Line Wt/knots for Steelhead

[roblosey]

What test weight line do you all use for winter steelheading? Also, what are your preferred knots for leader to hook connections? I have broken too many leaders at the knot this winter. A good deal of these are probably from not playing the fish correctly but several times I have experienced breaks at the knot during the hook set. Thanks.

[WheresMyBobber]

No matter what bait I plan to use, I use an egg loop to attach the leader to the hook, and normally use 10 pound test with 8 lb leader. Even with this light of line, I've given some really hard hook sets without breaking the line.

When tying an egg loop, or any knot for that matter, I always wet the line before I cinch up the knot. This lets you tighten the knot without causing the line to heat up and weaken. I feel this is one of those often overlooked "little things" that can make the difference between fish on the bank, and fish left in the river.

Tackle failure is one of the things you CAN control while fishing, and paying attention to the small details makes a big difference.

I hope this helps, good luck.

[SSPey]

I fish rods with an eight line and 10 lb untragreen tippet in normal water, but this winter have been using a 7 rod and 8 lb ultragreen - I've only broken off large hot fish that get wrapped around rocks, logs, legs, etc.. my favorite fly knot is the trilene knot, essentially twice thru the eye followed by a regular 5 turn clich. easy to set with thicker mono than improved clinch

[smilesforu]

knots will break easily if your using the flourocarbon line and not lubricating the knots. I use 20# Ande, but could get away with lighter if I fished from a boat and wasn't chasing fish in the 20# class. I always use the bait loop knot on a hook instead of tying directly to the eye. On a jig/fly/swivel connection I use a trilene knot. Here is a link to 20+ knots and how to tie them. When in doubt retie the knot.
http://www.steelheader.net/knots/knots.htm
Tight Lines

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Marty M
Steelheader.net

[Steelheader69]

First off, what type of line are you using? That could be your main problem. I almost exclusively use Maxima. I do have some McCoys and Ande's on some of my rods. If you're breaking off at swivel consistently it could be the line you're using. I've fished noodle type rods alot when I was younger (we used to build them out of fly rod blanks) and would fight big kings on 8lb test and rarely ever break one off except on a snag. Always used maxima. I use a little lighter line then Marty does. I usually run 12#, and up to #20 on some of my big fish rods. We used to run only 15# on our plunking rods back in the glory days of the Puyallup when they had the big steelies in it (man I miss those days). I use a standard egg loop on my hook, but at my swivel I use the improved clinch. Never had a problem with it. Use it on my jigs, swivels, flies, etc. Never had a problem with it.

Good luck

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You haven't lived til you've rowed a cataraft. Friends don't let friends run Outcasts.

[Trout,myster]

I usually run 10 or 12 pound Maxima for steelhead, a little heavier (15) for salmon. I'm sold on the Trilene knot as it's one of the few I've found that will also hold well with braided lines.

As was mentioned, make sure you wet the line good before pulling your knot tight and pull it tight slowly. Tying knots heats the line quickly and it will fail.

If your line is new and not fluorocarbon, it shouldn't break very easily at the knot. If your line is over 6 months old you may want to replace it. Storing your gear in a dark dry place helps the line live a little longer.

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Troutmyster

[Mikie]

Hook to leader I use the lucky thirteen egg loop . Leader to swivel and mainline to swivel a palomar work's fine. Line size's are 10# mainline on my bobber rod's with 8# leader. On my drift rod's I use 8# main and leader. Maxima ultra-green is my line of choice for these application's. MIKIE.

[Jim]

10lb Power Pro on my main line (diameter of 2lb mono) 6lb-8lb Maxima Ultragreen or Chameleon depending on water conditions for my leader. Egg loop at the hook if I am using bait or cheaters...tiemaster knot everywhere else.

Jim