Threading spectra?

[LAChamp]

Threading spectra?
Is there a trick to keeping the needle inside the spectra? I picked up the appropriate needle size for 80 lb jb hollow. I was able to make a loop, but it took me forever to keep that needle from coming out the side. I tried wetting it and making sure it stayed as straight as possible when threading it. Maybe it’s just a practice thing. I also rolled the line back and forth with my fingers to help open it up. That helped, but maybe that was the problem. Didn't have time to experiment
more last night.

[1:11]

Need a smaller needle, or use dull dykes to cut the mono so the cut end mushrooms out a little. Then wedge the line into the needle and push. It should get stuck in there and your problem is solved. Of course once you pop needle thru the spectra pull the needle off the line and use a clipper or cutter to clean the cut end up. Dont forget to pick up a nail file (3-stage emory type board) for polishing and buffing the line. Someone else can chime in about the nail file.

edit- if the mushroom end is now too bulky to fit into the needle i use a nail clipper and nip a little off the mushroom until it fits into the needle.

[LAChamp]

Thanks Jason,
This is the needle I got. Its saids it's for 80 lb. I guess it's more of a hook then a needle. Haven't tried pushing mono through yet. Just making loops for pre made Basil wind-on leaders. I don't have the needle your talking about with the hollow back yet. I was able to make a nice loop end with the spectra. Just keeping that small hook end from coming out the side was a bitch. Thanks for the repsonse.

RingedHooks.com -- Product Detail

[Alter Ego]

Having just made a few splices and Sato crimped connections, I know what you mean. It takes some time and practice to be able to thread up into the spectra. When it does push out the side, slide it back inside the spectra and try to find the lumen again. This was really a bitch with 60#; that is why I spliced a section of 80# to the end of the 60.

[Keta]

Keep the Spectra in line with the needle and push carefully. Some Brands of Spectra splice easier than others.

My current "plan" is to be in Venice sometime in April or May, if you still need help come down and visit. Money is tighter than usual this year and plans could change.

[dalurker]

i would purchase the loop tool at the bottom of the pic too. insert the pointy end in first to *open* the spectra. the Sato Crimp Kit comes with a *shaped* wire to insert and open your spectra. if you have single strand wire, you can bend it in half and spread it to a diamond shape to assist in opening your 80lb.

the latch needle is can be broken easily so be careful!

see pics below.

[LAChamp]

Thanks guys! I'll give the wire a try. I think I have some somewhere at home. I can see how that would help. That needle is small as hell.

Lee, haven't been to Venice in a while now. Been spending a lot of time down at the bosses camp in Pecan Island. Doing a lot of fishing in the canals. The Reds and Flounder are in like crazy now. We're trying to make a trip off shore soon. The weather has been nasty with these fronts coming through. Now that Red Snapper season is over, we'll go after Mangrove Snapper and Grouper. Of course we'll also make stops at any weedlines we come to for Cobia, Mai-Mai and Wahoo.

[blindfth]

Lay the line on flat area and try to push the hollow spectra toward the needle, not pushing the needle inside the hollow spectra. That helped me a lot.

[LAChamp]

Thanks Jeff, I'll give that a try.

[Alter Ego]

The wire to open the spectra is critical.