A constructive post - tying assist hooks
Hi guys,
I like to make my own assist hooks, and usually when I have some free time I make up a big batch that will last me for the year. With the long weekend, and me running on low inventory, it was time for this again.
There are infinite ways to tie them; I've experimented with a few and stuck with those that I find easy and clean to tie and which I have confidence in. I use a common method for my big assists (size 7/0 to 13/0), similar to which can be found on the Bluewater website: http://www.bluewater.net.au/catalog/article_info.php?articles_id=110 (mine's a little modified).
However for my smaller hooks used for light jigging, I prefer a different, less bulky method as the hooks are alot smaller. The assist cord material is also thinner and less stiff, allowing knots to bite in better.
When I sat down to do this a few days ago I couldn't remember the method very well (doing it irregularly), but when I went online to refresh my memory I couldn't find my usual website! I had to sit down, cut up a couple of old, dead ones and piece it back together. So I won't forget again in the future, I thought I'd post it up for my reference here, and also for anyone else who's interested.
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STARTING MATERIALS:
In this case, I'm making assists for my 120-200g jigs (PE4). You need some solid rings (Owner size 5), some kevlar (YGK No. 20 - 190lb), and some hooks, in this case Owner SJ-38 size 2/0. You will also need a pair of scissors, a lighter, and a pair of pliers (preferrably long nose). You can also touch off each completed knot with a dab of superglue, but I've found it unnecessary.
I'll use a proxy hook and kevlar in the steps; its just much bigger so you can see what's going on.
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STEP 1:
Thread the kevlar through the eye of the hook, front to back, as shown (excuse the blurry pic)
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STEP 2:
Loop the kevlar around creating a half-hitch. The direction is important.
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STEP 3:
Loop the kevlar around the shank of the hook again exactly as shown.
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STEP 4:
Pass the tag end through the loop to create a half hitch in the opposite direction.
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STEP 5:
Loop it around the shank one more time in the same direction as STEP 4, creating another half-hitch.
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STEP 6:
Use pliers to tighten one end in the direction shown.
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STEP 7:
Now tighten the other end, again using the same method as shown.
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STEP 8:
You're done! Trim the tag end down to about 10mm, and burn the tip off with the lighter. While its still molten and hot, press it down with the butt of the lighter to squish it into a 'mushroom head'. This will act as extra insurance that the knot does not slip.
Kasey L.
Posts: 1087
Date Joined: 02/03/06
Now for the split ring. This
Now for the split ring. This is easy too, and the reason it looks like alot of steps is because I've really broken it down to as simple as it gets.
Again, I'm using proxy kevlar and ring.
STEP 1: Thread Kevlar through ring. Told you it wasn't that hard.
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STEP 2: Loop the Kevlar through the ring once more.
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STEP 3: Now loop the end around the original leg of Kevlar once as in the following two pictures:
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STEP 4: Now do a second loop. To finish it off, thread the tag end through the original two loops where the split ring sits. I think the picture describes this alot better.
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STEP 5: Tighten with pliers.
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STEP 6: Cut tag end off, burn, squish, and done! Time to go out and catch fish....
dogsoldier
Posts: 1073
Date Joined: 04/11/05
Excellent article thereKasey
Excellent article thereKasey that will help a lot of members,you are the obi one of jigging
Live to fish
Andrew
Adam Gallash
Posts: 7815
Date Joined: 29/11/05
Top post Kasey
Top post there KC, some really good info for those that want to save some coin and do it themselves. Those knots are really easy to do, will certainly keep this thread in mind for future reference. I've also sticky'd it to the top for anyone that hits the jigging forum, great work mate.
Cheers,
Adam
Maverick
Posts: 1137
Date Joined: 06/06/06
question's
WHY tie Kevlar to a split ring why not a loop and use split ring pliers ??
Also will this work on hooks without welded eyes , will the kevlar rub on the end of the eye and damage the kevlar ???
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Kasey L.
Posts: 1087
Date Joined: 02/03/06
Good questions Mav. It
Good questions Mav.
It should be a solid ring, but the biggest solid ring I have doesn't look very big on camera. I was using a 300lb split ring for demonstration only, as it is bigger. Please use solid rings; I should have made a bigger note.
Those hooks without welded eyes which I have rigged up this way have yet to give me problems. Kevlar has very high abrasion resistance, and usually it is from teeth and and other much abrasive, rasping fishy bits which eventually cause me to change the cord.
I've had the kevlar survive through dhuies and pinkies chewing on it without a problem, so I am quite confident that hooks without welded eyes are not an issue.
NoWorries
Posts: 2873
Date Joined: 10/10/07
Thanks Kasey
A couple of the Pics (step 1 to 4)in the Ring section don't show up for me.
Is it just me ??
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Colin Hay
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This is gold Kasey
Thanks for al your efforts. You certainly explaied it all well.
colin449
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Niceone - Clearly you need
Niceone - Clearly you need to write a book.
blowy
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top post
wow top post have never even jigged myself and im thinken with that post as a refrance even i could have a go
Salmo
Posts: 727
Date Joined: 15/08/05
Nice post mate
Nice modified shank knot....I got one to show you sometime.
I cant see the pictures in the solid ring section either.....
Kasey L.
Posts: 1087
Date Joined: 02/03/06
Finally all fixed I
Finally all fixed I think.
Andrew: Did any of you boys pull fish that morning? could tuesday be 'sometime'?....
NoWorries
Posts: 2873
Date Joined: 10/10/07
Hi Kasey
Do you use normal heat shrink on the larger ones ?
and what is the clear heat shrink stuff on the second largest ?
And how easy is it to shrink without burning the kevlar ?
thanks
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Kasey L.
Posts: 1087
Date Joined: 02/03/06
Yes; its clear heat shrink;
Yes; its clear heat shrink; and pretty easy. Easiest to just pass quickly back and forth over a lighter flame.
NoWorries
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Date Joined: 10/10/07
Where do you get it from ?
Sorry about the million questions.
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Kasey L.
Posts: 1087
Date Joined: 02/03/06
Thats ok, I'm sure others
Thats ok, I'm sure others want to know too.
Heat shrink can be easily obtained from DIY or electrical shops I imagine. A generous mate who's a sparky gives me a supply.
NoWorries
Posts: 2873
Date Joined: 10/10/07
Thanks Kasey
I have plenty of heat shrink (coloured)
But I haven't seen the clear one before
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Maverick
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Date Joined: 06/06/06
Heat shrink
Best wat to do heat shrink is with a hair dryer, hot enough to mely the shrink tube not hot enough to affect the kevlar .
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