Pallatrax L.I.L.O System

Pallatrax are mostly known for their “Stonze” weight system, but they have taken this to another level with the inline L.I.L.O. (Line in, Line out) system. The drilled pebble weights are bored out to the correct diameter to house one of the soft rubber L.I.L.O. inserts. Once the insert has been threaded through the Stonze weight, the protruding tail can be then cut down close.

The special sized micro swivel is then pulled completely into the rubber sleeve, placing it completely out of sight. This is the ultimate in rig camouflage. The swivels are much smaller than what the typical angler is used to, but they have a breaking strain in excess of 42lb – which is far greater than what 99.9% of anglers will be using as a reel line or hooklink.

As well as the standard swivels, Pallatrax have also introduced a quick change swivel that can also be pulled into the weight also, but negates the need for use of a separate sleeve to hold the hooklink securely onto the clip.

The L.I.L.O system has been originally developed for use with the Pallatrax Inline Siltie weights, but with a little modification, the original inline Stonze can be used in the same manner. I have yet to use the Stonze system in my angling to date, but I will be certainly putting it to the test this coming season with regards to my stalking and clear water river fishing.

Pallatrax “The Steam Link” Hooklink Material

Pallatrax have thought about what they would like in a hooklink material and come up with what looks to be a complete winner. The “Steam Link” is a stiff, coated dyneema available in two breaking strains; 15lb & 25lb. The outer coating is extremely stiff, but can be easily stripped back with any of the popular stripping tools as well as your teeth (yes I use my teeth at times!). Once the outer coating is stripped back, the inner braid is very supple and knots extremely well.

The “Steam Link” gets its name from a special characteristic in that once it has been tied up into a rig, if held over steam and pulled straight; it remains straight and goes extremely rigid. This means fewer tangles on the cast, and also very effective hinged combi rigs made in no time at all, with no weak joining knots.

One little tip is to not trim back the knot at the swivel or loop end (if using a loop the “no slip” loop knot gives optimum breaking strain, although Pallatrax recommend an overhand loop, I have found that the “no slip” loop offers higher knot strength with this material) until after it has been steamed, as steaming will soften the outer coating at the knot initially and allow the knot to be tightened fully. This maintains the maximum breaking strain for the material.

“Steam Link” is supplied on 20m spools on handy dispensers with an integral cutter, which will fit snugly into virtually all modern tackle box systems. Because of the stiffness of the material it is best used over hard, clear bottoms as if used in weed or over soft bottoms such as silt, the stiffness of the material may cause the rig to stand up proud of the deck.

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