Protect PE line to avoid trouble SHIMANO OCEA COVERED KNOT 16 PE

What is the Protect Leader System?

In casting games, one way to minimize casting problems is to prevent the leader and PE line from entering the reel spool. By casting with your finger on the PE line in front of the tying section during the casting position, the tying section will pass through the guides more smoothly and cause fewer problems. However, when fishing with repeated casting, repeatedly hanging one’s finger on the area causes fluffing. Also, the PE line near the tying-off area is easily damaged by hitting the blank and guides as it swells during casting. If the line is damaged, there is a possibility of line breakage, which is a cause for concern when a good-sized fish hits. If you feel that the knot is damaged, you can re-tie it, but the FG knot, which is used by many anglers in offshore fishing, takes several minutes to tie, even if you are a fast tyer. By retying the knot, you may miss your chance. Therefore, more and more anglers are adopting the Protect Leader System, which protects the PE line in that area.

The protect leader system covers the PE line with a hollow material that is resistant to abrasion, thereby preventing damage to the main PE line. In addition, the leader tying section can be closer to the first guide by lengthening the finger-hanging area, and the thickness and stiffness of the tied line can be graded to reduce casting problems. The line also passes smoothly through the guides, which increases casting distance. The line dedicated to the protected leader system is OCEA [COVERED KNOT 16 PE], which will be newly released in 2025.

Before tying the leader to the PE line, a sewing needle is inserted through the PE line about 10 cm from the end of COVERED KNOT 16 PE, a hollow line for protection that has been cut in advance, and the PE line is passed through the COVERED KNOT 16 PE. After tying the PE line and leader together with an FG knot, weave in the half hitch of the PE line from the top of the covered COVERED KNOT 16 PE and wrap it around the leader. Finally, the excess portion of the COVERED KNOT 16 PE line, where the PE line was first inserted, is tied to the PE line with a half-hitch to complete the process. Although the knot process is more involved, it is a proven line system. We will introduce how to tie the knot when we have a chance.

Protective leader systems are now being used to target large casting targets such as sunfish, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, and GT. Large fish are not easy to encounter. This system was developed to eliminate the uncertainty of line damage during a fight in order to ensure the success of that hit.

This system protects the leader and PE line by covering the PE line side with a hollow line. Although this system requires more time and effort to tie the leader, it is sure to provide peace of mind during fights with high drag tension.

Adoption of abrasion-resistant material

OCEA COVERED KNOT 16 PE, exclusively designed for use with protected leaders, has a smooth surface thanks to its 16 mesh. This leads to good guide release when casting. The raw yarn of COVERED KNOT 16 PE is Spectra ®️, a polyethylene yarn by Honeywell, which is also used in HARDBULL 8+. This fiber is used in bulletproof vests to protect human lives and in ropes for ships that are subjected to heavy use, and is a material with proven strength. How does it perform as a line?　It is characterized by its excellent abrasion resistance. In an underwater durability test conducted by Shimano during the development of HARDBULL 8+, the line showed approximately three times the value when subjected to friction until it snapped compared to a standard PE line. In addition, the surface of Covered Knot 16 PE is coated with a slightly harder wax coating to give the line itself an appropriate degree of elasticity. This makes it easier to thread the PE line.

Made with Honeywell’s Spectra®️, which boasts high abrasion resistance, the 16-strand braid has a smooth surface. The 16-strand weave has a smooth surface that allows the guide to slide easily.

There are four types in the lineup. Also available for assist hooks.

This OCEA COVERED KNOT 16 PE is available in a lineup of No. 4, No. 6, No. 8, and No. 10. If the line to be used is No. 10, choose the No. 10 model; if the line to be used is No. 8, choose the No. 8 model. The line is also characterized by excellent abrasion resistance, making it ideal for making assist hooks. The color is marine blue, and the 30m reel is priced at 2,270 yen.

Product information
https://fish.shimano.com/ja-JP/product/line/saltwater_egi/pe/a15f900000eochsial.html

Summary: Angler’s Time Editors