Nylon covered leaders

[Cooter]

Hey while I'm at it, here's another question. Has anyone used the nylon covered 7 strand and made the connections without sleves by wrapping the leader and then partially melting the nylon? Stamina's catalog has this type product and claims 100% strength with the loop and melt method. I'm kind of sleve and crimp shy and thought I'd explore this possibility.

[squeedunk]

A good friend of mine makes his own leaders that way and I have started to now as well. They are very easy to make and seem to work just fine for him. I think he caught a 48" and a 53" using those leaders and hasn't had any breakoffs. I added crimps to mine along with the melted twist just for a little more insurance. I use 100# swivels, clips, and leader material. I used them towards the end of last season and only tested them with a 39" muskie and a bunch of northerns but I didn't have any troubles.

~Squeedunk

[Long Gray Line]

Did the same thing, crimped the 7 strand, put on a couple of twists and then took a lighter to it to melt the coating a little, especially to get it to attach to the crimp. Just thought it might help prevent a possible slip of the wire.

[Cooter]

Sounds like the crimp plus the twist and melt should work. Thanks guys. Crimp first or twist and melt first?