Attaching Weights and Balloons

[Relentless33]

Was the answer right ??

I said 166.6 with bar notation over it

[Relentless33]

okay i dont no whats wrong with my computer, i guess i was wrong haha lmao

See now instead of trying to figure it out that way my solution would be throw on the heaviest lead we have and let er go haha :lol: :lol:

[Relentless33]

Okay well the #64 rubber bands work thanks to pretty much everyone lol
The only problem I found with them was that the balloons were sliding on the line. So I guess 2 of those 'little, tiny, wicked strong, black rubberbands' are gonna be on the balloon and the heavier #64 bands will be on the leads.

[TZ]

TRY USING PHONE WIRE. SKIN IT BACK TO ABOUT SIX INCHES. PUT HANGER ON FISHING LINE ATTACH WIRE TO BALLOON WHERE YOU WANT IT TO BE. PHONE WIRE WITH THE COVER ON IT WORKS VERY WELL.

[RiskTaker]

Relentless:

Keeping it simple like you said you prefer, a single #64 rubber band will securely hold a (1-3 lb.) lead weight and/or an inflated balloon. It will not slip when you tie it correctly.

Check out the previous threads on this site about tying balloons. I believe Nick C or one of his fishing buddies ?, actually made a movie on how to tie a rubber band to a line.

But if you do not have the movie handy, follow these instructions and you will not have to use anything else, unless you prefer to do so.

Hold the line in front of you in your less dominant hand along with one end of the rubber band. Using your dominant, grab the line, make 3-4 wraps of the band around the mainline, while stretching the rubber band a little bit. (It holds fast for Spectra braid or nylon monofilament). Now insert the wrapping loop back through the loop that was held stationary. Pull on it enough to snug it up, perhaps 1/2- 3/4 breaking strength, but not enough to overly stress the band. At this point, a good tied rubber band will stay put on the line without coming undone, unless you fiddle with it. ( As a matter of fact I do this all the time on my stern tip line to make a temporary line mark, before I may let her drop another couple hundred feet , then retireve intermittentently until I get back to my mark again. - Ssh, that was a bonus pointer.) When you need to remove it, just grab anywhere other than the protruding loop and tug a little bit and the band loosens right up and you have the band in your hand.)

For the balloon connection, stick your index finger and thumb into the loop (from the bottom side pointing up), and roll your hand to form a double wrap (slip loop). Use your other hand to hold the slip loop open while sliding the balloon knot past the rubber slip loop. Pull on the balloon end, while releasing the slip loop and you've got her. (Just make sure the slip loop is snugged up around the balloon before tossing it over the side) You will be able to use the same balloon over and over again unless something causes that balloon to break free. (or if it simply blows out of the boat while your not paying attention.)

Similar concept for the weight: slip the loop through the large eye of the weight and slip over to the other side. The weight should be free of burrs.
I have used up to 3 lb. balls using #64 rubber bands. Just be careful so the band doesn't bounce if you need to pull the weight out of the water. No sense in holding onto the wieght all that time and lose it just as you are bringing it into the boat. :lol:

[Relentless33]

No weights slipped at all but I think 2 or 3 balloons did. I think the problem was as simple as wrapping it one more time.

Im trying to visualize your description, I think we do it the same way..

Thanks for the tips and advice

[BigGameNick]

The pool noodles are definitly much better than the jugs. just dont make them to high for the weight u use.

[Relentless33]

I havent used pool noodles but a nice size balloon with a cyalume stick on it works great. :lol:

[quack quack]

pool noodles are the best.I make them with pvc with female threads on the top so that the fat end of a light stick screws into it. No tape!I attach to the main with a LL clip never a problem!yet

[BigGameNick]

do u guys thing it matters if u use release sinkers or no

[BigGameNick]

do u guys thing it matters if u use release sinkers or no

[Disco Lady]

CONO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : :shock: :Forget Mercury, levels Just think of the lead levels we will have soon. :lol: :lol:

[Break Away]

We use bell wire. I put about 5 loose twists for and average night. You can add an extra one or two if it's rough or less if it's flat. Use a fresh wire each time so it will be consistant. We use to use light mono but it was too much trouble.

[RiskTaker]

Relentless:

Sure, no problem. Typically you may tie your balloons/(other floating devices) to a thinner line than where the weight may be attached. Try snugging up a little bit more on the wraps and do another wrap or two like you suggested. (P.S. - You do not need to visualize. Just grab a line and rubber band and try it for practice in the comfort of Terra Firma.)

I also like to set my balloons on the bait side of my line marks. That is one level of redundancy so that if there is some slippage, it will stop at the mark, but generally they do not slip for me, anymore.
(Remember, I just started this style of fishing in 2004, knowing nothing about swordfishing, prior to that except that they were out there. I think I can setup a pretty good spread now, and this was by asking lots of questions just like you are doing now. It was also fun to attend a couple of swordfishing demos like : Ray Rosher, Dean Panos and Bouncer Smith. (I've never made it to ones put together by Capt. Mitch and the "Beerman" for Sworfishing 101 and 102: but I am sure that style is good too.) It is also a lot of fun to attend, network and learn from veteran and very highly seasoned swordfishing anglers at the Southeast Swordfishing Club. There is always something new to learn and/or experiment with another method.)
Well look at that: there is a SESC meeting tonight. See the other thread.

Good, better and best: you always have choices. And chances are you will still catch fish even if you are just a "good" fisherman. There are no ensurances on the Poor, poorer and poorest side of the fence. But it sounds like you are well on your way to the top of the list. :thumleft:

[Relentless33]

We have ours break off but I havent tried it the other way to tell you.

But Reel Intubaitor has his weights on the big light and has a great ratio of boating fish.

[Broadbill]

You leave the float connected the entire time, it doesn't break away? Seems like a lot of drag. I prefer everything to break away. If you are fishing break away weights here is a tip. Get small, light weight, cheap snap swivels and cut the tip of the catch off so they pop open easily. Tie those to short sections of dacron about 10" long. Tie the tag end to your weight. I then hook my small snap (with the weight and dacron) to my main snap swivel. As soon as you hookup the litle swivel pops open and away goes you weight. Same with your balloons. I tie dacron loops in my main lines at different depths and then clip the small snaps to the loops with balloons. As soon as your tight the snap pops and the balloon is history. Like you said 1000 people, 1000 different answers. Just the way I do it, I like a clean line once hooked up.

[ReelIntubaiter]

Originally Posted by Broadbill

Get small, light weight, cheap snap swivels and cut the tip of the catch off so they pop open easily. Tie those to short sections of dacron about 10" long. Tie the tag end to your weight. I then hook my small snap (with the weight and dacron) to my main snap swivel. As soon as you hookup the litle swivel pops open and away goes you weight. Same with your balloons. I tie dacron loops in my main lines at different depths and then clip the small snaps to the loops with balloons. As soon as your tight the snap pops and the balloon is history.

Broadbill, I like your idea! I'll try my balloons with this method. It should be cleaner than rubber bands. Sometimes rubber band pieces stick to the line and you end up winding small pieces of rubber into your spool. Thanks!

[Broadbill]

R.I.,

Good Luck, make sure you buy the real flimsy little cheap snaps. I tried some a little stiffer in a pinch once and had trouble with them opening. Cut off the little catch and work them back and forth a few times to loosen them up. When you clip them on make sure they are just barely snapped shut and they work great!

-Scott

[hannaman]

I use a #32 rubberband for everything, weights and balloons. Both weight and balloon have a piece of phone wire attached. Doesn't matter how many twists, just make sure she's locked on real good. Any good fish will snap/break the rubber band from the balloon or weight. This # 32 band is strong enough to hold 2 pound leads and will not break until past 6 pounds of pressure. But like always I test the rubber band strength by stretching it so theres no failure before attaching. When you do break a band thats attached to your line theres always the knot to show you your mark and I always take that off before I tie the new one on.

[Broadbill]

Cary,

Do you have loops in your mainline or do you just attach the bands where you want (linecounter?). Also, is the phone wire just to make the connections easier or is it supposed to break away as well?

Thanks.
-Scott

[Relentless33]

Everything is on a break away system, last time we used the #64 rubberbands on the leads and the "little black wicked strong rubberbands" on the balloons and never had a problem. Lost no weights or balloons except whenw e had the one runoff.

Thanks for all the tips and ideas. Like I've said before...... :-k ](*,) I think it was something like I'm young and eager to learn so I soak in as much as possible ? lol :???:

[Square Grouper]

Hey guys, new to the SFC board and dug up this post. We have been using balloons and want to try the fun noodle float method. How are you attaching the noodle to the line and what are you using for the release method? - Thanks

[quack quack]

Long line clips.Put a rubber band behind the clip so you do not have to stop reeling when the clip hits the tip.Some guys just use a rubber band and take the chance that it could break away.

[Square Grouper]

Tanks QQ, although it's kinda hard to process what you said while looking at your avatar.

[Tuna Devil]

It's an Avitar? I thought it was a fish wistle?


Welcome square grouper.

[quack quack]

It is an avatar of a whistle.If it smells like fish it's a dish.If it smells like Cologne leave it alone :shock:

[Tuna Devil]

Originally Posted by quack quack

It is an avatar of a whistle.If it smells like fish it's a dish.If it smells like Cologne leave it alone :shock:

It would be to easy to derail this thread based on that statement alone. I Won't do it.

I use all rubber Bands, Except on the LPs which I use LL clips.

[Relentless33]

Don't derail my thread :shock: :twisted: :cry: :cry:

What did I ever do to you ?? :???:

[Tuna Devil]

Settle down Jr.

[Relentless33]

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