5 advantages of T-Shotting
The T-shotting system provides anglers with the benefits of fishing with straight fluorocarbon, including low stretch, low vis-
ibility and abrasion resistance. Yet it eliminates some of the headaches caused by a full spool of fluoro, which in some cases
is so “springy” that the coils loosen or it tangles on a spinning reel’s spool and you end up with poor casting distance or a bird’s
nest. Here are five key advantages.
1. The Reverse Belly
Braid and monofilament float, so when a long cast is made, the
line can end up with a high point out on the surface of the water
– curving from that point where the line is floating down to the
lure. When a lure such as a jerkbait is twitched, the line could actu-
ally pull the lure in an upward direction. And when a fish bites, if it
comes toward the angler, the angler might not feel the bite.
Conversely, the T-shotting system uses enough fluorocarbon,
which sinks, that the line takes on a “reverse belly” shape. It slopes
in a more direct path to the lure or along a slight U-shaped path,
so that the line directly in front of the lure pulls more horizontally
at the bait. Hookups and the action both improve.
TRADITIOnAL
mono
When line is
twitched, the bait
is pulled vertically.
line floats
high point
along the line
When a fish bites it can swim at
angler without him feeling it.
T-ShOTTInG
braid
knot
When line is twitched,
the bait is pulled
straight ahead.
2. A Direct Connection
The advantage of No. 1 primarily comes into play
with suspending or middle water column baits. For
bottom baits such as a shaky head or drop-shot, the
sinking fluorocarbon provides a more direct-line con-
nection for more responsive hooksets and increased
control.
3. Cost Savings
Braid is expensive, but it lasts a long time, so using
it as backing provides a cost savings because it rarely
needs to be replaced. Similarly, the price of high-end
fluorocarbons keeps increasing, but this system allows
a simple filler spool to last much longer because the
angler is replacing only 35 feet at a time.
4. Weight-Forward Casting and Control
According to Swendseid, adding the braid essen-
tially makes the reel’s spool shallower – it creates a
larger inner diameter – which leads to what he calls
a “weight-forward effect” on the fluorocarbon during
the cast. Because the fluorocarbon is heavier per
foot than the braid, the fluoro comes off the spool
easier, without tangles.
“Your inertia is better,” he explains. “You don’t
have to worry about springiness from inside the
spool that bursts forward like you might with a full
spool of fluorocarbon.”
5. Knot Location
slight reverse belly
With short leaders, every time a fish surges near
the boat, it applies pressure to the knot. When T-shot-
ting, the knot is already on the spool when bass get
close, so there’s really no weak point in the system.
Long sinking fluorocarbon
leader pulls the line down.
If a fish bites, it pulls the line away
and the angler always feels it.
T-shotting works with both spinning and baitcasting
reels, though for many tournament anglers, the spin-
ning applications probably outweigh the baitcasting
applications. If you want to use it with a baitcaster,
Swendseid recommends braid of 40-pound test or heav-
ier, and a 12- to 25-pound-test fluorocarbon leader.
For flipping applications, he sugges ts tripling the
length of the leader. This provides more line for the
occasional retie, but you’ll still save money by not using
a full spool of fluorocarbon. ■
february-march 2017 i flwfiShing.com
For Baitcasters Too
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