Ever since I learned that knotting braid reduces t

[Enigma]

Ever since I learned that knotting braid reduces the actual strength by up to 40% I've had a phobia about knotting braid and after one or two big fish lost it became worse and worse.

Continued research and test after test i can safely say the best way to join solid braids is to stitch them together.

Select a needle to match the braid you are working with. Now with a 25-30cm overlap begin the stitching.

Here is a stitching together of 2 80lbs Jerry Brown solid braids.

 

[Enigma]

Stitch braid one into braid 2, in and out stitches (at least 20)In this case the green into yellow

 

[Enigma]

Pull the green into the yellow and (1 into 2) and pull a tag end out.

 

[Enigma]

Now reverse the process and yellow goes through green, 2 through 1.

 

[Enigma]

Pull the 2 braids tight locking the stitches down and closing the connection off

 

[Enigma]

although the stitch now works as a clinch connection ie. the harder you pull the tighter it locks some may feel vulnerable leaving it like this. One can then make a series of 6 half hitches to keep the braid secured (should you think it will slip)

 

[Enigma]

Myself, I make 25 stitches and trim of the tag end tight against the main braids. Tested and tested and have fished with a section of braid I have stitched like this (spinning) for a long while now without it unraveling and without it slipping. in more than 50 tests we've achieved 90% plus of the stated breaking strain

 

[Gcvanheerden]

Hallo is it a normal needle you use or is it a special needle that you buy?

 

[supercab]

Hi Gcvanheerdon

I use a normal needle the only thing is the eye must by big enough for
the braid and i just make the point of the needle a little blunt so that it can push thru and inbetween the braid strands and not to pierce the strands.
Hope you come right it really works.

 

[Bluffman]

Excellent post Enigma to the rescue again. Respect!

 

[sakn]

When I join braids, I find it easier to make a braid stitch loop in each braid and join the loops with a cat's paw.

How would this compare with stitching the braids into each other?

 

[Enigma]

Haven't tested it but believe it will be 100% as the catspaw will lock both legs in position and believe it will be massively strong and secure connection

 

[sakn]

Enigma wrote:

Haven't tested it but believe it will be 100% as the catspaw will lock both legs in position and believe it will be massively strong and secure connection

Thanks and respect sir