Terminal tackle question: NC BFT

[Tidetraveller]

For those of you that have hooked and caught or lost big BFT this year in OBX what terminal tackle are you guys using? Specifically swivels and split rings for popping (Line to lure and hook to lure connections) This class of fish seams bigger and meaner than last year and I'm not sure my swivels and split rings are up to the task.

Thanks in advance!

Mike

[Maximum Anchorage]

The failures aren't with the terminal tackle. 230lb spro swivels to a split ring is how I roll. I also CRIMP and use chafing springs. The only failure I had last week was my 130lb windon pulling out. I used 200lb JB but have redone all my 130lb casting windons with 80lb JB which is a huge pain but I try very hard to learn from tackle failures to minimize future losses. I have seen too many "expert's" knots fail in heavy leader and I think that crimping is faster, easier and more predictable, particularly with a chafing spring.

[Tidetraveller]

Thanks for that! Then I should be set. All my 130# casting windons are served with 80# JB.

[LuckyJohn]

Max, did the serve fail on that particular wind-on? Was the failure when you had a load on it or was there a sudden jolt of pressure? I had one serve let go last season after trying to remove my jig 2x's and then had a sudden jolt when the fish went nuts and took off when there was some slack.

[Maximum Anchorage]

It was under pressure, 32lb drag digging down deep. It wasn't really a serve failure since the serve was completely intact. It was a slow pullout due to the fact there was only a 1 foot insertion of 130 fluoro into 200lb braid. I remake them all with 80lb braid so it SHOULDN'T happen again.

[Badfish1]

I'm sure others could chime in with their experiences but for 130# fluoro, I'd use 130# hollow. For 80# or 100# fluoro, I'll use the 80# hollow. If you're using higher than 130#, then go with the heavier hollow if you need to.

[malanx]

I'm new to this board, so i'm not sure how well known a new connection we are working with on the west coast is here: (if you all know about it, disregard this post)

"the nub connection" --

Fishing with Gary Teraoka: The "NUB" Connection System
Fishing with Gary Teraoka: "Nub Connection" Test Results

It is the same as a standard leader (fluoro or mono) inserted into hollow spectra with a serve; however, prior in inserting the leader into the spectra, you tie a nailknot onto the leader material, approximately 2-4" from where you want the leader to exit the spectra. You then insert the leader and tie your serve, with the serve being distal to the nailknot that you tied on the leader.

If you're at all interested, go ahead and look at the links for a better visual by the creator of the knot. Again, its still basically a served connection, but when wanting short insertion lengths, its an added layer of security.

Jonny

[LuckyJohn]

Thanks for answering Max. I use 130 JB with 130 or 150 floro. I also insert about 24-30" inside the braid.

[dolbs]

I'm really not a fan of crimps....I fish 100lb Jinkai wind-ons and am looking for a better terminal knot to use...currently use a Palomar...but it is at the limits due to the heavy mono.....what does everyone like for 100 lb mono terminal connection?

[peterk814]

I prefer knots as well. I end up usingb a uni knot with at least six turns or an improved trilene knot