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Thread: Breaking strain vs knot strenght vs fish that got away

  1. #1
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    Default Breaking strain vs knot strenght vs fish that got away

    During the past weekend's Nymphing Master Class we had an interesting discussion.

    I asked the participants on what line breaking strain they where fishing.
    The replies where between 6 and 10 pounds.
    And they fished so heavy because they loose a lot of fish was the reason.

    We discussed this a little bit, using the 10 pound as an example.

    If you fish with 10 pounds and use a bad knot, it will reduce the breaking strain by up to 50%, then you might as well fish with a 5 pound breaking strain and tie a good knot.
    If you use old mono, the breaking strain reduces with sun, age, etc.
    If you use a 10 pound line, you need to fish much heavier/bigger/bulkier nymphs. which will reduce your effectiveness.
    Thicker line is easier for the fish to spot, thus rejecting the fly.
    Or you are using a good knot, but it is not suited to a specific type of mono i.e. softer or firmer etc.

    The same principle applies to a 8 or 6 pound breaking strain line.
    You could be fishing with a 6 pound breaking strain, but effectively fishing with only a 4 pound line.
    How good is your knots, do you check your line on a regular basis for nicks, bumps etc near the flies?

    Maybe you should change your knots that you are using? Or change the brand of mono as some have a better knot strenght than others for a specific knot.
    Korrie Broos

    Don't go knocking on Death's door, ring the bell and run like hell. He hates it. (anon)
    Nymphing, adds depth to your fly fishing.
    Nymphing, is fly fishing in another dimension

  2. #2
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    Dec 2006
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    Gauteng
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Korrie View Post
    During the past weekend's Nymphing Master Class we had an interesting discussion.

    I asked the participants on what line breaking strain they where fishing.
    The replies where between 6 and 10 pounds.
    And they fished so heavy because they loose a lot of fish was the reason.
    If you use a 10 pound line, you need to fish much heavier/bigger/bulkier nymphs. which will reduce your effectiveness.

    The same principle applies to a 8 or 6 pound breaking strain line.
    You could be fishing with a 6 pound breaking strain, but effectively fishing with only a 4 pound line.

    Maybe you should change your knots that you are using? Or change the brand of mono as some have a better knot strenght than others for a specific knot.
    Agreed Korrie.

    Guys need to move away from talking breaking strength to diameter.
    I use Stroft GTM 0.18mm (~4X) as tippet for the Vaal (or sometimes Airflo G3 - same diameter. Never felt like I was fishing too light.
    Good tippet. Good knots, tied properly will win every time.

    Those guys with "6-10lb Maxima" are limiting themselves.
    Gary
    Flytyer - Where great flytying begins

  3. #3
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    Sep 2006
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    Default

    Used a new brand this weekend - got popped twice by fish I should have landed. 6 spools of this stuff going in the bin, and back to Rio Powerflex thanks.
    Mario Geldenhuys
    Smallstream fanatic, plus I do some other things that I can't tell you about

    "All the tips or magical insights in the world can't replace devotion, dedication, commitment, and gumption - and there is not secret in that" - Glenn Brackett

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by smallstreams.co.za View Post
    Used a new brand this weekend - got popped twice by fish I should have landed. 6 spools of this stuff going in the bin, and back to Rio Powerflex thanks.
    WOW that sucks, Mario! But you know what they say "if it aint broke, then dont try to fix it"

  5. #5
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    Jan 2007
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    Azania
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    I use 6-10lb line. I guess I am not limiting myself as I use fluorocarbon instead of mono
    If you tie k@k knots then use fluoro instead of thinner mono

  6. #6
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    Tying good knots in Fluoro is more difficult than in Mono.
    Korrie Broos

    Don't go knocking on Death's door, ring the bell and run like hell. He hates it. (anon)
    Nymphing, adds depth to your fly fishing.
    Nymphing, is fly fishing in another dimension

  7. #7
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    Apr 2008
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    Johannesburg, Paulshof
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    Quote Originally Posted by Korrie View Post
    Tying good knots in Fluoro is more difficult than in Mono.
    What knots do you guys tie?

  8. #8
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    Blood knot, figure 8 and Pitzen knot
    Korrie Broos

    Don't go knocking on Death's door, ring the bell and run like hell. He hates it. (anon)
    Nymphing, adds depth to your fly fishing.
    Nymphing, is fly fishing in another dimension

  9. #9
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    Oct 2010
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    Gauteng
    Posts
    58

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    Hi Korrie

    Please post a picture or diagram of the leader setup showing which knots where?

    Many Thanks
    Wayne

  10. #10
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    I prefer to use to use 4lb or 5lb Leeda Profile tapered leaders as I like knot less leaders, I use 4lb or 5lb for all my fresh water fishing streams and still waters, the lighter the better
    (That's my preference any way)
    Fly-fishing is the most fun you can have standing up

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