Is mono 0.60 OK for downrigger leader, and how do I best connect it?

[Mastiff]

I have read many places that you should use a mono the last 10-30 feet, mostly because braid will come loose from the downrigger clip too easily. Is my 0.60 mono with a breaking on 19.5 kilos (not much chance of catching anything larger than that size here) good for that leader, or do I need something else?

Also, do I use a blooknot to splice them together, or is there something else that is better? I don't have large enough rings to use a swivel, and I don't think pulling up the last meters by hand sounds like the best way to go.

 

[scott craven]

I use 30 lbs test and a double uni knot to connect mono to braid

 

[Mastiff]

I use 30 lbs test and a double uni knot to connect mono to braid

Thanks! Will the size difference be a problem for me? The 0.60 is around 40 lbs. The double uni knot looks like a good choice!

 

[chille51]

40 lbs won't be a problem and may hold in the clip a little better. Trade off supposedly being more blow back but I'm not sure how much of a practical difference we're talking between 30lbs and 40lbs. If it is what you have, I wouldn't agonize over it. Improved Albright is another option for the braid to mono connection.

 

[Mastiff]

40 lbs won't be a problem and may hold in the clip a little better. Trade off supposedly being more blow back but I'm not sure how much of a practical difference we're talking between 30lbs and 40lbs. If it is what you have, I wouldn't agonize over it. Improved Albright is another option for the braid to mono connection.

Thank you! Then I will start training on these knots.

 

[chille51]

Supposedly the FG Knot is the ultimate braid to mono connection, but I can't tie one. I've tried. Oh how I've tried.

 

[tinboatrobb]

The mno top shot acts as a shock absorber as the braid has zero stretch.

 

[Timecrunch]

Supposedly the FG Knot is the ultimate braid to mono connection, but I can't tie one. I've tried. Oh how I've tried.

Me too hahaha

 

[CIVANO]

Go to 5 minute mark. This is another knot that he calls his but is easy and what I use without failure

 

[BC Coast Pilot]

Most of us just use all mono for salmon, I use 30lb Maxima. Splicing on a topshot is just another opportunity for failure points in my opinion. KISS.
Then just strip a bit off when its tired and retie instead of redoing a topshot in the field.

 

[Hardy Guy]

Go to 5 minute mark. This is another knot that he calls his but is easy and what I use without failure

That's the knot I use. Never had a failure. It should be nice and tight and smooth when done right. 6 wraps up with 7 back.

 

[Samnjoe]

30 pound mono top shot 50 feet long. Albright knot. Never fails.

 

[BC Coast Pilot]

Reading this, I never realized how many people use topshots. In my experience all knots have a failure associated with it no matter what.
I don't believe there is a 100% knot. Most fall at 70 to 90%.
Then there's the knot in the eyes of the rod at the crucial moments. I see what you're up to now though with trying to adapt your gear to downrigger trolling. Catch a big one Tor!

 

[Rain City]

I use this...

 

[Hardy Guy]

That's the same knot. Good video to learn from. As stated it's my go too and has worked very well for all species including big tuna.