non-break away weights

Broadbill · 10-12-2005, 09:22 AM

I know this has been talked about 100 times but still not sure. We fish all break away balloons and weights, mainly because I like an unobstructed line during hook up and fight. On the other hand I am tired of pouring lead weights. You guys that don't use break away weights don't feel like that causes you to lose fish sometimes? I would love to be able to unclip weight s and save them, but it still seems that a heavy weight bouncing and pulling on a line could easily pull hooks in certain situations. Same with leaving jugs or balloons attached. I can say for sure some of the fish we have caught would never have been hooked if our balloons were not broke away and couldn't come tight at the right moment. I feel like our hook up ratio is really good and I hate to change anything, but I don't like losing all that lead.
Please advise, and good luck (if the wind ever dies)!

-Scott

Shark Tagger · 10-12-2005, 11:48 AM

I started using longline clips on my weights to conserve also. I fish 32 to 4 lbs sometimes and have not had a problem yet.

When I was breaking them away I would wrap them on tight with wire hoping that if the fish wasnt too big I would get my weight back.. if it was a big fish, losing the weight would be worth it.

Good Luck!

Duke · 10-12-2005, 11:52 AM

I don't use breakaways and run about a 70% hookups to boatings ratio which I hear is pretty good. Has gotten real good with the hook advise Mike and Finalpoint gave me. I don't feel the weight is that big a deal with the distance from the bait and the fact that we stay tight on the fish with pretty solid drag. Not staying tight might be a bigger issue. I also hate to drop lead as it just isn't a good thing environmentally ( and it can be costly although this doesn't concern me). I have been experimenting with concrete sinkers a buddy of mine makes that are really good so far. About the same size as lead with a smooth attachment that has no fraying. Cheap and environmental. I'm still testing though...

reel life · 10-12-2005, 05:21 PM

i want all my gear back that i put in the water.... i also feel the lead helps keep it tight when you have a newbie on the rod, no matter what he does there is always drag produced by the lead

Verado06 · 10-12-2005, 08:38 PM

I let them break away... dont need them to get in the way.

I only fish once a month or so, so it doesnt get to costy for me. I guess if I fish more often, I might try the longline clip

Broadbill · 10-13-2005, 06:07 AM

Thanks for the input guys.

LETSRIDE · 10-13-2005, 08:05 PM

i fish "breakaways" but i get 90% of them back. i use 2 #32 or # 64 rubber bands break them off when they come up and reel.

10-12-2005, 09:22 AM	#1 (permalink)
Broadbill Hooked Up Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ft. Pierce, Fl Posts: 327	non-break away weights I know this has been talked about 100 times but still not sure. We fish all break away balloons and weights, mainly because I like an unobstructed line during hook up and fight. On the other hand I am tired of pouring lead weights. You guys that don't use break away weights don't feel like that causes you to lose fish sometimes? I would love to be able to unclip weight s and save them, but it still seems that a heavy weight bouncing and pulling on a line could easily pull hooks in certain situations. Same with leaving jugs or balloons attached. I can say for sure some of the fish we have caught would never have been hooked if our balloons were not broke away and couldn't come tight at the right moment. I feel like our hook up ratio is really good and I hate to change anything, but I don't like losing all that lead. Please advise, and good luck (if the wind ever dies)! -Scott

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Attaching Weights and Balloons	Relentless33	Rigging Corner	88	09-20-2007 04:44 PM
Deep drop weights?	Island Style	Deep Dropping	11	11-07-2006 12:04 AM
why not big egg weights?	ashton	Rigging Corner	2	09-16-2006 06:47 AM
Line weights on the 50w's	reeltherapy	Rigging Corner	22	02-27-2006 05:59 PM
Lead weights	Hydratherapy	Rigging Corner	3	10-21-2005 06:54 AM

10-12-2005, 11:48 AM	#2 (permalink)
Shark Tagger Hooked Up Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Sunny Isles Best Catch: 475lb Mako Occupation: Engineering Posts: 916	I started using longline clips on my weights to conserve also. I fish 32 to 4 lbs sometimes and have not had a problem yet. When I was breaking them away I would wrap them on tight with wire hoping that if the fish wasnt too big I would get my weight back.. if it was a big fish, losing the weight would be worth it. Good Luck!

10-12-2005, 11:52 AM	#3 (permalink)
Duke Hooked Up Join Date: Feb 2005 Posts: 271	I don't use breakaways and run about a 70% hookups to boatings ratio which I hear is pretty good. Has gotten real good with the hook advise Mike and Finalpoint gave me. I don't feel the weight is that big a deal with the distance from the bait and the fact that we stay tight on the fish with pretty solid drag. Not staying tight might be a bigger issue. I also hate to drop lead as it just isn't a good thing environmentally ( and it can be costly although this doesn't concern me). I have been experimenting with concrete sinkers a buddy of mine makes that are really good so far. About the same size as lead with a smooth attachment that has no fraying. Cheap and environmental. I'm still testing though...

10-12-2005, 05:21 PM	#4 (permalink)
reel life Hooked Up Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Knot sure Boat: REEL LIFE Best Catch: Iron Babe Occupation: Captain Posts: 158	i want all my gear back that i put in the water.... i also feel the lead helps keep it tight when you have a newbie on the rod, no matter what he does there is always drag produced by the lead

10-12-2005, 08:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
Verado06 Hooked Up Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Miami and New Orleans Posts: 484	I let them break away... dont need them to get in the way. I only fish once a month or so, so it doesnt get to costy for me. I guess if I fish more often, I might try the longline clip

10-13-2005, 06:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
Broadbill Hooked Up Join Date: May 2005 Location: Ft. Pierce, Fl Posts: 327	Thanks for the input guys.

10-13-2005, 08:05 PM	#7 (permalink)
LETSRIDE Hooked Up Join Date: May 2004 Location: Davie Posts: 205	i fish "breakaways" but i get 90% of them back. i use 2 #32 or # 64 rubber bands break them off when they come up and reel.

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)