Musky Leaders

[ffishman]

While at the local musky show a couple of months ago, my buddy bought some new leaders. What was new, was there was not a snap on the end. The end had a twist in it, and all you had to do was put the lure eye on it, and twist it around. I am now thinking about buying some, but he cannot remember who made them, and he dumped the package already. Anybody ever seen these yet? If so, who makes them, and where can I buy some?

[Manxfishing]

It might be the Norman speed clip?
http://www.cabelas.com/prod-1/0000044110226a.shtml

[ffishman]

Thanks, but that is not it.

[ffishman]

I found what I was looking for. They are called FASTACH, by Stringease.com. They are sold by Rollie and Helens. I ordered a couple today.

[ffishman]

Also found them today in a Cabelas catalog. This is the first time I've seen these, they look pretty neat. Has anybody used these before.

[J-Man]

After staring at them for a few minutes, I'm not sure I would trust them for muskie fishing and the big baits we throw. I can't imagine throwing a big Double 10 bucktail, having a big fish hit it, only to pull it off that snap. :confused:

Although the idea seems convenient. I think I'll stick with stay-lock snaps for the heavy artillery.

[ffishman]

Yep, I was thinking the same thing. With the average musky bait costing 25 bucks, it would suck to lose one. I've lost many other ways, and it hurts.

[J-Man]

I know the feeling. Make sure you have some kind of lure retriever in the boat at all times. They work great. Frabill makes one for $30-$35 bucks. Telescopes out to 15 feet, but can store it no problem when its not extended. Good for keeping your boat off the rocks when your bait is in a crevice, or dislodging cranks from rocks, timber, etc.

Pays for it self in a big hurry.

Probably saved 5 baits with it last fall while trolling. Have only lost one bait while I've had the retriever along. Somehow got a grandma stuck in a deep crevice and there was no getting it back.

I'm shocked to find out how many people don't have one when they are out there. Makes good sense to me.

[gary2242]

Hi ffishman

Make sure you buy black leaders. Muskie tend to hit the lure from the side but they aim at the head of the lure. If you use shinny silver leaders, sometimes the Muskie sees the shinny swivel and strike ahead of the lure where you tied your line on. They bite through the line and then you have to wait for your lure to float back up and hope it does not get caught on weeds. This is only a concern if you are fishing in crystal clear water. If you are on a lake that's cloudy from mud or algae or you are fishing in iron rich water (Walleye Wine), you don't have to worry about it.

gary

[a53inchmuskie]

Try making your own leaders out of 100# fluorocarbon leader material. There are several good brands on the market.
Items you'll need
1. Size 3 or 4 ball bearing swivels, Black with welded rings
2. #5 Stay-lock snaps, these have a safety ring on them, Never lost a lure using one of these.
3. Small container with water
First place a 1/8 eyebolt in your vice and slightly open it, hook up,
1. Cut a 24" piece of fluorocarbon and make a loop at one end with a 3" tag.
2. Placed the loop through the ring opposite the taper on the ball bearing swivel.
3. Keep the swivel inside the loop, Bring both lines around to make a circle and go through the hole twice with as short a loop as possible.
4. Place the loop over the eyebolt
5. Add water to the knot before you draw down both lines at the same time with a plier on the tag end and your hand on the leader. At this point the swivel is just floating at the bottom of the loop. Clip the tag end about 1/2" long and your done.
6. The other end you can just tie the knot and thread the sta-lock on afterward.
It takes a little practice but in no time you'll be turning them out. This knot only gets tighter and will not slip. Look it up on line if my directions weren't good. They use it for a little different application.
I've never had a muskie cut a 100# fluorcarbon leader and the cost is probably $3.00 each which is pretty good compared to $14.00 for titanium. Plus the fish can't see these under water. If it gets a few knicks just save what hardware is good for the next time you make a batch. We've caught 49" and 53" muskie trolling 5 MPH with these and the worked great. Make 12" for casting and as long as you want for trolling.
Good Luck
53 inch muskie

[ffishman]

I found what I was looking for. They are called Quickswirl.com Cost 5 bucks for two. Rated at 365 lbs. They are not much bigger than a large snap swivel.

[Magic8Ball]

I found what I was looking for. They are called Quickswirl.com Cost 5 bucks for two. Rated at 365 lbs. They are not much bigger than a large snap swivel.

Do they have a shipping cost list on there?