Waggler locking shot on the line

[TF_pr@ngler]

When lead was banned we started to use tungsten shot, which was not so dense but also harder, and therefore sharper.

In those days we were fishing wagglers on mono up to about 2lb bs and the fear was that the locking shot would weaken the line. Consequently we used to put silicone tubing on the line and put the locking shot over that. It protected the line but the shot often worked off and were lost.

Was looking at a video of Steve Mayo and Dave Harrell talking about locking pellet wags, and they had a device which was like a big shot, but even that had to be locked on the line with an AA or SSG shot. They did this by biting the shot onto the line directly. Now for pellet wag, the mono is going to be something like 5lb Maxima so it may not be so damaged by the shot. Even so, for pellet wag, with all that casting and hopefully with loads of carp, its going to take a lot of hammer.

So, my questions are, do we need to protect the line from the anchor shot? Or is this something that’s only necessary with lighter lines?

For the record, I use Anchor double-cut shot and mostly use Ultima and Maxima for waggler fishing.

[TF_NathanWatson]

I only use 3 or 4lb Maxima for pellet waggler, 5 is too thick and always tie a loop to put the shot over. You can’t change the depth as much but I use a snap swivel and attach different length hooklengths.

[TF_whatsaroach]

leave a long tag end on the loop fold it down to the swivel and put the shot on the 3 bits of line ! never had the shot damage the three sections of line and i never go above 3lb Maxi. Yes to change depth you need to tie a new hook length or have more than one rod set up but its well worth it.

[TF_matt haines]

i use 4lb for most my pellet wag work as it casts better! i only use adapters for loaded wagglers from 8g up i dont use any adaptors for unloaded wagglers i have tried them but have reverted back to using large shot you can get them in 2ssg and 3ssg i put them on some line first and move them up and down a bit to create a slight wear in the shot. i do this at home and put them back in box. when i come to use them the shot is not as harsh and dont have problems with damaged line. and changing the depth is quick and easy! i find that this time of year the depth needs to be altered a fair bit to keep intouch with the fish.

[TF_jwb]

I must admit that back when lead was banned I used to use silicon tubing under my locking shot but now even when using lighter main lines, 3lb maxima or diawa sensor, I do not use anything under the shot. I reckon the shot now is so much better than those days so long ago.

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