Shock leader for a feeder fishing : What you need , How to tie it and types of knots

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10 min read

Shock leader for a feeder fishing is a specialized piece of fishing tackle that is used when feeder fishing. It is a length of line that is attached to the main fishing line and is designed to absorb the shock of a fish biting the bait and help prevent the main line from breaking.

Let's analyze the nodes for binding the shock leader to the feeder and choose the best option for use.

The art of tying knots is a skill that has been around for centuries and is still widely used today. There are many different types of knots, each with their own specific purpose.

There are many different types of knots, each with its own specific purpose. Once the correct type of knot has been selected, the next step is to measure the length of the rope that will be needed. It is important to make sure that there is enough rope to complete the knot, but not so much that the knot is too large or bulky. After the correct length of the rope has been measured, the next step is to begin tying the knot. There are many different techniques that can be used to tie a knot, but the most important thing is to make sure that the knot is tight and secure. Once the knot has been tied, it is important to test it to make sure that it will hold before using it for its intended purpose.

Why do you need a shock leader for a feeder?

What is a shock leader - this is an additional section with increased strength at the end of the fishing line, which takes on the main load when casting heavy feeders. Thus, the feeder will not come off with a strong cast.

You can use the minimum diameter of the lines. It is necessary to add an additional “shock” section with great strength at the end of the fishing line - a shock leader.

When bottom fishing when casting heavy feeders and sinkers, a considerable load falls on the fishing line or cord. When casting during the swing, the weight of the feeder can increase tenfold. The strength of the cord or fishing line should be strengthened, which will inevitably lead to an increase in their diameter. And this, as we know, is not good when fishing on a feeder.

[caption id="attachment_1827" align="aligncenter" width="300"]How to tie it and types of knots How to tie it and types of knots[/caption]

It doesn't matter if a special feeder line or a braided line is used, their diameter has a significant impact on the sail of the tackle. In the course of the braid and fishing line, with their resistance, they pull the feeder behind them, which leads to the need to increase its weight.

For example, we tie a shock leader with a diameter of 0.28 to the main line with a diameter of 0.2. Or if the base is a braided fishing line with a diameter of 0.1, then we tie a shock leader from a monofilament with a diameter of 0.28 to it.

The shock leader got its name from the fact that it takes on the “shock” load when casting. Let's say the main line can withstand a load of 3 kg, and the shock leader is 10-12 kg - you can safely cast heavy feeders.

[caption id="attachment_1828" align="aligncenter" width="300"]How to tie it and types of knots How to tie it and what types of knots[/caption]

Using a shock leader makes it possible to use the smallest diameters in the main line, and this in turn will reduce its resistance in the water. This is not the only benefit of using a leader shock on the feeder.

When fishing on a feeder, you often have to catch on the edges and colonies of shells, because these are the places that fish love. Even a regular monofilament, not to mention fluorocarbon, is much more resistant to abrasion on the edge with shells. A thin braided line is easily cut in such places. And if you consider that even a special feeder line is several times cheaper than a braided line, then it is better to lose a few meters of this line than a braided line.

[caption id="attachment_1829" align="aligncenter" width="300"]How to tie it and types of knots How to tie it and what types of knots[/caption]

With a monofilament shock leader, it is safer to cast the feeder. A thin line can easily cut your finger on a cast, but with a line shock leader, this will not happen.

Due to its extensibility, it gives cushioning from the line when playing with the fish. This can play into the hands of inexperienced feeders or when catching really big fish.

Many feeder lovers like to knit rigs on a monofilament fishing line. For example, an asymmetrical loop is only knitted on a fishing line. When using a shock, the feeder rig can be knitted directly on it without wasting a piece of braided cord each time.

As you can see, there are many advantages, and therefore many feeder lovers constantly use shock. But not all, and now we will find out why.

Cons of using a shock leader for a feeder fishing

We will talk about the optimal knots for tying below, but for now let's say that no matter what the knot is, it still exceeds the diameter of the lines used by several times. And on feeder rods, to give a better action, it is customary to use light rings of small diameter. This is especially true for light feeders.

For example, rings on Shimano feeders can be no larger than three millimeters. And this significantly complicates the use of shock on the feeder. If you use a shock leader with a 0.4 diameter line, then the knot may not fit through such rings at all. And when using the usual diameter (0.2-0.3), the knot will pass with difficulty with a characteristic blow when casting. And this already reduces the casting distance.

The situation is easier on heavy feeders, rings are placed on them with a large diameter.

This knot still collects all sorts of dirt during fishing and during the reeling, it stops with debris on the tip tulip. If fishing on the feeder goes at night, then because of this garbage, if you are inattentive, you can break the top when reeling. To avoid this, you need to carefully look at the behavior of the firefly for night fishing at the end of the tip.

It is necessary to constantly monitor the knot and clean it from adhering debris and use it on tips with a diameter of more than three millimeters.

Advantages and disadvantages of using a shock leader for a feeder

Let's summarize the above and determine what its use for feeder fishing gives.

Advantages:

  • Allows you to throw a large load;
  • The main line or braid can be used in smaller diameters;
  • Monofilament line gives greater resistance to abrasion;
  • Does not cut fingers when casting;
  • Due to its extensibility, it forgives many mistakes when playing fish;
  • Feeder rigs can be knitted on a shock leader without using braided line.

Flaws:

  • The knot with which the shock leader is attached to the main line does not fit well through the narrow rings of the tip. This significantly reduces the casting distance;
  • Debris clings to this knot, which can get stuck on the tip tulip;
  • Monofilament shock leader reduces sensitivity, this is especially noticeable when studying the bottom topography, before fishing;
  • The windage of the fishing line also increases when fishing on the current.

As you can see, there are significant pros and cons of using a feeder. His choice, like everything else, must be approached wisely, choosing the most important priorities for you.

[caption id="attachment_1832" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Advantages and disadvantages of using a shock leader for a feeder Advantages and disadvantages of using a shock leader for a feeder[/caption]

How to make a shock leader for a feeder

The main rule: the shock leader is used one fishing trip! For the next knit a new one.

You will need a piece of monofilament fishing line.

What kind of fishing line is needed and how to make the installation

Commonly used diameters:

  • 0.22mm;
  • 0.25mm;
  • 0.28mm;
  • 0.30 mm.

For casting feeders weighing up to 100 g, a shock leader made of fishing line with a diameter of 0.22-0.25 mm is used.

With feeders larger than 100 g, the diameter of the fishing line can be 0.28-0.3 mm.

The line can be almost anything. When fishing in difficult areas (brows, rifts, shells, etc.), it can be made from a fluorocarbon fishing line.

What is the length of the shock leader for the feeder

The length is 2-3 lengths of the feeder rod (about 8-12 m).

Plus or minus one meter does not play a significant role. But if fishing goes at short distances, for example, 20 meters, then we make the shock of the leader minimal, to minimize the loss of sensitivity.

What knot to tie the shock leader to the feeder

For binding, we will use three simple and durable knots:

  • Blood Knot;
  • Albright;
  • Klinch.

To reduce the friction of these nodes when passing through the rings, you need to use their sizing. You need to add a drop of super glue to the finished knot. This will give the knot a smooth finish. There will be less debris clinging to the knot and passing through the rings of the feeder tip will become better.

Let's consider each of the nodes in more detail.

Blood Knot or "bloody knot"

This knot received its distribution and bloody name in the 15th century. Then he was tied at the end of the whip, to punish the English sailors in the fleet.

The durability of the Blood Knot knot reaches 75%.

It is recommended for tying braid and fishing line or two lines, the diameters of which differ by no more than 2 times.

[caption id="attachment_1833" align="aligncenter" width="220"]Blood Knot or "bloody knot" Blood Knot or "bloody knot"[/caption]

How to tie a knot:

We wrap one fishing line around the other, make several turns, and thread through the center. Wet, tighten and the knot is ready.

I would advise braiding to do 8 turns, and fishing line 5. To make it smooth, put a drop of superglue on the knot.

Knot Albright

How to tie a knot:

From the shock leader, we make a small loop. We pass the main fishing line or braid through it and make 7-10 turns. We pass the end of the braid through the loop, moisten and tighten the knot.

To give smoothness, put a drop of superglue on the knot.

[caption id="attachment_1834" align="aligncenter" width="300"]Knot Albright Knot Albright[/caption]

Clinch knot

This simple and strong knot can be used not only for tying hooks but also for shock.

How to tie a knot:

At the end of the braided cord, we make a small loop and tie a shock leader to it with a clinch. We pass through the loop, make 4 turns, pass through the first ring and through the newly formed ring. Wet and tighten so as not to injure the fishing line.

[caption id="attachment_1835" align="aligncenter" width="300"]How to tie a knot: How to tie a knot:[/caption]

How to choose the right shock leader for feeder fishing?

When it comes to choosing the right shock leader for feeder fishing, there are a few key factors that you need to take into account.

The first is the strength of the shock leader. You need to make sure that the leader is strong enough to handle the weight of the feeder and the fish that you are hoping to catch.

The second factor is the length of the shock leader. You want to make sure that the leader is long enough to reach the bottom of the feeder, but not so long that it gets tangled in the feeder itself.

The last factor is the material of the shock leader. You want to make sure that the leader is made from a material that is durable and will not break easily.

Why is a shock leader important for fishing?

A shock leader is an important part of fishing gear for anglers who fish in salt water, where the water is abrasive and can damage fishing lines. The shock leader is a length of heavier, more abrasion-resistant line that is tied to the end of the fishing line. The shock leader absorbs the impact of the fish hitting the line, protecting the fishing line from being damaged or broken.

Conclusion

We have considered three main nodes. Personally, I use the second option, the Albright node. I cut off the remaining ends shortly and add a drop of glue. Superglue I use the one for movable and soft joints.