Q: I’ve just started shore fishing, and on a few occasions I’ve lost tackle when casting. I’ve been told to add a shockleader to my mainline, but don’t know how much to attach or the best way to attach it. RICHARD SMITH, LOUGHOR, SWANSEA

PF says: When using a relatively thin mainline, it’s essential that a shockleader is attached to prevent the line breaking while casting. The rule of thumb to remember is – for every ounce of lead weight, you must use at least 10lb of mono. That means if you use a 5oz sinker, you must use at least a 50lb shockleader; 6oz for 60lb, and so on.

The easiest knot for attaching the shockleader is the half-hitch plus grinner. I generally opt for the length of the rod plus six turns on the reel.