Re: what's the best fishin' knot
Since I mostly use "superlines" (Spiderwire, Fireline, etc.), I tie a double surgeons knot (basically a double overhand loop that rolls into a figure 8 when you tighten it) onto the end of my line. I then drop the appropriate size clear plactic bead (to protect the rod tip) and black coastlock snap swivel onto the loop. Then I can switch rigs easily (all lures have a 3 to 5 foot mono or flouro leader tied to them, and they are stored in individual plasctic bags), and the knot has never failed. I use between 30 to 50# line though, since I mostly deep water/wreck/structure fish. The superline are only about 10# test diameter in this class of line, and I usually straighten the hooks before I break the leaders to the hook. I rarely break the main line, only if it frays on some structure. I also have some line that is now going on 5 years old, and it is still as strong as it was new (spiderwire 50# spectra). This is line that is used at least twice to 10 times a month, year round, for 8 to 12 hours a fishing trip, for everything from trout/striper/blue bottom and bucktail fishing, to offshore wreck fishing.<br /><br />Fireline is holding up good too, I now have some that is 3 years old (30# test flame green). I have access to tensile testing equipment where I work, and both lines (Spiderwire and Fireline)still have full rated break strength.
