[Uncle Russ]

Gentlemen,

I now have in hand one of the smaller crimping tools (for up to 2.2 mm) an ample supply of copper double-barrelled crimps, some SS and glow thimbles, assorted mono etc. etc. I have also cast some 16 ounce egg weights. I have begun some practice bottom rigs just like those MrBill posted to deal with 3-ton grouper, and so far, I have imitated those rigs, using 400 pound mono. The main differences (other than quality) are that I have no aluminum crimps, so I am, for practice, holding the weight(s) in place using the double crimps. Also, I am using some 10/0 hooks rather than 18/0. I am using 1.9 mm ID crimps for the 400# mono. I am achieving the desired belling on each end of the crimp and am ending the crimping about 1/16 inch or so from each end, so I feel pretty good about that part.

However, in the course of practicing, I have developed some questions on which I would very much appreciate your various inputs:

1. How hard do you crimp down? I notice that on my crimps, there is some roughing up of the outside of the crimp--not terribly, but you can definitely feel rough edges where the tool has bitten in, and there is some obvious brightening of the metal. I suspect that this is normal, but do not have a very high confidence level. How does this sound?

2. I have decided to use double crimps on the hook and the swivel ends. Do you feel this adds any security?

3. I discovered that if the eye of the hook is not big enough (duhhhh) for the stainless thimble to fit through, I have to go without a thimble. How much does this detract from the durablity of the loop at the hook's end? I guess if I am using a 10/0 hook, I am going after smaller grouper and amberjack than MrBill is anyway, so probably less to worry about? Or should I try anti-abrasion tubing?

4. The thimbles do not fit nearly as snugly as I thought they should with 400# mono. I realize how difficult it is to describe something like that in words, but any help?

Thanks,

Russ

 

[MrBill]

Gentlemen,

1. How hard do you crimp down? I notice that on my crimps, there is some roughing up of the outside of the crimp--not terribly, but you can definitely feel rough edges where the tool has bitten in, and there is some obvious brightening of the metal. I suspect that this is normal, but do not have a very high confidence level. How does this sound?
You should be just fine. The main thing is to squeeze the mono a little bit. Using a hand crimp it's hard to overcrimp 400# mono. Rough edges on the surface of the crimp really doesn't matter.

2. I have decided to use double crimps on the hook and the swivel ends. Do you feel this adds any security?
I really isn't necessary, but I find myself doing it sometimes. Cut off a 5 foot section of the 400# mono and put one crimp on it. Hang the loop on a 16 penny nail or big screw in a tree. You will find that you can hang on the loop with just one crimp.

3. I discovered that if the eye of the hook is not big enough (duhhhh) for the stainless thimble to fit through, I have to go without a thimble. How much does this detract from the durablity of the loop at the hook's end? I guess if I am using a 10/0 hook, I am going after smaller grouper and amberjack than MrBill is anyway, so probably less to worry about? Or should I try anti-abrasion tubing?
They do make different size SS thimbles, but not using one is OK. Just check the loop after a big fish. 400# mono is hard to chew through.

4. The thimbles do not fit nearly as snugly as I thought they should with 400# mono. I realize how difficult it is to describe something like that in words, but any help?
If you look at the tips of the thimbles you will notice pointed ends. Use pliers to bend them inward towards the mono leader material. Move the crimp up as close to the thimble as possible. That gets rid of any play around the thimble. Thanks,

Russ

Hope this helps.

 

[Uncle Russ]

Uh, yeah, MrBill, I would say it helps--as in straightforward exact answers to all my questions! Thanks as always for the lesson. (Your pictures of the rigs were also extremely helpful.) I also have a friend who is non-ebay-challenged buying me a couple of rock cod sinker molds for the really deep, heavy current stuff. I figure a one-pound and a 2 pound ought to do it and I can hang multiple ones off the bottom end to get the desired depth. Personally, if I need more than a total of 5 pounds, I'm going to give up on the deep stuff, pick up my 12 weight flyrod, and go over and start casting between Rick and Kil.

Great idea to test the bottom rigs by hanging from one in a tree. I weigh 200 pounds, so if it holds my weight it will be a real confidence builder. I just hope the hook doesn't pull.

Russ

 

[jig]

It aint pretty, but you can make bottom sinkers by cutting copper tube, squeeze one end shut, insert a copper wire eye in other, and just pour the lead in. push the tubes into a flower pot with dirt to hold them steady while you pour. This way you can make 3lb weights and dont have to add several sinkers. I think one inch pipe at 4 or 5 inches long is around three pounds.

 

[Snagged]

Try melting the tag end of your line before youpull it to size. You'll want to keep the end pointing up and just form a small ball or mushroom on the end.

You can get anti chaf loop protection material from many sporting goods that may fit through your hoook eyes. Try http://www.leadertec.com/store/product.php?xProd=415&xSec=27

 

[Uncle Russ]

Thanks, Jig. The pipe thing sounds like a great idea.

Snagged: Thanks for the link. Actually Leadertec is where I ended up buying all my stuff. Their explanations on the website were very clear and helpful and they were the only ones who clearly spelled out which double-barrelled crimps to use with the tools--I know that is probably elementary, unless you have never done it! Now I realize the gear is pretty much what you would buy here, but I really like their educational approach. Turns out it is just one guy in England.

MrBill. I did the test with only one crimp (and using the melted ball on the end that Snagged proposed,) and great news: I was able to hang from one of my crimps. When I put my entire weight on it, the circle hook ripped a little, but sure enough, it ended up in the corner of my mouth. Don't ever let an Aggie tell you a T-sip ain't smart.

Russ

 

[Snagged]

Russ,
Just be glad you weren't tail wrapped!

 

[Uncle Russ]

Uh, Snagged, the last time that happened, my ex-wife threw me out of the house for the last time.

Russ

 

[Bret]

Uh, Snagged, the last time that happened, my ex-wife threw me out of the house for the last time.

Russ


Now that right thar is funny!!!

As far as crimps go.. practice and test them all. One bad crimp can cost you a good fish..