When do you use a leader?
This is going to sound like a stupid question but as Mr. Garrison says,
there are no stupid questions, just stupid people.
I've always used mono line on my Curado.
All this talk lately of braided line makes me want to give it a try. I
assume you use a mono or flourocarbon leader for (in)visibility
purposes when using braided lines?
How much of a leader do you typically use - 6-8" or so?What other situations would you use a leader on standard rod and
reels(non-fly-tackle)? |
Seismo
Jun 3
2005
|
| Actually I use lines a little differently than you might think. In all, but
the clearest waters I use braid tied directly to my boat. For topwater and
crankbaits I use mono. I'ld love to use braid for those too, but my skills
aren't at the point where I can do that. I need the give of the mono to
keep me from tearing the bait out of the fish. For gin clear water I just use straight Seaguar CarbonPro Pure flouro
carbon. I can't see any real benefit to mixing it up except maybe for
saltwater where I would want the added line capacity of braid relative to
the pound test, and then a clear flouro leader for spooky and finicky fish
like albacore. Also, I have noticed more difference from line diameter due to differing
fall rates of the biat rather than due to visibility. JM 2¢ |
Bob
Jun 3
|
| I am pretty similar to Bob in my approach, except for crankbaits I
always use braids with a fluoro leader (if the water requires it). The
braid gives me a small line diameter which gives me more running depth.
Also the braid increases the feel I have for determing cover and
helping me detect the subtle changes in the cranksbaits motion, which
can be the difference from hooking up and never knowing a fish was even
there. For clear water I use fluorocarbon from 8' to 4' depending on the type
of cover and what the fish are telling me they want. I use braids for all my flipping / pitching rods, and will put on a
heavier fluoro leader if the water is clear. Problem is, when you start
getting up to the heavier weights, line diameter can somewhat take away
from what the fluoro gives you. My 2 cents as well Chris |
Chris
Jun 3
|
| Yeah, that's a little different than I might think. How do you cast
that sucker? LOL. |
Henry
Jun 3
|
| I NEVER use a leader on braided line. I tie direct to the hook. |
RichZ
Jun 3
|
| I'm with Rich on this one. I too tie directly to the hook, regardless of
what type of lure I'm using. I figure that if a fish's brain isn't developed enough to register pain, it
certainly isn't going to reason out a line from the lure. |
Steve
Jun 3
|
| I agree, if it will eat a bright orange senko.... a little line won't scare
it away |
alwaysfishking
Jun 3
|
| DITTO
danl4x@charter.net
Remove the x for e-mail reply
www.outdoorfrontiers.com
www.SecretWeaponLures.com
A proud charter member of "PETAF", People for Eating Tasty Animals and Fish!!! |
Dan
Jun 3
|
| Same here, right to the hook. But, I usually use braided in situations
where mono is inferior, like heave pads and thick vegetation. If I want to
horse one out of the back of the pads, I'll use braid. For most other
situations I can rely on the rod and drag to safely land the fish. Rich P "Dan, danl, danny boy, Redbeard, actually Greybeard now" |
Rich
Jun 4
|
| I've never used a leader. Went fishing a spring-fed gravel pit this
morning, crystal clear water. Tied 20# PowerPro directly to a 1/0 hook
with 1/16 oz bullet weight and fished a 3" Mann's Dragin Fly. Caught 10
smallish bass and a nice bluegill in an hour. They didn't seem to care
that they could see the line. |
Henry
Jun 4
|
| Depends on the fish. Bass do not seem to be leader shy. They are not using
their eyes, but lateral lines for finding food. Mostly they are either
hungry when hitting the bait, or mad when hitting the bait. Other fish are
leader shy. Some like Albacore and other tuna, have big eyes, and see
extremely well. Then a flourocarbon leader on braid or mono will help you
hook fish. |
Bill
Jun 5
|
