Attaching Weights and Balloons

[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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