Line for tying harnesses

[Joe R.]

Just wanted to get a few opinions from those of you that tye your own harnesses. I just started doing it this year, and will say that I've learned a few things. First off I tied up a bunch of harnesses this spring using 14 lb. Vanish for the leader. It was working great until a week ago. Since then I've had 6 break offs with it. All of them an inch or two below the front hook. I'm sure this is due to the number of eyes we have caught that have had the rear hook right down to the throat. Looking for a line that is a little more abrassion resistent. I've been switching over to 15 lb. P-line that I use for making leaders for whipping the St. Claire river. It is a bit stiffer line. I'll see how it holds up, but will consider any other suggestions as well.
BTW the Vanish I was using is from a regular filler spool and not the heavier leader material. Them little leader spools are a bit pricey for me.

Joe

[WALLEYE MIKE]

I use 14lb test mono.

[Lucky Dog]

I use 12 lb Vanish. After catching a fish, check the harness for nicks in the line, if you find any change it out. I usually get between 5-10 fish on a harness before I change it.

If you want a maintanance free harness, I'd stay away from any of the flouro carbon lines, in my opinion they are all very sensitive to tooth nicks.

I used to use 10lb Mason hard mono, was very happy with the abrasion resistance of that line.

[jstfish48162]

20 pound trilene big game....never have had a bite off, and very economical.:)

[Bruce William]

12 trilene XL. I check the line after each hook up and if I feel abrasion from the last walleye I change the rig.

[Slick fishing]

Here is a great website that will tell you the best harnesses for the river.. I tried that Vanish and I could not stand it break all the time flat out junk I spooled the rest on my perch rod.. Cya Slick

http://dns.advnet.net/mkg/index.htm

[chamookman]

14 lb. Iron Silk works for Me - VERY abrasion resistant ! Bob

[lawnboy]

http://www.alltackle.com/images/Product2.jpg

When I started tying my own years ago I hated the way the line seemed to get knotted up and was so limp. Then I started using stuff like this and I really got turned on to it do to it’s thickness and stiffness.

[Joe R.]

I'll see how the P-line holds up and check them more frequently. I tie all my harnesses for the Bay 6-8 foot long so I should be able to re-tie a couple of times before I have to restring the beads and all. Thanks for the advice fellas.

Joe

[Kola]

I use braided steel line, 15 to 20 pound test. It's a little harder to tie the knots, so you loop it less and put a little solder on the knot. The loop for hooking the swivel you get little metal tubes that crimp on. They last forever.

[fish eater]

17 Lb. Vanish here for me. Never had a break-off, and I fish LSC alot. A whole lot! Pulled in alot of 'Eyes, some of them pretty big.;):D

[2tundras]

8 pound Trilene, lo-vis green. 10 pound Vansih if we go to BDN.

[andy capp]

20 lb berkly xt in green color.

[Longliner_382]

I use 14# vanish and never had a break off. I do retire them after several fish depending on the shape their in;)

[The Whale]

I, like Fisheater, use 17lb Vanish. Never had a failure yet. Check 'em for nicks every toothy critter they bring in though ! ;) Here's a tip for you tiers; if not using a "quick change" clevis, use the folded vs. the stirrup type, they won't cut the line.