Where's the Topshot Thread?

Chromaflage · 07-10-2008, 12:43 PM

Need some help please. I can't seem to find the thread that shows how to build topshots using the braid and loop to loop connection.

I'm also wondering if someone might want to get together in Newport on Saturday and edumacate me on this....all I need is a shopping list and someone to provide a little instruction.

Thanks!

Nalu · 07-10-2008, 02:26 PM

Kerry- As a side note, I just put new topshots on my newly spooled tuna reels. 80 lb Power Pro to 50 lb Berkley Hi Test.

I tied and tested a huge amount of bimini twist to bimini twist with a cats paw connection. Basically, loop to loop, only tied instead of threaded.

Break strength was typically anywhere from 48 lbs to 54 lbs, when the mono broke, but it was always breaking where I tied it to. After repeated tests breaking at the knot where I tied it to an eye bolt in the shop, it finally broke at the connection of the cats paw at 52 lbs. I never broke a bimini twist in any test. I DID see smoke come off the Power Pro when the twist slipped down a little on one test, but the knot held. On another test the line later broke where the knot had slipped down, but the knot itself held.

ron m · 07-10-2008, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chromaflage

Re: Where's the Topshop Thread?
Need some help please. I can't seem to find the thread that shows how to build topshots using the braid and loop to loop connection.

I'm also wondering if someone might want to get together in Newport on Saturday and edumacate me on this....all I need is a shopping list and someone to provide a little instruction.

Thanks!

Hey kerry, I thought you were looking for a repair shop!!

I don't remember a thread on topshots, but maybe. PM BOE, I think he knows how to do that and I think he has the needles too!

don't know if Englund's carries them or not, but maybe.
ron m

Bait O' Eggs · 07-10-2008, 03:33 PM

Are you going to be at Newport on Saturday, I could bring the supplies and show you how I do it. Not sure I understood what Nalu is doing with a cats paw and smoking braided line

Beer Waggin · 07-10-2008, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bait O' Eggs

Nalu is smoking braided line

Enough said...

Nalu · 07-10-2008, 04:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bait O' Eggs

Are you going to be at Newport on Saturday, I could bring the supplies and show you how I do it. Not sure I understood what Nalu is doing with a cats paw and smoking braided line

BOE- Please bring your supplies. You kindly offered before to show how to assemble the loops, but haven't had the time to take you up on some BOE education.

Looking forward to it. Maybe this should be a sidebar workshop...

Chromaflage · 07-10-2008, 04:05 PM

Thanks Roy!!! That would be great. Can you send me a shopping list so I can pick up some supplies?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bait O' Eggs

Are you going to be at Newport on Saturday, I could bring the supplies and show you how I do it. Not sure I understood what Nalu is doing with a cats paw and smoking braided line

Quote:

Originally Posted by Beer Waggin

Enough said...

Mike, I really do appreciate your input. Thanks!

tomictime · 07-10-2008, 05:01 PM

IF you guys would just get serious and run all 50 wides, no top-shot is needed...

With a proper reel, spooled with mono, it is ALL..topshot.....

I am thinking of changing my moniker to 100%top-shot....

there are only two goals:

yard in those weenie Albis like a skateboard across the water....AND

be prepared, properly prepared to boat the first BF.....

ha.

I have been to Utah State Tuna University

!!!

JD

Jakiedog · 07-10-2008, 05:01 PM

Here's how I do it and it was bulletproof last year. Granted, I haven't hooked into one of the illusive 100+ pounders with this system- yet

You'll need hollow core braid - hard to find locally - in 80#.
You'll also need a splicing needles, bowstring server, and a loop puller for a loop to loop.

I use a bimini twist off my main spectra line. I then tie a hollow core braid end loop shown here: http://www.blackwaterinternationalinc.com/endloop.htm

On the other end of that braided line I "fish" my topshot up the hollow core braid and serve the end, shown here:
http://www.blackwaterinternationalin...ving_intro.htm

The first few take a while, but it gets quicker as you go.
The nice thing about this system is that you can tie up spares and if your topshot gets worn, it takes 45 seconds to change it out.
Good Luck...

Booja 1 · 07-10-2008, 06:45 PM

Good stuff that Blackwater,,,,,another idea if using hollow is to use the Sato crimp system.....no knots at all........

www.SATOCUSTOMTACKLE.COM

Paddler · 07-10-2008, 09:55 PM

Or, you could buy bigger reels and join the newly forming 50 Wide club. I'll be running topshots of 60# Big Game, ~780 yards of it:

Skipper · 07-11-2008, 04:09 AM

Kerry,
My favorite Top Shop is Jerry's Upholstery in Boring.

Jakiedog · 07-11-2008, 06:45 AM

I had a tough time finding the needles required to make the required loops, but I found them at Smitty's Belts. He makes fighting belts and other fishing equipment. He's in Oregon and an avid tuna fisherman.

http://www.smittybelts.com/

Good Luck.

Nalu · 07-11-2008, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomictime

IF you guys would just get serious and run all 50 wides, no top-shot is needed...

With a proper reel, spooled with mono, it is ALL..topshot.....

I am thinking of changing my moniker to 100%top-shot....

there are only two goals:

yard in those weenie Albis like a skateboard across the water....AND

be prepared, properly prepared to boat the first BF.....

ha.

I have been to Utah State Tuna University

!!!

JD

JD- Finally, some good old fashioned common sense my brother. You know, I've been mistaken all this time, using gear sized appropriate for the fish, with small diameter main line and topshots so the line is easy to see when deployed, and easy to untangle when crossed.

I should really get on your Utah plan and oversize all the gear for my customers and explain to them that any sort of "fight" is really unnecessary. I'll make sure to get harnesses for them as well so they don't have to hold the heavy rod/reel combo either. Just lean back and turn the handle.

And here I was thinking that this year with new prototype G Loomis rods that are light weight and balanced to match my reels would be a lot of fun for people........

Paddler · 07-11-2008, 09:13 AM

Mike, I'll PM your membership application. All 50W, all the time.

tomictime · 07-11-2008, 11:25 AM

Mike: oh thank god......another member...and one with GOOD ideas...

the WARN winch is next, who needs cheap-o electric reels..

all CABLE topshot

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nalu

JD- Finally, some good old fashioned common sense my brother. You know, I've been mistaken all this time, using gear sized appropriate for the fish, with small diameter main line and topshots so the line is easy to see when deployed, and easy to untangle when crossed.

I should really get on your Utah plan and oversize all the gear for my customers and explain to them that any sort of "fight" is really unnecessary. I'll make sure to get harnesses for them as well so they don't have to hold the heavy rod/reel combo either. Just lean back and turn the handle.

And here I was thinking that this year with new prototype G Loomis rods that are light weight and balanced to match my reels would be a lot of fun for people........