The "NUB" Connection System

This connection system uses a series of “nail knots” made from solid spectra.  It was created for the heavy mono (1

00# to 200#) to spectra connections used on the San Diego Long Range trips that target large yellowfin tuna (200# Cows).  It 

starts with the typical monofilament inserted into hollow spectra but uses a nail knot instead of a crimp or serve. The nail knot can be installed on a

ny size mono connection.

This connection differs from other connections with a unique feature that I call a “nub”.  The “nub” is simply a nail knot installed on the mono (red nail knot in photo).  When the mono is inserted into the hollow spectra, the “nub” should end up 3 to 6 inches inside the edge of the hollow spectra.  Therefore, the “nub” is inside of the hollow spectra.  The primary nail knot (green nail knot in photo) is then installed on the hollow spectra/mono just to the side of the “nub” and provides the same clamping function as a crimp or serve.  If there is any slippage of the mono inside of the hollow spectra, it will be limited because the “nub” moves with the mono but the “nub” can not move past the primary nail knot on the spectra. 

 

In all the mono insertion type connections (as well as my “nub” connection), the principle holding mechanism is the braided hollow 

spectra squeezing down on the inserted mono when it is tension.  (The same principle as the Chinese toy that locked your fingers together when you tried to pull them apart.)  The longer the length of insertion of the mono, the larger the gripping strength of the hollow spectra.  I would recommend approximately 5 ft of insertion length.  The crimp or serve only acts as a clamp on the end of the hollow spectra to ensure that there is tension in the hollow spectra.  It is not intended to have enough clamping strength to hold the load of the connection. 

When you hook a large fish, the mono stretches (elongates) and becomes smaller in diameter.  When the mono becomes smaller in diameter,

 the clamp may not provide enough tension in the spectra and that is when the mono can start to slip inside of the hollow spectra.  In my connection design, the “nub” (red nail knot in photo) is locked onto the mono and if the mono starts to slip through the primary nail knot (green nail knot in the photo), the slipping mono is stopped when the “nub” (red in photo) runs up against the primary nail knot (green in photo).  This is the unique feature of this connection design.  The “nub not only assures adequate tension in the hollow spectra, it also provides additional holding force to add to the holding strength of the hollow spectra squeezing on the mono. The “nub” would provide the same benefits for a crimp system however I could not install the “nub” and a crimp on the same connection.  That was the motivation to perfect the nail knot as the new primary clamp.  As a result, I have a connection system that is also smaller in diameter and very inexpensive.  Currently, it takes me between 1 and 1.5 minute per nail knot (2 or 3 nail knot per connection).

To finish off the connection I install a third nail knot at the end of the hollow spectra (yellow in photo).  It acts as a back up to th

e primary nail knot (green in photo), and it does a really good job of cleaning up the end of the hollow spectra.  I glue the primary nail knot and the “nub” with swifty glue and the connection is ready to fish.

I am still testing this system as this system is very new.  I tested just the primary nail knot (without the nub) and successfully landed a 215# YFT.  This connection was tested on the Accurate sponsored Red Rooster 3 June Heat trip.   It landed both big tuna and many sharks.  (I am waiting to see the connection that is being mailing back to me.)

Currently I am using a inexpensive “special tool” to tighten the nail knots.  The photos of the nail knots with the tag ends not trimmed are nail knots that have not been pulled tight.  When pulled tight the nail knot turns shinny and darker in color.  When the connection is glued, the “nub” (red nail knot) shows clearly through the hollow spectra.

I have most of the details for this connection worked out, but there is always the fine details

 that can make the installation even smoother and faster.  If you are interested in the details of this connection system consider joining me on one of my next scheduled fishing trips.  I am on the pro staff for Accurate Reels and Izorline and will be the chartermaster or pro staff representative on the following trips:

 

Jul 4 – 8                Searcher                     Izorline Sponsored

Sep 6 – 9             Islander                        Izorline Sponsored

Dec 12 – 22        Red Rooster 3             Accurate and Izorline Sponsored

Jan 5 – 16, 2009    American Angler     Accurate Sponsored

This connection system was devised for 200# class tuna fishing.  I also have a scaled down version for use on under 60# line.  Both 50# and 40# connections were successfully tested on Wahoo and small to mid size tuna.  You can not feel the connection go through the guides.  The lighter connection version would be ideal for the 5-day Guadalupe island trips when fishing for 100# YFT that requires a long cast to soak a sardine 100 yds from the boat.

 

Hope you catch your fish of a lifetime,

Gary Teraoka

I want to thank David Choate for looking at my new connection, however he is not involved with the testing of this connection.  The error in the FishingVideo posting is my fault and I apologize for the error.