A separator is crucial to balance the setup when casting bait with a bait basket. The separator helps to prevent trouble with the hook line wrapping itself around the fishing float and the main line by specifying the bait basket and hook line position to separate points to form the balance.
There are many possible designs for a separator, and if you decide to make your own, bear in mind that balance is of the essence. A design that I often use is what I label as the Inverted-V-Separator. Use of a wire cutter tool with a small hole in the center between the cutting edges will help shape the necessary loops on the stainless steel rod. Needle nose pliers are also a useful tool to work the approximately 0.05 inches thick and six-inch long stainless rod.
There are two closed loops to be formed, one at the top to attach to the main line and another at the end of the arm for the hook line on the Inverted-V Separator. The loop at the top of the bait basket will slide into a slot at the bottom of the separator. That is the starting point to form the separator. This slot at the bottom is an open loop and must be covered after the bait basket is set into it. Use an inch of a rubber or plastic tube that shrinks with heat for this purpose. The plastic tube may be inserted through the stainless rod before the slot is formed or later, if desired. The thin tube is available in various widths and can be easily placed over the slot after it is formed, and heated with a lighter to cover the open part of the slot.
The key to forming the slot is to have at least a half-inch neck before its loop to secure the bait basket. After this is done, work the stainless rod to the top loop for the main line. This is a closed loop, so after it is shaped, continue to go down below the loop to form two twists over the rod, and angle the arm downward before making the final loop for the hook-line. This is also a closed loop that must be formed with either the wire cutting tool or pliers. Having a tiny gap at the very end is almost unavoidable. It is a good idea to solder the end of the loop to prevent the hook line from sliding into the gap.
Slide the heat shrunk plastic tube up to insert the basket and down to cover the gap after this. Another short plastic tube may be used below the top loop for the main line. This helps to keep the hook-line from wrapping around the twists formed below the loop on the separator.
Making the separator becomes easier with repetition. It is a practical tool to use for trouble prevention when bait cast fishing. Incidentally, if you give it a vertical flip, I think you will agree that it does resemble an inverted, oblong-V.
The Inverted-V is one of three separator designs that I often use with my bait cast fishing setup. The other two are the Basic and Hybrid L-Shape. Take a look at their design and make them a part of your collection. Stop by [http://www.baitcastfishing.com]
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