Shock Leaders For Surf Fishing: When To Use Them & How to Tie Them

[@Saltstrong]

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[@timbowtton131]

I have a reel with 10 lb mono on it. I want to chuck some 6 oz weights out to the second sandbar. Do I buy "mono leader" for the shock leader or do I buy "normal fishing line" for the shock leader?

[@TomHammersley]

Can you tie shock leader onto line that is already on a reel?

[@pakde8002]

Man's got his head in the right place. Even worse than beaning a bystander or yourself with a heavy lead weight is losing you setup in the ocean 😂😂👏👏👏👏

[@bradparker6156]

Precisely my thinking. Rig snapping off and flying into the deep is definitely the worst result...

[@wadepatton2433]

I've fished straight mono for years--never broke off a weight into the crowd or into the blue. Still get it out there too. Long rods, smooth launch, watch it FLY!

[@brett7794]

I tried braid on my slosh30 conventional and that crap just doesn't come off right and birdnest going back to 20lb mono

[@BasicFishingNZ]

gr8 video and important topic covered! as a surfcaster myself i find the shockleader made a huge differences in my casting distance. for braid to mono i use the fg knot. rather have something to protect the finger than getting my finger cut from the braid but for mono i use the 'shockleader knot' different from the back to back uni

[@cindytruong403]

Uni to uni knot is quick andd easy, perfect when you fishing. But at home fg knot Is better since the profile is smaller and stronger.

[@thedon9670]

fg knot can be tied in under a minute.

[@papayaman78]

G-g-g-g-g-g-guides have left the chat

[@kennylove188]

Great info about leader Pound Test and Length. I usually tie an Albright Knot, or even a FK knot, to connect Main Line to Leader; as they pass thru the guides more easily.

[@MetalRush666]

What about line visibility? Wouldn't Flouro be better esp in clear water even if you use heavy braid in that situation?

[@alanjohnson8396]

Do you ever have issues with the knots damaging the guides? Thanks for the explanation and tips.

[@jordanthorne1805]

Some people do it just depends on how lucky you are, you can buy knot covers or even just use shrink wrap so it runs smoothly through the lines

[@chepachii]

@@jordanthorne1805 Hi Jordan the vid is about leaders for surf fishing,any surf rod could easily pass that knot through the guides.We are not talking about micro guided rods for Bass fishing.Although you make a good point but this vid is more specific and surf fishing orientated.

[@jordanthorne1805]

@@chepachii yes I know any surf rod can manage the knots through the guides but doesn’t mean after so long the knots will inevitably damage the rod guides o rings I was simply replying to the original comment telling him ways around the knot even getting stuck if you have a fish on and in my experience using knot covers have saved rod guides from breaking because of knots a lot

[@chepachii]

@@jordanthorne1805 no worries,, I sort of misinterpreted your comment ,sorry. Some of the manufacturers are using some pretty advanced materials these days apparently making guides super durable.Mainly because of the use of braided lines.Persomally I think going back to the old school plain stainless steel no inserts would be the answer, actually some are doing it ,a lot of the modern catfish rods have them.

[@jordanthorne1805]

@@chepachii i don’t really know a whole lot about the cat fish side of things since I’m over in the uk (you should check out some of the stuff and Techniques we have I personally think it’s a little advanced to America’s style) I tend to stick to the salt water side of fishing aswell

[@johngriffin5446]

FG is so much better for this connection!

[@pandaman309]

I agree, The FG knot is a smoother cast allowing you to hit the intended target much easier. Remember isn't always about how far you can cast on the surf, it is more about where you place your hook.

[@tonybishop51]

No problem with the knot going through the guides?

[@dan_kay]

Surf rods have huge rings. If you tie the knot neatly, it fits perfectly through the guides. I once tried a 0.90 mono leader which was impossible to cast. The knot was just too big. Now I'm using a 0.60 leader on a 0.40 main line and never had a problem.

[@porjiboi]

Will a blood knot work as well?

[@ChrisMeredith-py6yj]

So we were at OBX last week. One guys uses about 60-70 feet of shock leader, but he was breaking off (not at the knot). He was using 40lb mono for his shock leader, and using 30lb braid on main line. Is there a disadvantage to using a long shock-leader line. Everybody else we fish with uses 25-35 feet. I can't speak for everyone, but I didn't break off all week while casting (I was cut by braid on my mono. though).

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@Floridamarty]

I know this is an old video, but hoping to get a response. I use a 30# braid mainline, I use a 20# mono for my double dropper rig. What # shock leader is appropriate? 12 foot surf rod, 3 or 4 oz weight.

[@wadepatton2433]

I've seen old guys use very very short shock leaders. It's only the youngsters advocating 30' of shockleader on top of MONO. I just want a few feet of thick line out front, it won't be rod-lengths at all. Great luck to you.

[@nfinnigan]

If I have 30lbs main line and want to put on tapered shock leader that come in 16-65lbs and 13 meters long, should I put the entire 13 meter leader on or cut it down, and if I cut it down how much and what end. I would be casting a 7oz weight for long distance casting from the beach. Sorry I am all new to beach casting, many thanks.

[@tysonkahler]

Thank you! I have always want to know that info! Coming to NC to go fishing this Saturday.

[@gman4674]

Does the knot pass thru the rod guides easily? It seems that it might get caught on the guides when casting

[@thedon9670]

tie the fg knot

[@BladeIntoOblivion]

Ive used 20 lb braided with 20 lb leader with 2 oz weight, on a 7 ft ugkly stix gx2 no problem

[@wadepatton2433]

I've used 17# mono with 2-3 oz lead on 8 and 9' rods without any shock leader. MONO is a shock leader! I'm only looking at shock leaders for my braid rigs--which have no stretch. SMOOTH casting is the key to not breaking mono on the cast.

[@AndyOutdoorsChannel]

Why not use a crazy Alberto knot when doing brain main line to your shock leader? Isn't a higher strength connection then the uni-uni?

[@Saltstrong]

The Alberto is an excellent knot. Be sure to use what knot is easiest and most comfortable to tie for you

[@danvertonSurfFishing]

Why not just use 30-40 pound braid? I don’t get the need for the leader if your fishing the far side of the bar.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Is that leader material

[@andrewmorke]

Uni to uni main line to 80-100# leader will clunk around in your guides. FG, SC, Slim Beauty, or PR will pass through guides easily.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks!

[@kingdomman5873]

I prefer to use a shock leader knot as it has a smaller profile than the uni-uni......much better for my guides.

[@MikeJonesBBcom]

I typically use an albright knot for the majority of my longer leaders. Using one on a shark set up currently and I have never had one fail.

[@GLMCKENNA]

Dude. The Yeti microphone is a side address... you have the mic basically pointing at the table. Great video though!

[@jongll]

I recently bought an Akios Airtorque 435 Surf Rod. What is the appropriate shock leader line weight for the following lead (weight), i.e. 2oz, 3oz, 4oz, 5oz, 6oz, 7oz, 8oz, etc. or 100 grams to 180 grams of lead-weight? What would be the recommended main line weight to use? Would appreciate your reply.

[@thaghoststar]

It's literally explained @1:18 of the video: 10lb x whatever size weight..... 1oz = 10lb shock leader, 2oz = 20lb shock leader.... etc.

[@Joe-bh4vz]

I use a Penn SpinFisher 6 6500 will 16 pound Momoi High Catch hi vis yellow, with 40 pound Momoi High Catch clear as a shock leader. Momoi High Catch is very soft. Do I tie a bimini twist in the 16 pound. Then a 6 wrap nail knot with the 16 pound and 3 wraps to the 40 pound shock leader. Super strong and very little.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the info!

[@thedon9670]

Don't do this guys. Tie an fg knot. You will damage your knot and eyes with double uni.

[@cesarali8001]

Hi guys. Here we use tp fishibg with very ligth lines 8-10 lbs, nanofil, fireline, sufix 832 etc. Whats your top ligth lines? Thinner, easy to cast, not drown water, etc? Great video about shock leaders we use tappered too

[@naterdz8428]

3:20 that’s some what like a double barrel knot

[@Saltstrong]

It's the Double Uni Knot that is used to tie leader to braid

[@chepachii]

Great vid,people here asking about that knot going through the guides,surf fishing rods can easily fit that knot through.

[@tommy5372]

this man said it could hit you in the head or someone else or even worse snap and fly into the ocean. bruh

[@derrekstaley7829]

Does the line weight of the pomp rig/ high-low rig need to be the same or more than the shock leaders to prevent the line breaking when casting out bigger weights? If the shock leader should be 40-60lb test mono but does that do anything if your rig line is only 20-30lb test?

[@Saltstrong]

Check out the full blog on our website and post your question there. That way, our coaches can respond back directly with their input and recommendation. You can find that here: www.saltstrong.com/articles/shock-leaders-surf-fishing/

[@psycheout4733]

0:52 - This isn't a great cast. At your freeze frame what does it remind you of? High sticking. There isn't any power in the tip of the rod to toss heavy weight yet you're spending the first 2ft of rod travel loading up the tip putting the rod in a precarious position. Get the weight moving backwards past the rod tip before casting so it loads the backbone of the rod and not the tip.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback. Make sure to ask this over in the Community (www.saltstrong.com/) where the coaches spend their time.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Hi what pound test line do you use I use at least 20 to 25 pound test berkly trileane mono

[@JessePerez-r5u]

If I am using shock leaders, I will use the FG knot for braid to mono it tends to be the easiest pass through the rod guides, not killing distance. If you cast 4 oz and heavier and attach it to a swivel clip at the end of mono or braid, every 6 casts, cut it and tie the swivel clip to keep that knot strong. I about hit my daughter with an 8 oz weight that flew off, knocked her hat off, and hit the sand dune behind her like a mortar round. If someone told me a story like that, I would have scoffed at it, but until it happens to you. Stay safe and leave some fish for me.

[@Saltstrong]

Stay safe out there!

[@paulbosetti4871]

Should the shock leader be two lengths of the rod making sure it’s wound at least 4 times around the spool?

[@akewt90]

may i ask if i am using a 30lb braided line, will i need the shock leader? and still 2-3 x my rod length? Thank u so much!

[@Saltstrong]

Thank you for your question! We have a massive library of fishing tips on our website along with a search feature to let you quickly filter down to find help you're looking for, so just go to www.saltstrong.com/ and use the Search feature in the top menu. Note: If you don't see the exact answer you're looking for, just leave a comment in the post that most closely matches up with your search and one of our coaches will respond to your question... our coaches only make time to answer questions that get submitted to our website.

[@jeffreybabino8161]

Double uni knot?

[@kvn1201]

Hi. Im new to fishing. I have a 10ft surf/ pier rod that has a rating for 20lb line. Im using 4oz lead at the moment, i was just wandering if i can use a 40lb shock leader even though the rod says its rated for 20lb line? I have 20lb line on the reel. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@sohailsalikram4122]

TLDR: if you play the fish correctly and don't force the rod too hard then the line rating is not an issue The line rating for the rod basically means that if you use something above the rating (say you use 40lb line on a rod rated for 20lb) and you force the fish, the rod could snap before the line. Its generally not an issue if you use heavier line than your rod recommends so long as you set the drag right and play the fish correctly (the rod line rating is simply to protect the rod from an inexperienced fisherman who would just try to brute force the fish out of the water without playing it correctly)

[@kvn1201]

@@sohailsalikram4122 Thank you very much for your reply and the information, this is going to help me out lots. Thank you for your time.

[@raj1634]

Any good brands of shock leads in mind?

[@miamiwax5504]

What about the sinker rubbing on the braid?

[@Justin-tv5ux]

Awesome video. Where abouts in NC are yall at?

[@ChefGeo-kh5gy]

I use shock leaders on my heavier surf rigs as well for 2 reasons; abrasion resistance and I think the stretch of mono puts less stress on my swivel knot. Also if you're using 50lb braid and it gets a little nick it will snap when you cast. I'm also a recent FG knot convert thanks to this channel use it in place of the Double Uni it will cast better. Tight lines all!!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for watching! Tight lines!

[@ChefGeo-kh5gy]

@@Saltstrong I enjoyed the vid, thanks!

[@mikehawk9397]

Why not use a stronger smaller knot to connect the lines?

[@crazykajun914]

Sure wish I had surf to n Louisiana. 😁

[@charlesc2281]

You do. Just got to the beach.

[@Joe-bh4vz]

@@charlesc2281, no beaches in Louisiana.

[@nitr0junki3]

Are there any side effects of the shock leader knot hitting the line guides during the cast? Does it shorten cast distance?

[@sohailsalikram4122]

Use the fg knot if you're worried about the knot hitting the guides (check out briggsy fishing for a tutorial on how to tie it)

[@johngriffin5446]

I run a shock leader on all my beach casters

[@timbowtton131]

What lb shock leader?

[@Hiltrljr]

Is this the final leader, or is this tied to your actual leader?

[@TacticalFishermen]

This is tied to your pompano rig or whatever rig your using. You don’t need shock leader for lures and just single hooks

[@Hiltrljr]

@@TacticalFishermen thanks…I fish conventional and have never used one but occasionally lose a Sputnik, which is dangerous and costly, so I’ll probably be tying on shock leaders now

[@Gio-nl7eg]

I thought double uni knots where bad going through guides?

[@thedon9670]

they are. Use the fg knot

[@MikeBailey1984]

I like using the slim beauty knot for my shock leaders. It has a nice low profile and is easy on the guides.

[@docbobber]

Slim beauty is a good knot

[@timbowtton131]

What size shock leader for a 10 lb mono line? I want to chuck some 6oz weights with my 12 ft rod.

[@elirammikken6427]

Thank you for the video!

[@Saltstrong]

Welcome, thank you for watching!

[@ALSAIBANI]

What is the brand of fishing rod used in the video?