Abstract: A drogue and mandrel are provided for securing a fiber optic link in which the mandrel has halves with winding knobs on the ends of the mandrel. One half includes pegs for positioning the link with a fiber optic splice between the pegs. The halves attach at the pegs such that the knobs can wind to secure the link on a lined surface of one of the halves. The halves have grooves to protect the link from breaking during winding. A pair of guide tubes and the mandrel including the fiber optic link are positioned in the drogue with the tubes tangent to the mandrel to ensure that there is no obstruction. A second half of the mandrel features arresting teeth that interfaces with recesses threaded winding knobs to prevent unwinding. A circumferential fin assists with inducing drag of the drogue.