Good observation Alan, I have a similar setup for building my wind on leaders, what I found works is actually applying the serve when the leader is under tension... I pre-tension to 50 lbs, then apply the serve
Alan, there is a better way to serve these that prevents this. I see someone put it in the chat. I no longer serve anything with serving floss. I use the line itself with a PR bobbing and it makes an FG style finish stronger than the line itself. It bights into the line and does not move under load. I no longer serve the loop end anymore. Just go in and out of the main line at the loop. Trap the tag end on itself. It becomes smooth as butter through the guides. Not mention its way faster than a serve.
I like the brutal/good honesty Alan, thanks! In my humble opinion, I totally agree with you. I'm curious about which knots connecting braid to either mono or floro do you have faith in. I have used the RP and the Tony Pena knots the most but have heard the "long range connection", an improved Albright and the FG knots are also very good. As with all knots that are tied properly and seated well also. What's your take Alan? Thanks for your feedback for those of us still learning. LOL!
Just like any connection practice practice practice then test until you're confident it wont fail. When testing I like put a little sharpie mark where the leader exits the spectra this will show you if there is any slippage. Ive fished hundreds of my serves and Never had a failure. Almost embarrassed to say but ive had knots fail before my topshot connection.
That splice isn’t long enough. I like to do 6-8’ and lightly sand the mono and tie 3 nail knots while under tension with a few drops of tac glue. Any splice under 3’ will slip
Only buy topshots from trusted sources who extensively test their products to ensure they perform as advertised. Different size and braids work differently with different size and brands mono/fluoro. You cannot just stick brand X's Xlb mono/fluoro into brand X's Xlb hollow and expect it to hold. When I make a wind on, I insert my mono/fluoro into my hollow and I test it with a scale with no serve at all. This tells me whether my combination of mono/fluoro and hollow works well together. After I verify it works, I will lightly rough up the mono/fluoro with a fine grit sandpaper, cut the end of the mono/fluoro at an angle, then I finish with a PR knot instead of a nail knot. This way I have a tested splice and I have one of the strongest line to line knots as an insurance policy.
I make my windon with solid braid now. Aussie plait loop and finished with pr bobbin knot to leader. Works wonders.
Good observation Alan, I have a similar setup for building my wind on leaders, what I found works is actually applying the serve when the leader is under tension... I pre-tension to 50 lbs, then apply the serve
Thank you, Alan!
Very timely video. I was just telling a friend about wind-on leaders. I think I'll just stick to my FG knots.😊
Alan, there is a better way to serve these that prevents this. I see someone put it in the chat. I no longer serve anything with serving floss. I use the line itself with a PR bobbing and it makes an FG style finish stronger than the line itself. It bights into the line and does not move under load. I no longer serve the loop end anymore. Just go in and out of the main line at the loop. Trap the tag end on itself. It becomes smooth as butter through the guides. Not mention its way faster than a serve.
I like the brutal/good honesty Alan, thanks! In my humble opinion, I totally agree with you. I'm curious about which knots connecting braid to either mono or floro do you have faith in. I have used the RP and the Tony Pena knots the most but have heard the "long range connection", an improved Albright and the FG knots are also very good. As with all knots that are tied properly and seated well also. What's your take Alan? Thanks for your feedback for those of us still learning. LOL!
“Or just don’t “ 😂😂
What if you use some Tac glue too?
Good question! I don't make wind ons but I have used tac glue for 10 plus years and I love it and its easy to use. Waiting for Alan's answer also.
Just like any connection practice practice practice then test until you're confident it wont fail. When testing I like put a little sharpie mark where the leader exits the spectra this will show you if there is any slippage. Ive fished hundreds of my serves and Never had a failure. Almost embarrassed to say but ive had knots fail before my topshot connection.
wonder if it makes a different when the line is wet.
that mono stretch seems to be hindering the effectiveness of the wind-on. very interesting, do you notice the same with fluro i wonder?
That splice isn’t long enough. I like to do 6-8’ and lightly sand the mono and tie 3 nail knots while under tension with a few drops of tac glue. Any splice under 3’ will slip
Idk i have caught a lot of fish on my own wind ons and i have never had any issue.
So no hollow core splicing?
Only buy topshots from trusted sources who extensively test their products to ensure they perform as advertised. Different size and braids work differently with different size and brands mono/fluoro. You cannot just stick brand X's Xlb mono/fluoro into brand X's Xlb hollow and expect it to hold. When I make a wind on, I insert my mono/fluoro into my hollow and I test it with a scale with no serve at all. This tells me whether my combination of mono/fluoro and hollow works well together. After I verify it works, I will lightly rough up the mono/fluoro with a fine grit sandpaper, cut the end of the mono/fluoro at an angle, then I finish with a PR knot instead of a nail knot. This way I have a tested splice and I have one of the strongest line to line knots as an insurance policy.