A small goldfish is expensive. In other words and can not be said, because it is the fishing hook directly in contact with the fish and from its quality, as well as from the quality of the entire system – the leash, one hundred percent depends on the final result.
I think everyone will agree with this. You can work for a long time with a marker and choose a promising point. You can mix the correct physical properties of the bait and attract fish to the point. You can accurately throw the equipment to the selected point. Even with the bait you can guess right away. Dull hook, old fishing line or poor quality knots on the leash can bring all the efforts of the fisherman to zero. It would seem such a small thing… But how much attention it requires from the fisherman.
Classification of leashes
Leashes are usually classified (and it is very convenient) on the conditions of fishing and the target fish. From these values is selected thickness and length of the leash line, hook model by wire thickness and length of the forend, bend of the stinger. The table below is approximate, it is worked out by practice in specific reservoirs.
Condiciones de pesca | Hook size | Diámetro de la línea, mm | Leash length, mm |
Bream (river) | 10-12 | 0,16-0,18 | 70-110 |
Bream (lake) | 10-14 | 0,12-0,16 | 30-70 |
Roach (river) | 12-14 | 0,12-0,14 | 90-120 |
Roach (lake) | 14-16 | 0,10-0,12 | 50-100 |
Chekhon (river) | 10-12 | 0,14-0,16 | 100-150 |
Carp | 6-4 | 0,20-,25 | 50-80 |
Carp | 6-12 | 0,16-0,18 | 30-50 |
Requirements to the hook: sharp. The shape is selected experimentally, analyze the number of nibbles, hooks and catches. If after a nibble the fish is not hooked or comes off in the process of fishing, something needs to change. Either the hook is dull or the shape is not suitable (does not hold). The choice of hook also depends on the bait used. For moths you need a hook made of thin wire, for corn – so that it is less injured and does not fly off, the hook should be made of thicker wire. For worms, the models with a longer barb are more suitable.
Requirements for the leash line: fresh, not deformed. This is especially important when fishing on an aggressive bottom (barnacles). Visual inspection when changing the bait should be mandatory. Any microtraumas (cuts, notches) can lead to loss of fish. It is better to change the leash at once. I also consider it obligatory to change the leash when catching a trophy fish or after deformation of the hook. It happens that the stinger bends a little after hooking or removing the hook from the fish.
Knitting leashes taking into account all columns of the table can be very costly in terms of time and materials. In this case, the process can and should be optimized, and knit leashes of a fixed length. Say, 50 cm. If you need a shorter leash – cut the loop and knit a new one. If you need a longer one, you can lengthen it with the help of an insert (inserts).
What is an insert? It’s simple. It is a piece of fishing line with two loops at the ends. It is also knitted at a fixed length. The length of the insert is selected experimentally, each for himself. Stored in the leash leash 50 cm long, easily transformed into leashes of length 100 and 150 cm one or two inserts. In this case, the insert is used from less expensive fishing line, which gives some savings.
The only case when I don’t use inserts is carp fishing. There are two reasons for this:
1. A leash longer than 50 cm is practically not used.
2. superfluous connections in carp fishing are as critical as possible for me. Still, carp is not a bream, even a large one.
Hook color. We see that here, too, there is a rich choice: black, red, blue, bronze, silver.
The choice is up to the angler. From practice I have learned only one thing. Red hook works much better on the speed fishing of small fish – bleak and roach and chehoni. Otherwise, I have not noticed the influence of color on the catch or performance.
Tools for knitting leashes
The minimum set of tools for knitting leashes on hooks with a spade looks like this.
1. Directly consumables: hook and leash fishing line.
2. Crochet hook: a tool for holding the hook when knitting a leash. Especially this device is relevant when using hooks of small size (from 20 to 18).
3. Looplevyaz: a tool for knitting a loop. Designs are different, including with a scale for knitting loops of the same size or an extractor.
4. Scissors or cutters. This tool is needed to cut the rest of the fishing line on the hook and on the loop. The main requirement is thin and sharp blades. By the way, scissors from manicure sets are very well suited for these purposes.
This set is also individual. Calmly you can crochet hook and loops with your hands, especially if you have experience or when using a hook with a ring. Tools are designed to make life easier for the angler, especially if a large number of leashes are knitted. But scissors – this is a tool without which you can not do without. Cut the fishing line carefully, leaving very short sections – tails.
From quantity to quality
Feeder tackle is universal, it allows you to successfully catch both small fish and trophy fish. The approach to fishing, of course, is individual. This also applies to leashes. Roach, bream, bream, tekhon, crucian carp, carp… How many different leashes do you need to have in your fishing line? Different diameter fishing lines, different models and numbers of hooks. It is very easy to get confused and knit leashes not systematically: what if you need such leashes?
Over the past two seasons I have come to the stable thought that the great variety of hooks and fishing line not only complicates fishing, but also the process of preparation for it, the process of making leashes and their storage.
What this process looked like on a fishing trip. Ah, something I do not like the realization on a fishing line with a diameter of 0.14 mm. I will take a leash with the same hook, but with a fishing line 0,12 mm. And so around the circle five times. It is possible to go through the leashes indefinitely, and the time goes on …
How this process looked during the preparation. Finished line of leashes on a 0,14 mm fishing line. Should I not tie a line of leashes with the same hook, but with 0.16 mm fishing line, in case they come in handy?
The optimization process was quick and painless and now I can share my findings. Again, all this is individual and depends on the specific conditions of fishing.
1. using two leashes. In one now stored leashes for catching crucian carp and carp, in the second – for roach, bream and chekhoni. In short, for all other species.
2. Diameter of the leash line. I refused to use fishing line diameters up to 0.12 mm and over 0.20 mm. Such ranges cover all my needs, reduce the time to select the right leash.
3. The manufacturer of the fishing line. For two years of testing, I have selected a fishing line that meets several parameters: reliability, resistance to aggressive environment and tempo fishing, affordable price range and, what is also very important, constant availability in the market. This approach allowed me to reduce the number of repetitive combinations by hook (model and number) and line (diameter).
3. Hook manufacturer. A large number of brands, names and models in stock always gives reason for experimentation and, as a consequence, clogs the leash box unnecessary and almost unused leashes. I also experimentally chose two series of hooks for match and carp fishing from two manufacturers.
4. Size of hooks. Is it often in practice (not in sport) have to use hooks 20, 18, 16 numbers? If only 16, and then very rarely. In order not to get confused and not to waste time on overfishing, it is better to exclude them. What is the point of feeding and waiting for a large river bream and waiting for it with hook number 18 on a 0.09 mm fishing line? 10, 12 and 14 are the most popular sizes, allowing you to cover maximum needs.
What do we get as a result? Let’s take a size 10 hook, for example. This is a really big hook made of fairly thick wire, necessary for catching strong river fish. If so, it is better to tie such a leash on 0.16mm line. A size 12 hook of the same series (model) can be tied on 0.14mm fishing line, and a hook in 14 number – on 0.12mm fishing line.
It turns out three series of leashes for hooks of the same model. If we take into account that two models of hooks of different manufacturers are taken into “work”, there will be six series (or lines) of leashes in the leash box.
Leash storage systems
There is a large number of leash storage systems. From plastic skeins to special cases. The main difference is the material of manufacture and the method of attachment of the leash. The most common in recent years have received the following types of leashes.
1. EVA bobbin in a plastic case.
2. pin storage system in a plastic or wooden case (mostly homemade).
The pin leash holder is designed with plastic or metal pins (nails). In this case, the hook is attached to one nail, and the loop to the other. Very convenient! An important plus – you can make yourself or order the manufacture of a master for your needs: the length of the leashes, the number of lines and the presence of separating strips. The distance between the nails of 50 cm allows you to store leashes in multiples of this length: 50, 100, 150 cm. Installing an additional slat, for example, at a distance of 20 cm from the one on which the hook is attached, allows you to increase the number of options and store leashes with lengths of 20, 50, 80, 100 cm. It’s a matter of convenience. In my leash holders there is no additional bar, all leashes are knitted with the same length. The last line is for storing inserts.
The storage system on EVA spools is more universal, there are no restrictions on the length of the leash. The obvious disadvantage is the necessity to fix the leash with the help of a stationery needle or by sticking the hook into the bobbin itself (to the question that the hook should always be sharp). It is for this reason – ease of use – that I would put the pin leash reel in first place. All you have to do is open the lid, select the leash you want and remove it. It takes more time to remove a leash from an EVA spool. Not only do you have to choose the right spool and remove the leash from it, you also have to fix the next leash in the spool and put the spool itself into the plastic case of the leash holder.
Two more important points are the material of manufacture and dimensions. Wooden leash holder has a more durable body. For this, however, you have to pay for the weight. The leash with EVA bobbins is more compact. This plus is corrected by the inconvenience of removing the leash. Feeder fishing is a “dirty” business (dye in the bait, constant contact of hands with bait, bait and flavorings). As a consequence, EVA bobbins after several trips to fishing lose their original aesthetics.
Summarizing the above, we can say that the hook and the leash line are the components of feeder fishing, on which you can not save money. It is these parts of the equipment directly contact and “work” with the fish, therefore, their quality directly affects the final result. Storage systems of leashes and tools for their manufacture – a matter of convenience and a matter of choice of the fisherman himself. At the same time, the number of leashes should be optimal and reasonable.
Autor: Bob Nudd es un experto pescador con más de 20 años de experiencia y ganador de numerosos concursos.
Leash storage systems are a game changer! I used to struggle with tangled lines all the time. Now, everything’s organized and ready to go. Trust me, it makes feeder fishing so much smoother. You gotta try one out to really appreciate the difference!
As a regular feeder fishing fan, I can’t stress enough how awesome leash storage systems are! They keep everything neat and organized, making it so much easier to grab what you need when the fish are biting. Trust me, you’ll save time and hassle on the water!
Absolutely, I totally agree! Last time I was out fishing, I spent way too long rummaging through my gear. Since I started using a leash storage system, it’s been a game changer. Everything’s in its place, and I can focus on catching fish instead of searching for tackle!
I recently got this awesome leash storage system for my feeder fishing gear! It’s a game changer! No more tangled lines, and I can grab what I need in a flash. Can’t wait to hit the water and catch some big ones this weekend!
I’ve been into feeder fishing for a while, and a good leash storage system can make a huge difference. I use a simple organizer to keep everything tidy. No more tangled lines! It saves time and keeps me efficient at the water, allowing me to focus on catching those fish.