Top Shots

Hogback · 02-13-2004, 09:39 AM

I have been reading about tuna rigging on line lately and was wondering what the experienced tuna fishermen thought about using top shots or wind on leaders. I also read the page on ifish about rigging your boat and noticed that the author used two speed reels and wondered what the consensus was in regard to using them.

DriftR · 02-13-2004, 10:12 AM

Using "Top Shots" should be considered whenever you use Tuff Line or any of the braided lines available. I have used "TOP SHOTS" of Maxima and other lines on my offshore reels. It has that extra amount of stretch that allows the lure/bait to stick just a tad longer on the bite. Also, when you break off it is much less expensive to add new Mono and the no see um's line than it is to add the braided lines.
My history of using two speed reels is limited to fishing with a buddy using his two speeds for oversize Sturgeon. They work great. I prefer using a good stout rod, good line, good knots and a quality single speed reel for offshore. It takes a little longer for cranking the denisons of the deep up from the deep but it works for me.

WP · 02-13-2004, 01:16 PM

I second that! Two speeds would be nice for halibut sometimes but the extended handle works as well and doesn't involve the cost of a two speed. I am going to try the top shot method this year, just to give the gear a little more spring. We'll see how it goes. So far the 200# leader and 80# tuff line has worked really well but I am all for experimenting.
Dave

Hogback · 02-13-2004, 01:28 PM

WP
I haven't been tuna fishing yet but intend to get out this summer. To your knowledge has any of the Salty Dogs experimented with different test leader material or length?
Randy

WP · 02-13-2004, 02:18 PM

Lots of folks use different set-ups but 50 lbs mono or top shot seems to be the favorite with 150-200 lbs leader for hand lines or if tuffline is used to the leader (6'), as I do it. The real benefit to 200# leader and straight tuffline is that all rigs can be used on either the stand-ups or the handlines, interchangably. Saves set-up time and means everything can be tied up early. Just a thought! :smile:
Dave