Knots that dont let go ?

[Big_unit]

I was up at Fig Tree Creek on the inside of Fraser on Sunday. Anyways to make a long story, short. The tide was rushing out, so I decided to use some poppers for the first time. First cast nothing, second cast BANG I got hit by a steam train about 10 ft from the boat, busted off on impact. I was using 15 Lb mono with a pre made 30 Lb wire trace. My question is, What sort of knot should I use ? to make sure this doesnt happen again. About half an hour later I found the popper with trace still attached, washed up against the coffee rock. Tried casting another popper around for another 45 mins without any interest from anything.

Cheers
James

[szopen]

If using mono I would go for the trilene knot.

http://www.fish4fun.com/TrileneKnot.htm

Lower drag setting and a softer rod could also help with bust offs on impact.

On the other side things like that will always happen.

[Lucky_Phill]

poppa's and wire trace ? and a pre made one at that ?

I have used poppas there many times, and am never inclined to attach a trace. If anything I would use a spiderhitch to have a double leader. This also helps when changing lures, as you would not have to undo the leader and re-tie knots. Most good knots can be found in books by Geoff Wilson, from any tackle shop. Some are waterproof, so they can be taken out into the briney.

Other advice is correct, ease up on the drag setting, and always fish with the correct rod class to line class and purpose.

Have fun with those Trevors.

Cheers Phill

[elleburra]

As sz says the trilene knot is the way to go. Also saw somewhere that if you wet the knot as you're tying it (saliva?) that will greatly improve the knot strength.
Maybe just an old wives' (husbands'?) tale.

[szopen]

Wetting the knot is a must. What it does is provide some lubrication during tightening the knot which reduces the stress damage to the line.

A simple experiment proves this well. Tie the same knot to both ends of the line and than pull apart, usually "unlubricated" knot breaks.

Saliva is a perfect lubricant for this purpose.

[Big_unit]

I will give the spit enhanced trilene knot a go.

I was using a Daiwa Live Fibre lightning strike 3 & an Okuma Epix efs 30, with the drag set fairly light. 10 Lb mono not 15 Lb. My knot was the problem, although I may have sorted this out now.

Thanks
James

[NIZ]

I have used that trilene knot for years now and it has never let me down