3 Questions for a newbie

[Meatloaf]

Please advise on these 3 things
1, tapered shock leader 60 lb ( fat end to line /thin end to rig ) yes i know dumb question , but all new to me
2, best size general hook to be using
3, Currently doing a bit e baying for fishing bits and bobs whats the must haves !!!

[Stewart 1971]

Please advise on these 3 things
1, tapered shock leader 60 lb ( fat end to line /thin end to rig ) yes i know dumb question , but all new to me

Wrong way round. Thin end ties to your mainline, I use a back to back uni-knot which is dead simple to tie and plenty strong enough. Thick end goes to your rig which should also be at least 60lb bs for the main body. I use a Gemini rig link on the end of my shockleader and a small oval split ring on my rigs for quick changeover of rigs.

2, best size general hook to be using

This time of year I generally use 4/0 Varivas Big Mouth but will also carry a few two hook clipdown rigs with size 1/0 or size 1 hooks if I feel the need to scratch something out.

3, Currently doing a bit e baying for fishing bits and bobs whats the must haves !!!

Go to your local tackle shop and keep them in business. Personally I wouldn't trust ebay for rig bits or other stuff as far as I could throw them. The lads in your local tackle shop will be happy to advise. For starters you need a decent headlamp, some bait elastic, a disgorger, nail clippers (perfect for cutting line), scissors and or a knife for preparing fish baits and a small plastic cutting board that will fit in your box...

[FISHERMAN]

Dont no about tapperd shocker! But hooks I use 2/0 me mate kamsan and sakuma. And as for terminal tackle. The list is endless crips impact shields lead clips . Spinning swivels and beads pully beads sequens bait stops bait needle small swivels bloody hell its crazy all terminal tackle u can buy like. I just use pully rigs or 2 hook flappers me try to keep it simple

[Philysafc]

1. Thin end attach to main line with a double blood knot and the thick end is ya rig swivel
2. Depending what ya fishing for but a 1/0 or 2/0 should be fine , flat ties go for a 4 or 2
3. What ever takes ya fancy but don't buy the home made wire constructed items :-( all you nee for rigs (flappers) is 60lb line for body small swivels trapped with a pair of clear beads and locked with 2 silicone sliders each side ( sliders are small lengths of silicone tube where you pass your line through in a loop moisen then pull , making a sliding stop for you bead and swivel )
Hope this helps

[jamiebrennan]

Tapered shock leader is thick end to rig, the reason for this so that the higher breaking strain is at the "shocked" end and its easier to join 2 matching diameters of line at the knot end.
For me i would say a good strong brand of hook in the 2/0 range would suit most fish and types of angling however i always base the hook size on the size of bait, for instance a crab and whole squid bait in winter would need a 4/0 upwards otherwise the hook point will become masked.
As for must haves then it will depend on your type of angling, if your going for rough ground then it would be weights and rig making stuff as you will lose loads.
Think like this though, you can have the best of the best but if your bait is the cheapest of the cheap then any fish worth its 3 second memory ain't gonna take a 2nd look at your hook!

[fishingmark]

A little tip for Ebay purchases mate. Don't buy in bulk from any seller straight away as you may be landed with a load of rubbish. Some of the cheaper stuff is spot on and will save you money but buy in small amounts to try out first.

[andyco]

I'm a newbie myself mate, I wish I knew what size hooks to use - everyone seems to say different - over the summer most of the fish I had were on 1's or 2's. Recently I've mostly been using manta 2/0's, then switching to mustad aberdeen 1's if nothing's taking the 2/0's. That tactic has worked a couple of times, but I'm still clueless really.


As for 'must haves' , the useful items ive ended up getting are -
decent rod stand
beta box
good headtorch
long nose pliers, t-bar disgorger, filet knife, scissors
small cooler box (4 or 5 litre) for bait
tronix rig winders and rig winder box

coolest bit of gear ever! - battery powered rod tip light!

[marco1967]

Please advise on these 3 things
1, tapered shock leader 60 lb ( fat end to line /thin end to rig ) yes i know dumb question , but all new to me
2, best size general hook to be using
3, Currently doing a bit e baying for fishing bits and bobs whats the must haves !!!

I use the following

35lb line for shockleaders , off the ground casting and never had a crack off yet in 25 years of fishing . it makes a small enough knot and is a lot cheaper than losing tapered leaders .

2/0 - 3/0 - 4/0 nothing else for cod fishing

must haves - bait elastic,swivels,crimps,beads,spare lines,snood lines,stainless steel scissors,headlamps x2 , batteries,chest waders,cotton smock in red ,good socks,a furry bear suit ,waterprook smock/coat ,tip lights,a cap for ya heed, spare leads,hooks,reflective tape to use on things like car keys,mobile phone etc . a stainless steel multi tool , toilet paper/kitchen roll cos ya never narr !!

[paulthespark]

[QUOTE=marco1967;611937]I use the following

35lb line for shockleaders , off the ground casting and never had a crack off yet in 25 years of fishing . it makes a small enough knot and is a lot cheaper than losing tapered leaders .

that's interesting, I have always thought you had to use 10lbs for every ounce ie 60lbs shocker for a 6oz lead but if you have never cracked off in25years with 35lbs line it seems that it is not quite true, defo a smaller knot between the shocker and main line, mmm food for thought.

[Pete from shields]

OTG casting a 5 or 6oz lead with 35lb line is well dangerous.

Go to your local tackle shop and keep them in business. Personally I wouldn't trust ebay for rig bits or other stuff as far as I could throw them. The lads in your local tackle shop will be happy to advise. For starters you need a decent headlamp, some bait elastic, a disgorger, nail clippers (perfect for cutting line), scissors and or a knife for preparing fish baits and a small plastic cutting board that will fit in your box...

What Stewart said is spot on, though I alternate hook sizes.

[marco1967]

nobody even used shockleaders 20 years ago lads, its all just sales gimmicks. 30lb line straight through and a loop for your snood . Id sooner fish next to me and 30 years experience than a newbie using 60lb shockleaders.

[Boro5707]

nobody even used shockleaders 20 years ago lads, its all just sales gimmicks. 30lb line straight through and a loop for your snood . Id sooner fish next to me and 30 years experience than a newbie using 60lb shockleaders.

Yes they were using shock leaders 20 years ago. Myself and my father were and many others. I do use 30lb straight through for a overhead thump but would not otg cast with it. I wouldn't like to be fishing next to you in the Tyne with your lead being pulled out in the tide and tangling my gear.

[marco1967]

Yes they were using shock leaders 20 years ago. Myself and my father were and many others. I do use 30lb straight through for a overhead thump but would not otg cast with it. I wouldn't like to be fishing next to you in the Tyne with your lead being pulled out in the tide and tangling my gear.

Won't happen I don't fish out the car or in rivers

[Boro5707]

Won't happen I don't fish out the car or in rivers

Good to hear. Watch them wind turbines when your otg casting off your boat.

[leekboy1]

SAFETY 1ST ALWAYS USE A LEADER ! YOU MIGHT NOT GET HURT BUT SOMEONE ELSE WILL WITH A SNAP OFF.ALSO YOU ARE MISSING OUT SOMETHING NEVER FISHED IN THE RIVERS!