Rigging up.

[greg1]

OK guys, go easy on me.

I've read through the rigging section here and talked to some old longliners. I can't picture how you guys are rigging.

Here is what I have in mind. Please offer any suggestions.

1st) 11/0 hook attached to 25ft of 300lb Mono leader. Leader attached to 3 way swivel. Clipped to mainline by snap swivel. 32 oz weight attached to 3 way swivel with light copper wire (break away). Light stick attached to leader 6 feet up from bait by rubber band.

2) 11/0 Hook attached to 50ft 300lb Mono leader--->Low profile barrel swivel so it can wind on to reel. Weight attached to swivel with light copper wire and light stick 6 feet above bait on rubber band.

[swordfish123]

Alright, this is what most guys do.

If you are NOT using a windon:

Tie a bimini twist or spider hitch and attach a 300lb ball bearing swivel.
Use a 10/0 or 11/0 hook and about 25-30 ft of 300lb leader.

Attach your lightstick somewhere along the leader, 6-10 ft away. If you have an electralume clip it with the longline clip somewhere, maybe a little further away, along that leader. It will not slide on 300lb leader. Flashers can be attached with some mono or a small snap swivel to the big 300lb Swivel. I wouldn't attach the light to the main swivel in the same place the main line attaches, it could chafe the mainline, put it down by the big thick mono.

To attach your weight, take a #64 rubberband. Send the rubberband (dont break it, keep the loop) through the hole on the weight. Send one end of the rubberband through itself. The weight should now hang from the rubberband.

Attach this weight to the mainline about 10 ft above your leader. ( about 30-40 ft from the bait) To do so take the weight and hold it next to the mainline. Wrap the loop around the mainline 3-4 times goign up the line. Then take the loop after it has been wrapped aorund the mainline a couple times and send the weight through that rubberband loop. This is a nice breakaway rig. The weight will strech the rubberband pretty far, but it shouldnt break. You can always use 2 rubberbands and just double the process but it probably wont break off.

You can also use a non-breakaway rig and just tie the weight to the swivel using some mono, or as you mentioned the copper wire. I just think the rubberbands are easier to work with and can be attached anywhere on the line.


If you ARE using a wind-on:

Use the same method for the weight, and attach the lights the same way. At the end of the windon crimp a 300lb ball bearing swivel. Make your trade leaders about 6-8 ft long. You do not need an additional swivel on the traces, just crimp a loop but be sure to use some form of chafe guard.


These are ONLY suggestions! Experiment around one day and figure out what you like.

[greg1]

Thanks man. Your explanation of how to rig the weight and the suggestion to use the long line clip are exactly what I needed.

Now I just have to get out there and try it.

[swordfish123]

glad i could help..

ps... you can also attach your balloon that way.

just wrap the rubbber band like twice and send it through itself lleaving a loop adjacent to the line, blow up your balloon and tie it around the rubberband

theres probably better ways, but it works.