Biminis and Baitcasters!
Submitted by Auslobster on Wed, 2010-11-17 13:16
Some of the braid to mono joiner knots require the use of a double (Bimini Twist) tied into main line...the bimini is a very streamlined knot, especially when using braid, and travels through rod guides easily. The levelwinds on most baitcast reels, however, are a lot narrower than rod guides so I was wondering if anyone out there has had any issues with the knot going through (or NOT going through) at the beginning of a cast? Just asking before trying it myself and ending up with an almighty backlash and/or expensive lure snapping off and sailing into the next postcode!
JohnF
Posts: 2836
Date Joined: 07/07/10
I have a calcutta 400B wit
I have a calcutta 400B wit level wind.....use a bimini and GT with no dramas.
Bimini and albright can get snagged on the guides but I have never had an issue with the level wind.
Boston Whaler 235 Conquest......getting the flogging it was built for.
hlokk
Posts: 4290
Date Joined: 04/04/08
One advantage of the GT is
One advantage of the GT is at least it has a down facing tag, compared to say the albright. You still get a bump with any knot, but helps not having a tag facing the wrong way (but does suck when going to recast pulling inside the levelwind guide :p).
What leader sizes are you using John?
Auslobster
Posts: 1901
Date Joined: 03/05/08
Hey Matt...
on the 200DC Calcutta anything from 5 lb up to 20, using 10 lb braid, usually throwing light to medium softies and small poppers/minnows.
400 Calcutta is 30 lb braid with 20 or 40 lb leader (used primarily for salmon casting but also throwing big metals to mulloway in the surf and octo jigging) and the Abu has 15 lb braid and 10 to 20 lb leader, and is used for slightly larger poppers/minnows/plastics.
Slim beauty also has a downward facing tag, and doesn't require the use of a double, so it's been my knot of choice lately, but the GT seems even more streamlined, it's just the bimini itself that I'm worried about regarding the levelwind. Might just do what some of the others have said and tie shorter leaders, although a 5'6" baitcaster rod doesn't leave you a whole lot of room!
Marky
Posts: 420
Date Joined: 01/05/09
I only run enough leader so
I only run enough leader so the main knot is just above the the reel so it doenst have to pass thru the small levelwind. Otherwise yea it can get jammed quite easily on the curado and calcutta...
crasny1
Posts: 6986
Date Joined: 16/10/08
Im with you Marky
With my Curado (older one not the BRG coloured) I certainly wouldnt want the knot to go through the levelwind. My leader is about Rod lenght plus about half rod lenght, so that the knot sits just outside the Curado when I cast, leaving about 2 foot hangind from the reel to the lure. Any longer and the cast suxs, and shorter anf I think I am losing to much leader. If I accidently wind the knot through I dont cast but pull it out manually.
"I would like to die on Mars. Just not on impact!!" _ Elon Musk
Billcollector
Posts: 2006
Date Joined: 16/05/09
I run 30lb braid with bimini
I run 30lb braid with bimini and albright to 80lb leader with no problems through levelwind or guides on a 300te calcutta either with livies or lures when sight fishing
JohnF
Posts: 2836
Date Joined: 07/07/10
Matt, 30lb braid amd 40 lb
Matt, 30lb braid amd 40 lb flouro leader on the 400B, not had an issue but come to think of it I usually have the not just out of the level wind............
Boston Whaler 235 Conquest......getting the flogging it was built for.
Simon C
Posts: 801
Date Joined: 01/05/07
i use the slim beauty and
i use the slim beauty and have faith in it, the cairns quickie is another ripper but does need bimini. I don't think the bimini is a problem through the level wind, but longer leader definitely are