What are people's thoughts on using kickers v shrink tube on German / Ronnie rigs ? I can see kickers being easier to put on and take off but didn't know whether shrink tube maybe better , thanks .
In reply to Post #1
Shrink would be fine but I prefer using pre formed kickers as I then don't need to mess around on the bank.
Shrink would be fine but I prefer using pre formed kickers as I then don't need to mess around on the bank.
In reply to Post #2
I like shrink but prefer the ease of not having to cut it off when changing hooks when using kickers. Do you think that the angle on the kickers helps , thanks?
I like shrink but prefer the ease of not having to cut it off when changing hooks when using kickers. Do you think that the angle on the kickers helps , thanks?
I have tried loads of kickers in the hope that one day I will find one that gives a decent line aligner without having to heat shrink. I have given up. They are always either too tight to go over a nice big hook or so big that they are baggy.
The one in the photo, for example, would not pass the test for me. The neck is too baggy on the shank of the hook, it has to be to get over the gate of the quick change swivel. Now while this may make no difference whatsoever I'm happier with a perfect shrink tube finish as it goes over the hook eye/swivel wide and you shrink it down in place.
The one in the photo, for example, would not pass the test for me. The neck is too baggy on the shank of the hook, it has to be to get over the gate of the quick change swivel. Now while this may make no difference whatsoever I'm happier with a perfect shrink tube finish as it goes over the hook eye/swivel wide and you shrink it down in place.
In reply to Post #4
If you get the tungsten kickers.
https://www.terminaltackle.uk/product/tungsten-kickers/
Something like this, they will last for ages. They keep their shape 😊
If you get the tungsten kickers.
https://www.terminaltackle.uk/product/tungsten-kickers/
Something like this, they will last for ages. They keep their shape 😊
I usually use heat shrink but I've just ordered some ‘king of the pond' kickers to try out 👍
When you refer to turbo German - that's a German with a swivel on the eye but not a ring swivel, in that application, the valid point bluebeat makes about some not being tight enough won't matter too much as the tapered end will be on the shank.
I prefer shrink tube just because I don't find myself replacing hooks on rigs - I tend to either cut the rig off in the net or replace the whole thing anyway ( I will later reuse the book section but not in the bank) but also because I can dictate the aggresiveness of the “claw” element of the rig.
Bluebeat * for a line a liner system I've only noticed the fox and on products one to actually use a line aligner, and I think the fox one comes in a smaller size? Might be worth investigating
I prefer shrink tube just because I don't find myself replacing hooks on rigs - I tend to either cut the rig off in the net or replace the whole thing anyway ( I will later reuse the book section but not in the bank) but also because I can dictate the aggresiveness of the “claw” element of the rig.
Bluebeat * for a line a liner system I've only noticed the fox and on products one to actually use a line aligner, and I think the fox one comes in a smaller size? Might be worth investigating