Fishing Stage - Forum
Home Active Topics Newest Pictures Search Login Register
Main
Knotty problem
Page 1 of 3 next> last>>
Dec 29, 2021 21:11:56   #
Jackruff Loc: South Mississippi
 
I love to fish with ultralight spinning equipment. There are times when nothing is better for catching crappie and bluegills than a tiny Trout Magnet jig on 2-lb test line. The 2-lb line is necessary; 4-lb test line just won't allow the tiny little baits to be cast any distance at all. But, I have a problem caused by too many birthdays. I can't see the line, can't feel it, and have painful arthritis in both thumbs. Consequently, I am simply unable to tie knots unless the lighting is very good. Today I had tied on a jig in my well-lit shop at home, but broke it off landing a good bluegill. I gave up trying to tie another one on. Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with this situation?

Reply
Dec 29, 2021 21:18:56   #
Danger25 Loc: Philly/ Cape may New Jersey
 
Just off the top of my head jack…maybe pre tie a couple jigs at home in your shop and on the other end, maybe 18 inches or so, tie it to a barrel swivel. Then if one breaks off, just unhook it from your snap swivel on the end of your main line and hook on another one. No knots needed on the water anyway.

Reply
Dec 29, 2021 21:22:49   #
OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin
 
Jackruff wrote:
I love to fish with ultralight spinning equipment. There are times when nothing is better for catching crappie and bluegills than a tiny Trout Magnet jig on 2-lb test line. The 2-lb line is necessary; 4-lb test line just won't allow the tiny little baits to be cast any distance at all. But, I have a problem caused by too many birthdays. I can't see the line, can't feel it, and have painful arthritis in both thumbs. Consequently, I am simply unable to tie knots unless the lighting is very good. Today I had tied on a jig in my well-lit shop at home, but broke it off landing a good bluegill. I gave up trying to tie another one on. Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with this situation?
I love to fish with ultralight spinning equipment.... (show quote)


Hi Jack,
There are knot tying tools available which may help your situation with a little practice.
There are also fishing glasses with “cheater” lenses built into them for just this problem. I will try to send you some names of these products.

Reply
 
 
Dec 29, 2021 21:25:01   #
Blackdog Loc: Round Rock, TX
 
Jackruff wrote:
I love to fish with ultralight spinning equipment. There are times when nothing is better for catching crappie and bluegills than a tiny Trout Magnet jig on 2-lb test line. The 2-lb line is necessary; 4-lb test line just won't allow the tiny little baits to be cast any distance at all. But, I have a problem caused by too many birthdays. I can't see the line, can't feel it, and have painful arthritis in both thumbs. Consequently, I am simply unable to tie knots unless the lighting is very good. Today I had tied on a jig in my well-lit shop at home, but broke it off landing a good bluegill. I gave up trying to tie another one on. Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with this situation?
I love to fish with ultralight spinning equipment.... (show quote)


Let's start with what kind of knots are you trying to tie?
They make "assists" to help you tie a knot.
Are you tying a Palomar knot?


BD

Reply
Dec 29, 2021 21:32:04   #
flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!
 
Blackdog wrote:
Let's start with what kind of knots are you trying to tie?
They make "assists" to help you tie a knot.
Are you tying a Palomar knot?


BD


You can just about the Palomar in the dark, and it is a good knot, but can't use it in all situations.

Reply
Dec 29, 2021 21:42:54   #
Jeremy Loc: America
 
I would get a desk top magnifying device with light in it. I will look for one and post it . I soldered under them at work on printed circuit boards. It is what I would work on anything I couldn’t focus on.

Another thing is you could maybe get the fly leaders that are tapered. Spendy but will allow small leader with thicker line up closer to rod.

Reply
Dec 29, 2021 21:45:06   #
Jeremy Loc: America
 
Jeremy wrote:
I would get a desk top magnifying device with light in it. I will look for one and post it . I soldered under them at work on printed circuit boards. It is what I would work on anything I couldn’t focus on.

Another thing is you could maybe get the fly leaders that are tapered. Spendy but will allow small leader with thicker line up closer to rod.



Both are about 40 bux





Reply
 
 
Dec 29, 2021 21:47:05   #
Blackdog Loc: Round Rock, TX
 
flyguy wrote:
You can just about the Palomar in the dark, and it is a good knot, but can't use it in all situations.


Yeah FG, I agree. There is but a slight difference in tying a Palomar and a Granny knot. Heck, I used to use double half hitches on 2lb test to catch brook trout.

He is talking about a whole 'nother beast not being able to feel the difference in 4lb and 2 lb test to fish for trout. Not to mention tying knots. I'm just trying to get him to reply and then maybe we can suggest better tactics at ultralight fishing for trout.

Still I agree, the Palomar can be tied blindfolded, if you get use to it.

BD

Reply
Dec 29, 2021 21:48:16   #
OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin
 
Hook Eze
Knot Needles
There are at least a dozen others if you search for Knot Tying Tools
The polarized fishing glasses with the cheaters are out there, too
I just suck at trying to attach links, sorry.

Reply
Dec 29, 2021 21:53:52   #
J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio
 
OJdidit wrote:
Hook Eze
Knot Needles
There are at least a dozen others if you search for Knot Tying Tools
The polarized fishing glasses with the cheaters are out there, too
I just suck at trying to attach links, sorry.



Got a Hook Eze from Randy! I’ll report back soon after I try it out.

Reply
Dec 29, 2021 23:14:25   #
Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA
 
Tie a perfection loop at the end of your main line. Buy snelled hooks or make your own. Loop to loop and there's no need to tie any knots out on the water.

Reply
 
 
Dec 30, 2021 00:03:56   #
Jackruff Loc: South Mississippi
 
My preferred knot has long been an improved clinch, but I also tie Palomar knots. Today neither one worked! And we’re not trying to catch wild brook trout here. These fish don’t care if it’s 2, 4, or 6-lb test; the light line is needed to cast the lure.

Reply
Dec 30, 2021 08:03:50   #
Alaska Charlie
 
Use a clear float filled with water on four or six lb. test line. Then you can cast the small jig.
Now let's talk about the real problem. The arthritic thumbs. Life is not much fun with chronic pain and that arthritis doesn't treat its self. I've got a good rheumatologist up in Anchorage that has got the constant pain relieved.My physical therapist has helped me regain some of the dexterity in my hands. They will never be what they were. I tie the knots I need in my spare time using paracord just to keep my hands limber. If I can't tie them with paracord I sure can't tie them with small line. I've also had good luck with some of the knot tools. There is a learning curve and they take constant practice. I remember an old doctor down in Colorado saying that this aging is an interesting situation. I hope some of this helps. Good luck and may God bless you sir..

Reply
Dec 30, 2021 08:43:35   #
Big dog Loc: Bayshore, Long Island, New York
 
Jackruff wrote:
I love to fish with ultralight spinning equipment. There are times when nothing is better for catching crappie and bluegills than a tiny Trout Magnet jig on 2-lb test line. The 2-lb line is necessary; 4-lb test line just won't allow the tiny little baits to be cast any distance at all. But, I have a problem caused by too many birthdays. I can't see the line, can't feel it, and have painful arthritis in both thumbs. Consequently, I am simply unable to tie knots unless the lighting is very good. Today I had tied on a jig in my well-lit shop at home, but broke it off landing a good bluegill. I gave up trying to tie another one on. Does anyone have any suggestions for dealing with this situation?
I love to fish with ultralight spinning equipment.... (show quote)


Learn the ‘Uni’ knot. I can tie it without looking. Hardest part is getting the line through the eye of the hook.

Reply
Dec 30, 2021 08:59:15   #
Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware
 
To sum it up, you need a knot Eze tool, which I use in the same situation as yours. You can get flip down magnifying glasses that attach to the brim of a ball cap. And if you want you could use a casting bobber like they use to cast flies with a spinner. We do come up with some pretty good solutions, it just takes a while 😁😁

Reply
Page 1 of 3 next> last>>
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.
Main
FishingStage.com - Forum
Copyright 2018-2024 IDF International Technologies, Inc.