A zherlitsa is a bait fishing tackle used for catching predatory fish. This fishing device is a fishing rod (sometimes an ordinary rod plays its role), fixed in the ground, at the bottom of a reservoir or in ice (for winter fishing, poles on a stand are used), with a fishing line tied to it, wound on a reel or other line-spreading device.
A leash with a hook, in turn, is attached to the fishing line; as a rule, it is a double or tee, onto which live bait is attached. When catching predatory fish, quite often a so-called cut occurs, when the predator simply bites the line while fishing. To avoid having to frequently change all the equipment, replaceable leashes are used, made from a material stronger than the main fishing line.
What leashes to choose for pike rigs?
Threads made of various metals (steel, tungsten, titanium, etc.) are used as driving material. However, metal leashes are quite noticeable and the operation of a girder with such equipment occurs, as a rule, in the dark, when, due to the paucity of lighting, the pike does not notice the shortcomings of the metal equipment.
Even during winter ice fishing, the main operation of girders with metal equipment occurs at dawn or late in the evening.
The main requirements for the material for the section between the fishing line and the hook are strength and invisibility. Of course, in terms of strength, it is difficult for any material to compare with metals, but pike is an attentive and finicky fish, especially in winter, when the water is exceptionally clear, and the leash should be as inconspicuous as possible.
For these purposes, leashes made from fishing line are used, ranging from conventional ones made of polyamide materials (nylon, nylon) and polyethylene, to Kevlar threads and fluorocarbon.
There were opinions that fluorocarbon is less durable than nylon of the same diameter, but modern high-quality fluorocarbon fishing lines are not inferior in strength to their counterparts.
The best harness leashes and their advantages
The most durable leashes for girders are still those made from metal leash material. Their main disadvantage is their visibility to fish, which is often not compensated for by their strength.
The combination of strength and flexibility is contained in leashes made of tungsten alloys; in addition, they have a fairly high breaking load. But this material is highly susceptible to deformation and after the first bite, the thread from it is curled into a spiral. Of course, the product can be straightened by heating it with a lighter, but then its strength will decrease. In addition, due to the fairly high price, tungsten laces cannot be considered a consumable material.
Braided steel leashes consisting of several threads are also widely used. They are quite soft, although compared to other materials they remain somewhat harsh; they are easy to find in specialized stores. But the drawback is the same - too noticeable.
How to tie a fishing line on a hook?
There are many ways to crochet, but we will consider only the most practical and uncomplicated. Everyone knows that fishing hooks are now produced for almost every type of fish, having a wide range of sizes and shapes, and there are also different types of attachment to a fishing line or leash. If for a hook with an eye everything is not so complicated, then in the case of a hook whose fastening is in the shape of a spatula, an unprepared person will be baffled by “how to tie it.” Let's separate these two types of fastening and consider them separately.
Fishing knots for eye hooks
Fishing hub Palomar "Palomar"
A very simple fastening method with high strength values. A well-known knot among all novice fishermen, due to its simplicity of knitting, is used for attaching swivels and carabiners. Folding the line in half gives it the appearance of being a little larger than other fishing knots.
"Crawford" fishing knot for hook
Classic fishing knot for tying a hook and eye. It is used for knitting with both fishing lines and braided cords. The carrying capacity of the fishing line when using the Crawford knot is 95%, declared by the manufacturer.
Read Winter fishing in Komi
Bayonet knot for hook
The knot is designed for tying a hook with an eye, only monofilament fishing line or a flucarbon leash. When knitting with a braided cord, it does not hold and unties due to the excessive elasticity and flexibility of the cord. Ideal for fishing lines, keeps the hook in the correct position.
Fishing knot Canadian figure eight
A classic fishing knot for attaching hooks, it has a fairly strong tying method, and is recommended for catching large fish. If necessary, you can quite easily untie it, which is very difficult to do when fastening with other knots.
Gripping knot (Clinch) for hooks
It has proven itself well when attaching hooks with thin fishing line and braid. Does not hold well when using thick fishing line; the knot is not recommended for use with winding rings.
Fishing knot “Simple”
I think this is the most successful fishing knot for tying hooks and eyes. Due to the knitting method, it obtains high load-carrying capacity.
Fishing knot Snelling A Hook
The classic fishing knot, with a high guarantee of strength, is a little more difficult to perform compared to others. Fastening in this way allows you to keep the hook in the correct direction, eliminating distortions on the sides.
Turtle hook knot
Another very strong fishing knot, very simple to make, designed for hooks with an eye.
Fishing knots for hooks with spade shaped fastening
Among fishermen it is believed that hooks with a blade are stronger than those with an eye. Hooks with an eye are hardened after molding at the manufacturer's factory, but hooks with a blade are made using forging and are characterized by increased strength. But unfortunately, in the age of competition, hooks with a spatula are not always forged, turning out to be far from the best choice. Let's consider several options for attaching hooks with a spatula.
Whip, for hook with spatula
Fishing knot for attaching hooks with a spatula, very durable, easy to make, suitable for fishing for shy fish species.
Step fishing knot
The classic knot provides a very strong fastening and is easy to implement. Also suitable for eye hooks.
Lead knot (Snell) for hook with spatula
A practical classic fishing knot, suitable for all types of hooks. Used for making leashes in feeder fishing.
Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon leashes have a number of advantages over analogues made from other materials:
- No deformation, unlike leads made of metals, especially tungsten;
- Invisibility for fish due to the fact that the light refractive index of this material is almost the same as that of water - the coefficient of fluorocarbon is 1.42, that of water is 1.3. This is the greatest advantage of fluorocarbon as a material for fishing line; for comparison, the refractive index of light in nylon is 1.52;
- Abrasion resistance. This indicator brings fluorocarbon slightly closer to the strength of metal products. In any case, this material copes better with pike teeth compared to conventional monofilament threads;
- Lightness and elasticity, which allows you to counteract line overlaps. Despite its lightness, fluorocarbon sinks 2 times better than nylon, which allows gear made from such material to always be under water;
- Resistance to a variety of aggressive environmental influences - temperature fluctuations and extremes, ultraviolet radiation, getting wet.
Top 3 brands
- Kureha Chemical Industries Co., Ltd, which at one time patented the technology for manufacturing fluorocarbon and now occupies a leading position, producing products under the trademarks “Riverge” and “Seaguar”;
- The SUNLINE concern (Japan) produces fairly high-quality products under the brand name KAIZEN;
- The American brand Scientific Anglers is popular among fly fishing enthusiasts; products under this brand are excellent for equipping fishing rods.
Fishing knots for shock leader
The knot for the shock leader must be reliable, but at the same time neat and small, because if such a fishing knot is large or with antennae, this will negatively affect the casting distance, and in the worst case, the knot can get caught on the guide ring and break the tackle . So, how to properly tie fishing knots to connect the shock leader to the main fishing line.
Albright node
The knot is designed for tying monofilament, braid or fluorocarbon
- We fold the shock leader fishing line in half, making a loop, then take the main fishing line and pass it into the resulting loop, usually it is enough to skip 15-20 cm of fishing line.
- Then we knit a loop from the inserted main fishing line and wrap the resulting three fishing lines with the free end of the main fishing line, making 8-10 turns. When making the winding, you must ensure that there are no overlaps on the turns.
- Then we thread the free end into a large loop.
- Now we begin to tighten the fishing knot, we do it slowly, first we pull the edge of the shock leader, after tightening the knot a little, we begin to pull the edge of the main fishing line. After slightly tightening the knot, we wet it with our mouth and slowly pull both lines, tightening the knot.
Tightening fishing knots when working with monofilament fishing line should never be done quickly, otherwise the fishing line may burn due to friction. Then we cut off the antennae, and we cut off the shock leader’s antennae, right under the edge of the turns of the main fishing line.
How to tie a carrot fishing knot
Most often used for tying monofilament (fluorocarbon) to braid. The Carrot knot is a bit similar to the Albright and is also designed for heavy overloads. True, unlike Albright, all the tails of the carrot stick out in the direction opposite to the casting, due to which the knot practically does not cling to them when passing through the feeder rings. Another advantage of the Carrot is that the diameter of the knot gradually increases in the direction of casting, which also facilitates better passage through the rings.
- We tie a small knot on the fishing line and leave it loose.
- Now we take the braid and thread it into the knot formed.
- Then, with the end of the braid inserted into the knot, we make 10 turns around the monofilament.
- We stop, and on top of the already made turns, we apply new ones, moving in the opposite direction. Then we push the end of our braid back into the loop.
- Now we begin tightening the fishing knot, wet it, then take the braided line in one hand, the shock leader in the second, and hold one of the tails with our teeth and begin to slowly tighten. By tightening in this way, we will get the strongest possible knot. At the end we cut the tails short.
Read DIY fish smoker
So, let's continue to figure out how to knit fishing knots.
Regular fishing line
Regular fishing line is an affordable material, also quite suitable for making leashes and costs slightly less than fluorocarbon.
For use as a leader material, a high value of the following parameters is important:
- bite and tear strength, impact strength,
- elasticity and stretchability,
- wear resistance, abrasion resistance,
- visibility, or rather, invisibility for fish.
To compensate for the lack of strength, large cords are used from which a double pigtail leash is made.
Braided line is by no means a panacea for preventing line shearing. Despite the impressive breaking load, it is also easily bitten by a predator, which gradually breaks its fibers. Therefore, a braid no thinner than 0.35 mm is used. But during winter fishing, such a fishing line absorbs water and begins to freeze to the ice.
Monofilament fishing lines are inexpensive and at the same time hardly noticeable in the water. They provide sufficient mobility for live bait, but to use it on pike you need a diameter of 0.4 mm, and even this size is easily bitten or crushed by a predator.
Top 3 brands
- "Fireline" from Berkley,
- "Power pro" from Shimano,
- "Herculine" from the American company Sufix.
Making leashes with your own hands at home
From fluorocarbon:
- first of all, you need to make a loop from fishing line, to do this, fluorocarbon is threaded into a crimp tube of the required length, a swivel is put on it, after which the fishing line is threaded into the tube again to make a loop,
- Next, you need to pull the fluorocarbon through the tube again in a different direction. As a result, two loops are formed on both sides of the crimp tube;
- the loop with the swivel must be tightened to a length of about 5-7 mm, the other loop is pulled in to the end of the tube, the excess ends of the fluorocarbon are cut off,
- Carefully crimp the tube, while maintaining the level of force applied. It is necessary to ensure that the loop does not crawl, but also that it is not pinched, otherwise there is a high probability of rupture at the crimp point. The tube should be crimped first along the edges, and then in the middle, perpendicular to the crimping along the edges. The ends of the tube are not flattened;
- Using the same rules, you need to make a loop with a hook.
The finished product should be 30-40 cm long.
Using the same algorithm, you can make equipment from any other fishing line.
Metal reins
Make it even easier. To do this, you can use material purchased in a specialized store or use material available at home, for example, guitar strings or cable wire:
- at the end of the wire you need to fold a loop and fix it with several turns around the axis,
- the same loop must be made at the other end of the wire, but the tip should be twisted in the opposite direction,
- the wire is twisted tightly using a drill and two hooks, one of which is inserted into the tool, and the other is screwed somewhere (for example, into a wall).
The result is a leash with an even twist and neat loops for hooking and attaching to the main fishing line.
Knots for connecting monofilament fishing line with hooks
I would like to note that not all fishing knots used for hooks with rings are suitable for hooks with spades. How then to knit fishing knots for shoulder blades.
The fact is that they must have a large number of turns in order to sit firmly on the fore-end and not walk along it, otherwise the line, when it reaches the edge of the blade, will begin to deform against it.
Hook knot with spatula
One of the best and most reliable knots for a shoulder blade is knitted like this:
- We make a loop at the edge of the fishing line and attach it to the shank of the hook, leaving the free end about 6-7 cm long.
- With the free end of the fishing line we make 2-3 turns around the shank of the hook and the near edge of the fishing line. It is imperative to ensure that the line lays exactly turn to turn.
- Then we make about 4 more turns, wrapping both fishing lines and inserting the edge of the fishing line into the bottom loop.
- We wet the knot, and holding the remaining tip of the fishing line with one hand, pull the leash, tightening the knot.
- When tightening, it sometimes happens that the movement from the shoulder blade goes straight up, this is not entirely correct, since it should go a little to the side, so before tightening, we pull it back with the help of our thumb and then tighten it until it stops.
How to tie fishing knots for hooks with a ring
For these hooks, you can use the Palamar fishing knots we previously reviewed and the reinforced Clinch knot.
The disadvantage of the Palamar is that your hook may have an eye that is too small for a doubled line to fit through. A disadvantage of the clinch knot for fishing with a float is that it can move along the ring, and the hook will point to the side. For lure fishing, such a disadvantage is not a problem, but for float fishing, it is still better so that the hook does not wander.
A fishing knot that will not move around the ring is knitted like this:
- Take the hook and thread the line through the inside of the ring. We fold the threaded fishing line in half.
- With the free end we begin to wrap our loop and the shank of the hook, making 5-6 turns, while we begin to wrap the winding from the ring of the hook. We put the tip of the fishing line into a loop.
- Wet the knot and tighten it.
Read more about how to tie hooks on fishing line here.
Tips for choosing leashes for harnesses
Often, for a certain type of fishing, certain qualities of the fishing line become especially important. This also applies to the choice of material for the leash, because you have to make a choice between the visibility of the fishing line and its strength, or rather, look for a compromise.
For pike
As noted above, there are a considerable number of different leashes for pike. This is due to both the sharpness of her teeth and her attentiveness. Until now, there is no material that would simultaneously satisfy all the requirements for strength and inconspicuousness, as well as the degree of rigidity. When choosing such material, it is worth considering that pike feeds in places with various shelters in the form of snags, stones, algae thickets, etc.
In this regard, the breaking load should still differ slightly from the same parameter of the main fishing line, so as not to lose the entire tackle if it breaks. In addition, you need to understand that non-metallic equipment cannot guarantee against biting, so you need to be prepared to lose a certain amount of equipment and not get upset again.
In any case, after each bite you should replace the leader material with fresh one so that microdamages do not weaken the tackle.
To another fish
It so happened that the girder is considered more of a pike tackle, if only because the bulk of the fish caught with its help are pike. But fishing in itself with the help of girders is quite convenient, so this type of fishing device can also be used on other fish caught with live bait.
From the second half of summer you can catch pike perch using live bait. At this time, he prefers foods high in protein. Its teeth are not as sharp as those of a pike, so an important property of the rein is its invisibility for prey. The thickness of the line for a leash for pike perch is up to 0.4 mm, length 30-45 cm. It is better to use thinner material, a diameter of 0.4 mm is advisable to use if pike is expected to bite.
For pike perch, the bait must be kept moving, which is ensured by a medium-hard thread with a diameter of 0.2-0.3 mm. And the length should be selected depending on the bait used, a length of up to 45 cm is suitable for active bleak or roach, and for quieter live bait, such as gudgeon or perch, you can use a longer fishing line.
It’s easiest to choose gear for burbot. For these purposes, any fishing line that is not very rigid (diameter 0.3-045 mm, length up to 30 cm) is suitable. A fishing line with a smaller diameter can be frayed by burbot, while a thicker one can spook the fish, despite the fact that the burbot is perceived as indiscriminate and insatiable.
With the help of a girder you can catch catfish. This inhabitant of the bottom of reservoirs requires more massive equipment and for the leader section a thread of 0.8-1.1 mm is used, and sometimes cords made of rawhide, leaders are also used from flexible leader material - titanium, nichrome, the main thing is to ensure a certain mobility of the live bait . Rein length – 50 cm.
How to tie fishing lines together?
Suitable for knitting both two different diameters and identical fishing lines. Also tying fishing lines and braided cords and cables with a reliable connection.
Water node
The knot is used to tie two lines together and knit a leash to the main line. Introduced in 1425 and successfully used today, it guarantees a strong, reliable connection. The knot is very easy to knit and is easy to remember.
Fishing knot improved clinch
A strong knot for connecting two different types of fishing line with different flexibility, well suited for monofilament fishing lines with a diameter of up to 0.4 millimeters. It is a universal fishing knot that guarantees a strong connection due to the method of twisting and crimping the lines together.
Fishing knot loop in loop
Where there is a potential risk of kinks and heavy loads (fastening feeder gear, swivels, stiffer leashes and cables), you cannot do without this fishing unit. Due to the simplicity of the connection, there are no kinks in the fishing line, while the connection remains extremely strong and practical.
Bloody Knot
Ideal for firmly tying two lines with a diameter difference of 40% while maintaining the lifting properties of both lines by 90%. Does not damage the line when overloaded, there are no sharp breaks.
Double sliding knot "Grinner"
A very simple and durable fishing knot suitable for tying together monofilament and braided fishing lines with a diameter difference of up to 30%, almost without losing its strength. Grinner is extremely simple and easy to remember.
Albright Fishing Junction
Designed for tying rigid monofilament fishing line with thinner and more flexible braided cord. Tying in another way, under heavy loads, the cord rolls in one knot onto the fishing line, which can make a sharp bend, and the risk of breaking increases accordingly. With the Albright fishing knot, the loads are distributed so as to maintain maximum strength of the connection.
Fishing knot Carrot
Similar to Albright, the knot is designed to tie a rigid monofilament line with a thinner and more flexible braided cord; it differs in the way it is knitted and easily slips through the rings of a spinning rod. Easy to remember, not difficult to perform.
Fishing knot Eight
A widespread knot, it has found application not only in fishing, but also in mountaineering. Allows you to tie fishing lines and cords with a diameter difference of up to 30%. Ideal for tying loops and has high strength.
Reviews from experienced fishermen
In my opinion, if we talk about pike, then the leash should only be metal. Well, she has a snack, she grinds other leashes. During winter fishing, the leash may rub against the lower edge of the ice when the pike's head is already visible. Imagine how embarrassing it will be! And visibility is not always so important, if only there were fish. Grade:
Basil
Normal fluorocarbon leashes often cope with the teeth of a predator, of course, if the diameter is not less than 0.4 mm. I speak from experience, I often observed burrs on the fishing line from teeth, perhaps not from a direct bite, but from friction against the teeth, but fluorocarbon still holds. When fishing, you need to make sure that the leash does not come out of the corner of the mouth, with each jerk you have time to give in the line, but not give any slack. Grade:
Vyacheslav
I tried both tungsten and steel string, yes, it doesn’t bite, but the bite is better when using fishing line and, accordingly, there is more interest. But fluorocarbon is generally not noticeable in the water, it bites often, and then it depends on your luck, and in fact it all depends on experience. Grade:
Egor
You just don’t need to get hung up on any one material. I use both metal and leashes made of fishing line, fluorocarbon, I put in more fishing rods and don’t leave without a catch, which is what I wish for you. Grade:
Taras
Ways to knit shock leader knots
The shock leader itself consists of monofilament of a fairly large diameter, approximately 10 meters long, or a small piece of braid.
The carrot or Mahin knot is a small knot in itself, and therefore can easily pass through the ring on the rod. Basically, the use of this type is required for multiple monofilament lines and monofilament shock leader. The Palomar fishing knot is known to everyone, including beginners. It is used to connect the swivel to the main line. Next comes the connection between the hook and eye twister heads. When using this method of knitting, on the fishing line itself in two layers, it turns out that the size of the knot will be larger than usual connections, and the leash will become shorter.
A hint on how to properly tie a hook on a fishing line and not let it come apart
In all cases of tying knots, it is worth dropping a small drop of super glue or any other product similar in composition to it. This will prevent your knot from being deformed or torn from minor injuries caused to it during fishing. Try to ensure that your knot is woven correctly and is below your spool. In this case, when casting, the line will not touch the spool, which will preserve the integrity of the knot.
Read: Winter fishing with a reelless bait
For hooks that have a blade part, it is better to knit using the dum hof method. To do this, the first thing you need to do is fold the fishing line in half along the fore-end. After this, gradually winding it along the fore-end, we make turns, gradually moving away from the blade. You should not overlap the turns, otherwise this will affect the reliability of the entire assembly. After winding several circles, we thread the end of the fishing line into the resulting loop and begin to tighten it, having first moved the knot to the beginning of the blade. The reliability of which node is approximately estimated at 75–80 percent.
For monofilament fishing line, a Canadian figure eight is quite suitable. It is convenient because after you have reeled it in, there will be no problems in unwinding it, without thereby cutting the line itself. To do this, thread the end of the fishing line through the hook, pass several turns around the fore-end, and then pass the end of the fishing line back through the eye again, thereby forming a closed loop. Additionally, make one or two turns with the free end around the main fishing line on the rod, and again drive it through the hook, tighten tightly.
Turtle - this method should not be used for monofilament fishing line, as it can lead to the knot coming undone at the most inopportune moment; it is better to use this method for braided fishing line. The method is quite simple; to do this, you need to thread the tip of the fishing line through the fastening hole on the hook, then make a loop once and tie a knot. Then we pull the hook through the loop we made and tighten it again. This method is very reliable even at the highest loads, which ensures the reliability of catching fish.
Salmon - quite complicated, but reliable to use. This is justified by the fact that when it is used, the load falls not only on the eye of the hook, but also on the entire forend. To do this, you should thread the tip of the fishing line into the ring on the hook and wrap it a couple of times around the main fishing line of the rod. Then you should thread the tip of the fishing line next to the eye and carefully, symmetrically lower the resulting knot onto the fore-end itself, then tighten it.
The leash method is used mainly to add several hooks and thereby increase the fishing area with one fishing tackle. For this purpose, loops are made both temporarily and on an ongoing basis. We will need to take the main fishing line and make a double loop on it, winding it around our finger. Next, the loop needs to be pressed at the base. Separately, at the end of the leash there is a knot, which can be used as a figure-of-eight option, as it is more convenient. Subsequently, the tip that turns out to be free should be inserted into the loop created on the main fishing line. Again, create any simple loop that is convenient for you and tighten it.
If this method of knitting is used correctly, fishing will give you great satisfaction. The main thing is to tie everything together correctly so that the hooks do not tear off the loops. Fish hook knots should always be securely tied to the leash. As part of your fishing accessories, it is also worth having various kinds of tweezers for those cases when fishing gear gets tangled, which requires intervention in the form of untangling or cutting. If you have learned how to tie fishing knots, then no fish will leave your hook and break your leash.
