break away weight question

[CousinLarry]

I currently use pyramids or bank sinkers attached to a swivel clip at the top of my leader as weight. I'm thinking about trying a breakaway set up. My question is this, should I attach the light mono to the top of the leader and use the force of the hook set to snap the line or should I attach it at the hook end of the leader and let the shark snap the mono when he bites?

I've searched the forum but couldn't find this answer. Thanks for your help.

[bolo]

It depends, If you are using a fish finder rig and want the shark or fish to swim off with the bait then tie the sinker with light mono to a barrel swivel. String it thru to the main line. This allows the main line to slide thru the swivel and if you get stuck you can pop it off. Another method I use when I yak my bait is to tie 30lb test or less to the eye of the hook. The other end attached to your weight. This allows the bait to suspend a bit and when the shark eats it will cut the line off. We use bricks or something heavier to hold the bait down. I hope this answers your questions.

[CousinLarry]

That's exactly what I was looking for. I'm going to try the brick with leader to the hook next time out.

Also, what do you mean by a "fish finder rig"?

[bolo]

That's exactly what I was looking for. I'm going to try the brick with leader to the hook next time out.

Also, what do you mean by a "fish finder rig"?

Hook, leader, swivel, sinker, and main line. http://www.freewebs.com/ncsaltwater/pyr ... er_rig.jpg

[StyngRay]

When you ask about "break away", does this mean you want to lose the weight?
Unless you cast your bait out with a permanant weight attached the fish finder rig works.
If you have access to a yak it's better to paddle the bait out further.
If you do yak, use a "slip weight" using the egg weight and rubberband method.
When you get a strike the line tension will release the weight.
This will allow you to feel the fight without the weight interfering after the hook up.

[CousinLarry]

Thanks guys. That's some great feedback. I've been using the fish finder method but I guess I didn't know what it was called. And yes I'm using a kayak to drop bait.

[fixed80]