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Splash Down.

Posted by Hangler <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Hangler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 16/5/2013, 1:25 pm

Many of the site's members will have seen these 'Splash Down' bait release clips, this write up is for those who haven't.

I took delivery of these from Tackle Tactics acting on advice from Phill, and I have to say I am so pleased I did. I have tried many forms of release clips and I have yet to discover one that doesn't on occasions release the bait in mid air, well this one can't. Is there anything worse than a premature ejection?

Like all good ideas, the concept is simple. As the name implies the clip can't release the baited hook until it actually hits the water. Now impact shields are made on the same principal but alas on occasions, they too, can release prematurely.

The 'Splash Down' clip actually locks the hook into position, and apart from a total clip failure the baited hook just cannot escape from the clip.

At a little over $5.00 for a packet of five they are extremely affordable, they are also reasonably aero dynamic, more so than an impact shield. I have just tied a dozen traces to suit my rig and a $2.00 CD storage case from the local $2.00 shop holds them securely and again, more importantly, tangle free. One other added bonus: unlike other systems the 'Splash Down' clip is not supporting the inertia of the cast, the sinker is supported by the main line ... as it should be. This means you tie the trace to a length where it is slack at the time of casting, the trace has no bearing on the effort required to put the end gear out into the fishing zone.

If you use the popular Black Magic style hook or something of similar robust size, then these clips are not for you. If like me you are a fan of fine wire hooks, as I have used in the pictures to show the clip in use, the holding ability is perfect.

If the manufacturers were to ask for an honest criticism then I would say they have left very little room on the end where you attach the sinker, to get the clip to open to allow the sinker's swivel to be locked in position would be a sod of a job with cold hands on a winter's evening. However, that is a minor quibble, one that is easily overcome by mounting the clips to your sinkers before you go off for a session.

In the close up below, you can see the edge of the stainless plate that holds the hook into the clip. You cannot release the hook by any other means than the flat shield being raised to move the locking plate ... a brilliant idea.

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by racepics <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=racepics' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 16/5/2013, 4:30 pm, in reply to "Splash Down."

One of the main advantages with this system is that you can do a proper Off-The-Ground cast. With other types that rely on line tension to hold the hook into the clip you invariably find it will release if the sinker touches the ground behind you as you cast.

That extra 3 or 4 feet of rod movement might make a difference in casting distance.

Hangler, what brand are those hooks?

Phill, do you have any hooks that will fit into these clips?
Edit: - I see gammy 4/0 or smaller does

http://www.paniasurfcasting.org
http://www.surfcaster.co.nz

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Hangler <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Hangler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 16/5/2013, 5:17 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

Sorry, RP, the brand will mean very little to you, the are sold as Alan Yates match hooks. I purchased them in the UK on one of my visits. I have already written on my love of light gear, and this especially includes hooks. What attracted me to that particular brand was the extra wide gape and their needle sharp point.

The wide gape allows me to expose plenty of point and barb without crowding the hook with my favourite bait, a headless anchovy. As you can see they are the perfect partner for this 'Splash Down' bait release clip.

Re: Splash Down.

I just rigged a few up and wondered why the sinker fell off when bouncing it up and down on the shed floor.
The clip where the sinker or swivel attaches can get 'crossed' in such a way that a simple pull will cause the sinker it unclip itself.

If the line is pulled when the clip is lying in this position it will just slide through the clip.
There must be a better way of attaching the sinker

http://www.paniasurfcasting.org
http://www.surfcaster.co.nz

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Phill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Phill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 16/5/2013, 6:25 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."
Tackle Tactics

Have a look at the Mustad Penetrater or Demon hooks they are both fine wire.

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Phill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Phill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 16/5/2013, 6:29 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."
Tackle Tactics

I am pleased you like the Slash Down clip Hangler they are not for everyone but they have to be the safest hook clip on the market .

Re: Splash Down.

They are certainly the best I have seen so far by a very long way, in fact the only release clip where the bait is actually held in position.

I have taken note of the valid issue RP has pointed out but I this could be easily cured with a secondary nylon loop. Should the sinker get into a position where it could unclip itself at the time of the cast, then the loop would act as back up. Failing that it may be possible to squeeze the end of the swivel that attaches to the clip with pliers, thereby crushing it to prevent that situation arising.

Re: Splash Down.

Problem solved. Using a smaller swivel (or one with smaller eyes) such as the ones at the top of this page http://www.tackletactics.co.nz/swivels-springs-split-rings.html#Swivels means it cannot reach over the tang on the clip and release itself.

http://www.paniasurfcasting.org
http://www.surfcaster.co.nz

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Phill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Phill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 16/5/2013, 8:28 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."
Tackle Tactics

Well done boys.

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Hangler <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Hangler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 17/5/2013, 5:25 pm, in reply to "Splash Down."

I put these clips to the ultimate test this afternoon. Two rods in a three hour session. Not one failure, the clips held and released every time, exactly as advertised, I couldn't be more impressed.

This picture is of a 4/0 wide gape, fine wire hook complete with a large anchovy. Not only was I delighted at the product test, I might add the fish got taken in also.

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Naki-Fisher <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Naki-Fisher' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 17/5/2013, 5:32 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

Good on ya shame about the photo

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by racepics <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=racepics' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 17/5/2013, 6:35 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

I concur, the clips worked faultlessly for me today as well. I was using 4/0 gammy circles.
The only gripe I have is not with the product, by my eyesight, I find it fiddly to try and get the hook into the slot and locked in because its so small and hard for me to see (even with my glasses on)

Its gonna be a bastard at night..

http://www.paniasurfcasting.org
http://www.surfcaster.co.nz

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Hangler <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Hangler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 17/5/2013, 7:15 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

RP, I had that problem to start with. I then held the shield in the up position and place the hook in the slot. I then lowered the shield slowly and this enabled the hook to engage and ultimately lock into the correct position.

I think these release clips are bloody marvellous, possibly one of the best ideas to hit the surfcasting scene for a very long time.

RP, do you think Phill may give us a small discount with all this free advertising.

Re: Splash Down.

I think Gemini should make a larger version to accommodate heavier hooks. It should be a good seller here in NZ. But I guess our local market is way too small to pull any weight with the manufacturers

http://www.paniasurfcasting.org
http://www.surfcaster.co.nz

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Phill <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Phill' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 18/5/2013, 7:50 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."
Tackle Tactics

I am very pleased with your results guys , but I am going to show you the correct method of crimping Hangler.

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Neville Haglund <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Neville+Haglund' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 19/5/2013, 5:45 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

Mate,he's only 45 degrees out

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Hangler <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Hangler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 20/5/2013, 9:15 am, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

A couple of members have asked the make of the hooks I have been using? I purchased these in the UK a few years ago and I really couldn't remember. Last night I wrote to Alan Yates, who at the time was the hook's promoter, I asked if he could direct me to a company that sold them and did overseas' sales?

Alan replied that particular brand of hook is no longer sold but they have been taken over by a company that manufacture the same hook under the name of 'Varivas Big Mouth XTRA'. The 'Big Mouth refers to the wide gape of the hook.

These are the hooks most widely used in the Euro surfcasting match fishing fraternity but they don't come cheaply. Including air freight, four boxes each containing thirty hooks cost around $60.00 ... about fifty cents a hook.

Regarding crimping, I am never too old to learn and welcome lessons, although I must record I have never experienced the failure of a crimp. I use them when I wish to tie traces and rigs, plus long-line traces, all at exactly the same length. I find crimps far more accurate than knots, also a damn sight easier to execute when the eyesight started to suggest I should find an easier method.

I find the Gemini Clip to be the best invention since sliced bread when it comes to putting together end rigs, especially with cold wet hands.

Re: Splash Down.

Mate or Should that be,Aye By Gum Lud,
There's a lot more to crimping than meets the eye,ie ,there are 5 different types of crimps for different applications.and the old adage applies,"it's easier to get it wrong".If admin have no objection I could start a thread on the subject but firstly ,Do you have a Hand Swaging Tool which is the correct name for a pair of crimping pliers.???
Thanks for the pic and tips for your spare trace set up.

Re: Splash Down.

Neville asked: Do you have a Hand Swaging Tool?

I once met a swag man sitting by a billabong ... would that help?

I appreciate there are things that can go right, also many ways to get things wrong. However,as already mentioned, up until now I haven't experienced any problems so the doing it wrong has yet to be proved.

I believe Phill would be delighted should you start such a thread or, as a suggestion, you could tag your advice onto the 'Tested Tackle Tips' thread. Your wisdom would be totally in keeping to the helpful hints contained therein.

Re: Splash Down.

I'm off to the BOP for a few days so I'll get onto it when I get back at the end of the week.So canI assume you don't have the appropriate tool ?

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Hangler <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Hangler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 21/5/2013, 9:09 am, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

Neville asked: So can I assume you don't have the appropriate tool?

I have often been asked such a question but in this rare instance I do indeed have the tool for giving the little aluminium tubes a quick squeeze.

I look forward to your tuition. Enjoy the BOP, Neville. I have experienced some superb surfcasting on those lovely sandy beaches, especially in the area of Pikowhai.

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Da-Iceman <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Da-Iceman' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 25/5/2013, 4:41 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

I have just made up 25 Gemini breakout sinkers with the release clips incorporated into the sinker design The mould was purchased from Tackle tactics along with sinker kits.
Tookey is shouting me a to Te

kaha and the cape for the long weekend so I cant wait to try them out.

Gizzy

"The worst day Fishing is better than the best day of work"

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by tomdaniel <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=tomdaniel' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 3/6/2013, 6:39 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

Tried the splash downs today,awesome bit of kit, not one failure, highly recommend this clip. thanks Hangler for the write up, which put me on to them, I used Mustard Penetrators and mutsu recurves which both did well, but I favoured the penetrators because the bait sits better,casting distance has also improved with the baits staying clipped up,no hook ups but thats fishing.

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by te-hori <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=te-hori' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 4/6/2013, 4:56 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

Might have to try these clips i can see a app for kontiki with em.

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by te-hori <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=te-hori' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 8/6/2013, 1:25 am, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

Why headless ? is that for easy set up ? or works better as bait ? enjoy your comments hangler.

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by Hangler <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=Hangler' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 8/6/2013, 8:45 am, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

te-hori, I have only just caught up with your question, 'why headless?'.

Pilchards and anchovies are possibly the most favoured baits for using whole. It is my opinion that both baits have their very own burley supply: the contents of the gut cavity.

I always use anchovies when they are still frozen, this so that when the bait is held in place with bait elastic (not bait cotton) the fish remains intact during the cast. Once the end gear has settled on the seabed then it only takes a minute for salt water to start the thawing process. Once the gut cavity contents start to leach out of the cut where I removed the head, then you have a nice little burley trail leading right to the bait and hopefully, your hook. I should add, I don't think anchovies would make a suitable bait for long-line fishing, I believe they are far too soft when thawed.

Bonito is also a nice oily bait and can be very successful for much the same reason. However, in as much as oily baits work really well, this last few months I have been having a lot of success using travali. The flesh is very firm and the bright shiny skin does seem to be an attraction. This is my favoured bait for a torpedo, it stands up well to the long drag offshore and if the hooks don't return with a fish, then it's quite surprising how many baits return after their two kilometre trip (one klm out one klm in), in good enough condition to be deployed once more.

Thanks for your comment, it's pleasing to be helpful.

Re: Splash Down.

Cheers for that mate ! as my traces float they do not drag on bottom to same extent, so i can use softer baits..

Re: Splash Down.

Posted by tima <iframe src='https://members5.boardhost.com/surfcasting/info/user=tima' width='330' height='300' border=0 style='border:none;'> on 27/6/2013, 4:07 pm, in reply to "Re: Splash Down."

Guys

Connecting the lead to the Splashdown clip is a pain so I fixed a Mustad oval split ring (other lead clips would probably work too) to each Splashdown then I connect the lead to the split ring.

As to hooks the Mustad Aberdeens available from the UK work in my Splashdowns and are reasonably priced.

Cheers

Tim

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