Best practices for splicing, top shots, and wind on leaders

[JayMak79]

Hello, just looking to survey some people on the methods they use for constructing hollow core splices

[alantani]

i just use 6 feet of 27 pound single strand wire and bend it in half.  it's great for splices and hollowcore loops!

[day0ne]

Bent wire works for me, if that is what you are asking

[Bunnlevel Sharker]

google Basil Papas. hes a master if there ever was one. Most of my experience is no needle with heavy mono, i use a 24in long piece of 61lb wire that has been bent in half, then run it up 5-6ft then work it out. then just inchworm it in, and backbraid the top loop

[Normslanding]

Wire, or Daho needles. I find the most used needle is the smallest Daho reverse latch needle.

[SoCalAngler]

For connections I like a loop to loop, the fastest way to change toppers, after you have the topshots made. Then they are other connections, in no special order, Sato crimp, serve, nail nub knot, reverse Albright knot and some even use a overhand knot....not me though.

[Ron Jones]

For non hollow braid I have become a big fan of the Yucatan knot. Easy and strong. I usually tie my mono on with it and use surgeon's loops to connect floro leaders. That has worked for me for ever with fly rods and it seems to work just as well with bigger gear.

Ron

[JayMak79]

Hello Everyone,

Thanks for all the great responses!!! I have another inquiry, what is everyone's preferred method for gluing the serve?  Do you glue the spliced area then apply the serve, or apply the serve then glue the serve itself, or combine the methods together and glue the spliced area, serve, and then glue the serve?  Also what is your preferred adhesive? JB 2 step glue, Loctite 406, Zap a Gap, or something else?

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

[alantani]

i don't use glue at all.  i figure if the knot is going to give, glue will not help. 

[JayMak79]

Hi Alan,

Interesting, I see that Basil uses glue on his wind-ons do you feel it provides no advantage?

[Bunnlevel Sharker]

I do a bowstring serve then a little glue on the very tip of the braid for no frazel. If u glue to much it defeats the finger trap

[alantani]

Hi Alan,

Interesting, I see that Basil uses glue on his wind-ons do you feel it provides no advantage?

i'm a fatalist!   

[Ron Jones]

As I understand it, the glue is to keep the served line together. If the glue doesn't contact either braid or mono you should be good.

Ron

[maxpowers]

The spider hitch is also very strong and easy enough to tie in a hurry...

[RockyMtnKurt]

I find a little heat on the wrap ends has eliminated the need for glue on my setups.