Problem with Looping Hooklengths?

INSTANT LINE SINK

Looping hook-lengths are a major irritation to many anglers. Once the rig has landed even lines specifically designed to sink will often stand proud off the bottom. Regardless of density looping occurs with all brands of nylon and braids. By making a simple fine-tuning adjustment you can overturn the problem, greatly improve your presentation, and use the loop to your advantage.

DON’T PULL BACK

Pulling back to straighten the rig is not recommended. Experienced anglers know that by doing so bottom debris or weed can easily mask the hook and ruin presentation. Also by pulling back you lose the major weight advantage of a buried lead. When a fish pricks itself against a lead gripped by silt or mud the added force produces a better hook hold in comparison to a dislodged much lighter free moving lead.

Finally straight hooklengths place considerable constraints on the hook-baits natural movement. Its far easier for a fish to suck in bait connected to a crescent shaped hook-link. When trying to mimic a free offering it is vital the hookbait is not tethered. The all-important freedom of movement is lost when a straight fully extended hooklength is used.

WHY DO HOOKLENGTHS LOOP?

The cause of looping is due to two reasons, the trajectory of the terminal tackle in flight and the low level of gravity within water. Following casting during flight and descent the lead pilots the way forward towing the hooklength behind.

On contact with water the lead rapidly sinks dragging the hook-link behind in a vertical plane. Once the lead lands the hookbait slowly descends to form the beginnings of a loop. Finally as the hook touches base close to the lead the shaped loop is created and remains suspended.

LOW GRAVITY

Due to the low level of gravity in water all hooklength materials are substantially lighter and in many cases almost weightless. Even products that are designed to sink remain in a looped state because of the rigs trajectory on descent. Nylon or braid has a uniform diameter making its weight consistent through its entire length. Every single millimetre of the raised loop has the same degree of weight. The top of the loop (the crown) is no heavier than the rest. Being evenly balanced throughout all hooklength materials will remain in an inert looped state.

THE SOLUTION – DROP EM

To make the loop lie down you must overbalance it by making its weight uneven. The crown always appears halfway along the hooklength. By adding a small amount of weight to each side of the crown an imbalance is created. The offending loop will now lean over and gently settle on the bottom giving you first class presentation.

USE THE LOOP TO YOUR ADVANTAGE

A crescent shaped hooklength lying on the bottom gives you a huge advantage as well as first class presentation. A fish can approach and suck in the bait easily from any angle or direction in a 360-º radius. The natural curve in the loop contains just the right amount of slack allowing your hook-bait easy access and passage into the carp’s mouth without any restriction.

On the other hand when a fish approaches a baited hook head on and the rig is fully extended, the bait is tethered and cannot progress into the carp’s mouth as it sucks. The pulled back straightened out hook-length is one of the biggest causes of rejection and in many cases the hookbait never even enters the carps mouth.

HOW TO USE IT

Easy to apply; use it similar to a wax crayon. For braids rub Drop Em onto small sections (2-3cms) either side of the hooklengths halfway point. The line will take on a darkened ragged appearance where it has been added. Using finger and thumb twiddle the dark areas to work the compound in and smooth down ragged sections. Only small amounts are required to topple the loop, it is not necessary to coat the entire hook-length.

For stubborn stiffer monos or coated braids use mouse dropping sized pieces to topple the loop. Pinch tiny sliver of Drop Em from the block. Roll between finger and thumb using heat from your fingers to soften. Squeeze softened piece onto line, twiddle with fingers for smooth oval profile. Briefly immerse in water to cure to original hardness before casting.

TOP TIP

During winter months for ease of use store all putties in your pocket or a warm place.