This month I thought I would look at two items of tackle I find invaluable.
1. The loop tyer
I got mine free when they were first introduced by "Seymo", originally marketed for the match / pole angler. I of course found a use for it when making up hair rigs. I have had mine for several years so they do last. I recently saw one advertised in a carp fishing catalogue aimed at the carper for, as you guessed it, tying up hair rigs. You can tie two sizes of loop and are perfect and the same size of loop every time, also very easy to use. Each side has two arms, one shorter than the other. Take your line and double it up and loosely form a granny knot as you would for any loop. Place the end over the large arm and the knotted part over the small arm, then pull tight. Slide the knot off of the arm and fully tighten the loop. Tie a second knot to finish off and stop the loop from slipping.Then trim off the tag end. Job done, one perfect loop.
For my second piece of tackle, one item I would never be without
John Roberts hook / knot tester
A brilliant piece of kit. Your knots can and do strangle line causing weak points and this could mean losing a fish of a life time. So I recommend that you test your hook knots with this little device When in use it will even show any weakness in the hook too and any size hook can be tested. So this month a double prescription. I would defiinately prescibe "The Loop Tyer" followed by the "Hook / Knot Tester" I have met and fished alongside John Roberts and he puts a lot og thought behind the items he makes / invents.
