testing or inspecting terminal tackle

[Dave S]

I was just wondering if there is any ways of testing or inspecting things like bead chains, barrel swivels, snaps, hooks, etc. Are there tell tale signs that any of these are close to failure? I haven't lost any fish from tackle failure (knocking on wood) but I would like to avoid the possibility of this. All feedback appreciated.

 

[tortuga]

Too many stories of leaders breaking.
Your leader is the one worth checking but this will test the chains etc.
Rig your lure to your flasher and hook the trailing hook or hook to something round that won't dull your hook.
Pull the flasher slowly and steady but don't yank on it (say as hard as you think a 40 lber can pull) If nothing breaks send her down. If something does you just saved yourself telling a story.
Try you steering wheel or a rod holder which is inboard so if it breaks you don't watch your favorite spoon or hootchie go flying off into the chuck. Right FA
Keep in mind you can break anything if you pull hard enough.
.

 

[pescador]

And, what about lubing up terminal gear with wd40 or the such? I find over time in the water terminal gear tends to not rotate/function smoothly. This is a good topic.

 

[Dogbreath]

I use a large S-hook attached to my rigging bench to tighten all knots and check them visually as well-actual hardware rarely fails IME.

As for lubing WD 40 isn't all that great since it dries to a varnish-I soak terminal tackle like swivels in freshwater leave them out to dry then dump them in a bath of Corrosion-X for a day or so then drain on a paper towel.

 

[GLG]

And most importantly when making that pull, go off to the side, so that if it lets go no gear hit's you in the face.
If your using a tandem setup and testing the stinger hook, the results of a break could have the other hook hit you in the eye.