- Snap a piece off the main block large enough to easily handle.
- Using both hands stretch the putty with a fast snapping action. (Stretching creates the necessary friction required to raise its temperature).
- Fold it back and continue to stretch the putty repeatedly. Within 30 seconds of continuous stretching it becomes very soft and quickly reaches the consistency of chewing gum. You can now easily mould your required shape around the line.
Heavy Metal Extras versatility and ease of use makes it the ultimate tool for fine-tuning rigs and adjusting leader sink rate. As it warms up it becomes softer. As it cools down it reverts back to its original hardness. The colder the temperature becomes the harder HME sets. Once it has softened to the consistency of chewing gum mold it around your line to your required shape (see shape and grip). Immerse in water for ten seconds for the putty to cure and harden before casting.
Shape and Grip
The shape you form is all-important. When using mono or fine braids avoid forming a round shape such as lead shot (4). Low diameter lines offer very little surface area for the putty to bond and grip onto. Due to HME’s extreme weight round shot shapes are not the best choice and may slip under pressure especially when casting repeatedly.
For an immovable non-slip bond the trick is to mould a longer streamlined oval shaped piece (5). This gives a far greater surface area for the putty to grip on to. Remember the larger the surface area you offer HME the greater and stronger the bond becomes.
For Pop-ups coated hook-lengths offer an excellent anchor point for the putty to sit on. Strip back the coating, bunch it up concertina style and mould the putty around it. It will stay put cast after cast. Unlike lead shot Heavy Metal Extra will not damage and weaken your line.
Instant ollivetts or as shot replacement for line and weighted hooklengths
- Once you have made the putty soft take a small piece say the size of a BB shot. Roll it into a ball and squeeze it on your line.
- Hold ball lightly between finger and thumb and using a fast motion twiddle finger and thumb back and forth working the putty down the line.
- Continue twiddling making the Heavy Metal thinner as your fingers work their way along. Use wet fingers if it becomes too sticky.
- Eventually it will thin right down to six inches or so in length but still retain the same weight as the BB you started with.
It will become so thin it resembles a coat of paint on your line. Following application your hook length will sink effortlessly in a controlled manner to rest on the bottom. This method is perfect for those requiring hook-lengths anchored down to the bottom or as a replacement for shot when float and waggler fishing.
If your line sinks too fast simply remove a small amount, for faster sink add a little more. Due to HME’s unique properties you can add or remove as little as you require and fine-tune the decent rate to the degree of your choice.
Don’t forget to dip it in water for a few seconds to cure and harden before casting.
The three versions have different characteristics for seasons and climates. The grey softens up faster making it ideal for fishing in cold temperatures. The green and brown are perfect for summer, they are firmer and set harder. For overseas in summer use Heavy Metal plus designed for hot climates.
All versions can be used all the year round however there are occasions depending on the nature of the swim when one particular colour can give you the edge.
Heavy Metal Extra offers a vastly improved alternative to lead shot and for adding weight to all types of line is simplicity itself. For carp rigs, float fishing and even fly fishing it is the most versatile anglers weight available that cannot be bettered. Due to its incredible content of tungsten its weight is comparable to lead but completely safe and non-toxic. For fine-tuning your presentation this new breed of super putty opens up a whole new world.
2. Stretch
7. Twiddle with finger and thumb
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