shock leader help

[esoxangler]

I am fishing in the tourney next weekend and can't wait!!!!

I have two questions about shock leaders. First what knot is most popular. I have tried the double uni. Also looking at the albright special. The albright special seems to be very strong to me, and easy to tie.

What do you guys think about the albright special?

Second question is shock leader length. I know I want at least 20', but if I get a red on the last thing I want is to lose it in the wash. If I go to 30' would that hurt my casting distance much? I like the idea of having more than a few wraps around the spool when it gets down to landing the fish.

[Sam]

Here is what I do: (probably not the best way, but) I use 20lb mono for my main line and then tie an 18' 30lb mono shock leader by using a blood knot. I could go up to 40lb, but the knots are harder to tie at night in the rain.

[chomper]

I like the albright and have looked at it under 30 times magnification. It is one of the few that I have noticed that doesnt spread unevenly in small sections of the knot, when tightened up properly. Be sure to throw some spit or fish juice on the knot before securing it tight. With It can also tie very small diameter to very large, even braid. I just use alot of wraps, maybe 15 or so when attaching the large to small. Works for me and I feel pretty confident. All about what is easy and comfortable for you to work with. Try a bunch of different ones and tell us what you think. Good luck. Check out some of Lefty Krehs knot tips on google. Hes the man.
http://www.netknots.com/html/fishing_knots.html

[FishAndTattoos]

i use an albright and it has never failed and its a pretty simple knot to tie

[Coop]

Phil, when I see you next week, I'll show you an easy knot thats quick to tie and strong as heck (will break at the line before the knot),,,its a loop, similar to a spider hitch too a no name,,,whatever you choose, just make sure you find one thats easy for you to tie and strong enough,,,I personally don't think 30' leader will make you lose much distance if any,,,once you have the knot around your spool a few times, your chance of losing that fish goes way down with your shock leader.

[esoxangler]

Thanks for the help guys. I have never been real happy with my shock leader knots, had a couple fail, so I am looking for something I can have confidence in. I'm probably just not tying them right.



Don't you guys be catching all the drum before I get down there!