confused

[chris.oldgit]

Having read various threads on the potential of crackoffs and possible dangers to the public, as I have started to use the pendulum cast, decided that shockleader was the safest way to go.

I have now 'shocked' all my reels, now the dilemma, the lead should connect to the shockleader for obvious reasons.

On most set ups i have seen the lead is below the shockleader, connected by 50/80lb (50lb in my case as i have 60lb shock) mainline, then the snoods, finally the lead.
on pennel/ wishbone/flapper rigs the lead is at the last point of the line.?????

This idea must make the shockleader obsolete, before you even start swinging a lead.

Maybe i have got this wrong,and i look foward to some enlightenment.

[geejayy]

ok , the shockleader absorbs the strain of the cast and must be high enough breaking strain to avoid a crackoff.
the recognised ratio for safety when powercasting or , to be sure anycasting from the beach or boat/pier is shockleaders must be at least 10lb + 10 of breaking strain for every ounce of lead cast, i,e if useing a 5ounce lead best use at least 60lb shockleader to be sure.
as you say if the line between the lead & the end of the leader (rigbody) is lighter than this it defeats the object of the shockleader,

hence 'rig bodys'- the length of line between your lead and where the shockleader attaches, where the hooklinks attach, needs to be the same or greater strength as the shockleader itsself.

i usually use 60lb shockleaders , 60lb rigbodys

[MRG2000]

Everything Gordon says is spot on , the only thing i would add ,is if your pendulum casting the shockleader needs to be at least 5 turns on the reel with your normal drop .You also need to use a thumbie to prevent line slip mid cast,as this can soon strip the leader of the reel ,and your then vounerable to a crack off, as you load the rod up.

If your not using a rubber thimbie ,and not getting spool slip ,which normally results in mono burns on your thumb ,your not loading the rod enough,and wont be getting any advantage from the pendulum.

[Dadwood]

You see? Here's yet more evidence that newcomers to the forum like me can glean so much valuable and accurate information from people such as Mike and geejayy who reply so helpfully to these threads. Thanks fellas.
Incidentally, I already abide by the safety aspects of leaders and rig bodies, but my pendulum casting leaves a bit to be desired. Although I use thumbies and a reel lock, I don't believe I've ever been able to give the rod enough welly to actually make the spool move.
I reckon this may be due to a combination of factors; the quality of the rod, the type of reel, the size of line and of course using the correct technique.
But there again, what do I know?
It would be nice to meet up sometime with another forum member who uses the pendulum and get some guidance.
I was in my local tackle shop yesterday and heard them talking about fishing Dungeness. One chap reckons he regularly reaches 170 yards with 25lb main line and a pulley pennel loaded with large clipped down bait. Is that possible? If so, I'm envious. Kind regards to all.

[LittleFish]

Have you ever thought about changing to a longer rod?

I bought a pair of 15 footers a couple of years back and you wouldn't believe how easy it is to get extra yards using nothing more complicated than the good old fashioned overhead thump!

[chazyboi]

geegay and mrg exactly have said exactly how it should be

[chris.oldgit]

thanks for your replies, a small question arises, I normally use 4oz lead, have made rigs of 50lb mono to 60lb leader,do you think I ought to upgrade to 60lb or will they be OK ?

I haven't yet had line slip, so not enough ooomph yet, still trying to get the rhythm right before doing that.

littlefish, just won a bid on flea bay for a greys 13' grx-s

[LittleFish]

Chris the ratio for shockleader is usually 10lbs breaking strain for every ounce of casting weight.So if you are using 4oz weight a 50lb or 60lb leader is fine.

[LittleFish]

Originally Posted by chris.oldgit

littlefish, just won a bid on flea bay for a greys 13' grx-s

That's two feet too short

[chris.oldgit]

but 20 yds on the cast