or 60lb leader line. Once you do this, see that you insert the end of the mainline so that it goes through the overhand knot. You need to do this before it is pulled tightly together.
- Make a loop: Following this, wet the overhand knot with saliva. Make sure it is pulled together really securely. When doing this, pull about 20cm of mainline through the overhand knot. Once you do this, make a loop near the overhand knot. Hold this together with your thumb and forefinger.
- For additional security: Put the loose end of mainline about six times so that it wraps itself around the leader. After this, take the loose end of the mainline back to the loop in a manner that it goes through the loop. To ensure better security, insert the mainline around the leader line two times.
- Tighten up the coils: Slowly pull the mainline. Do this so that it reaches behind the overhand knot on the leader line as well as the loose end of the main line. This gives you the assurance that there is no slack and the coils are placed in position. Wet the entire knot and pull the main line so that it gets behind the overhand knot. This tightens up the coils.
Once you do this, pull the loose end of the mainline so that the coils are tight. Ensure the overhand knot on the leader is tugged at a little more tightly.
At the end of it all, the finished knot needs to look neatly done. The main coils have to be close together so that there is no slippage.
Updated: April 23, 2022
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