Ed Story's Shock Rig

[Mongo]

Just a question, or survey, if you may. I have been using Ed Story's (Feathercraft/St. Louis) shock leader for years. Was talking to a fellow at Montauk two weeks ago, and he found that it was strange I was still using it. He was using a 16' tapered leader... 16 is a bit big.

Anyway, for those who don't know this rig, which I love, you use a foot of Amnesia shock leader from your flyline, then loop to loop a 4 inch piece of shock gum (you get it from Feathercraft, but I guess it would be available elsewhere), then 4 foot of Amnesia, then tippet.

I've used this rig for years, fishing 8x tippets (2lb Maxima Chameleon or fluorocarbon). The only time I lost a trout was when I went to 1lb tippet...

Does anyone else use this setup?

[Mongo]

Guess not....

[Ill Trout Bum]

I use a 6" section of shock gum between the leader and fly line. It has saved me from breaking off large fish on more than one occasion. Rio also makes shock gum material in bright pink, which makes an excellent indicator for nymphing.

[streamcreeper]

I use a 6" section of shock gum between the leader and fly line. It has saved me from breaking off large fish on more than one occasion. Rio also makes shock gum material in bright pink, which makes an excellent indicator for nymphing.

please elaborate

[fishinwrench]

Mongo, Where (and what size flies) are you fishing that you feel the need for such delicate tippet ? Just curious.

Wasn't it ozarktroutfisher that was fishing #4 crawdad flies on 7x last year? That's just crazy IMO...but TETO.

[stlfisher]

please elaborate

Streamcreeper here is what I use. They sell them at feathercraft for a couple bucks. It works well for me. Mine last about 3-4 months and then I need to replace it. They seem shorter than the 7 inches it says on the package, but I didn't measure so who knows. They work well and for a couple bucks I think they are worth it.

http://www.feather-craft.com/wecs.php?store=feacraft&action=display&target=GD009

[Ill Trout Bum]

please elaborate

RIO makes both a clear and pink shock gum material. The pink material is stronger than the clear and makes am excellent strike indicator.

I make my own shock gum sections by cutting a piece approx. 12 " in length. Tie a perfection loop in both ends. Ideally, you want the loop to keep the loop small so it will pass easily through your guides, if need be. After I tie both ends, I hold the loop of the knot with one hand and stretch the loop with the other. This pulls the knot down tightly and minimizes the size. As the loop is tightened, I add a drop of superglue to secure the knot. I have found from past experience this keeps the knot from coming undone.