Newbie in need of advice (shock leader)

[Caviman2201]

I currently have two rods - both spinning reels - 8'0" - one with 14# mono and another with 20# mono. I throw 5oz sinkers from a pier for bluefish, rockfish, etc. in the Chesapeake Bay.

Uninformed, I went out and bought some 100# mono thinking I would make a shock leader out of it to cast further w/out breaking my line. I can't remember the name of the knot I tied but in the end, it wouldn't smoothly go through my guides and it didn't sit well on my spinning reel. After reading more, I've realized I went WAY overboard on the #-test of the shock leader and could probably get away with a much smaller diameter line. I have also seen suggestions regarding braid for shock leader. I saw a tutorial for tying an "Albright" knot and I think I'll try it but I could not really decipher what was the best info so I figured I'd post my question directly. I was just looking for suggestions on #-test of mono or braid for my application.

Thank you in advance for any comments or suggetions...

[cygnus-x1]

If you do a search in the forums you will see this topic covered a lot. Please try the search. If you already have or cannot find anything then I will leave you with the basic formula ... shock leader #test= 10 x (weight of sinker in ounces) So throwing a 5 oz sinker would yield 10 x 5 = 50 # test.

Save you 100# for making red drum, bluefish and striper rigs for Assateague ... you will eventually end up out there ... we all do ;)

[Caviman2201]

so you guys suggest running a mono shock leader? Never a braid shock leader?

Will 50# be significantly smaller in diameter than 100#? Enough that it will play nice with my spinning reel and guides?

[HellRhaY]

use mono for shock leader not braid. when you reel in ur line, and ur line hits the sand or rubs the sand-- braid is not suited for that-- so mono is advisable.
http://nickaway.com/images/Backgrounds/shocker.jpg

[Stevie Wonder]

50lb.mono is more than enough. 100lb. is overkill! The 50lb. will play nice with both your reel & guides.. knot is crucial. Using mono for leader will be friendlier on your hands than braid when you have to land your catch. Grabbing that braid leader..OUCH!!!:eek:

QUOTE=Caviman2201;318998]so you guys suggest running a mono shock leader? Never a braid shock leader?

Will 50# be significantly smaller in diameter than 100#? Enough that it will play nice with my spinning reel and guides?[/QUOTE]

[marlboro]

There is another solid reason NOT run a braid shock, at least "high test". The equivalent mono is going to be easier for you to intentionally break-off if you get snagged. It is subtle point, but one that convinced me to run a mono shock instead of the braid option.