Big Swimbaits/ wake baits: Putting together a rod for big baits. 2-7 ounce. Something new I want to try, using 20lb mono and went out yesterday and not getting distance I want. Fish w...

JDFishes Loc: Atlantic County

Putting together a rod for big baits. 2-7 ounce. Something new I want to try, using 20lb mono and went out yesterday and not getting distance I want. Fish w boat but a couple my favorite lakes from the shore. Thinking about using 30pd braid w a 15’ shock leader. Thoughts? What’s best knot braid to mono? Is there a better leader then mono.

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

JDFishes wrote:

Putting together a rod for big baits. 2-7 ounce. Something new I want to try, using 20lb mono and went out yesterday and not getting distance I want. Fish w boat but a couple my favorite lakes from the shore. Thinking about using 30pd braid w a 15’ shock leader. Thoughts? What’s best knot braid to mono? Is there a better leader then mono.

I use all braid. looking at your rig I'd try 15# braid with 8' fluoro leader. best two knots are double uni or a tony pina

JDFishes Loc: Atlantic County

Appreciate your input, I typically fish straight breed 15# w spinning gear. Fish aren’t too spooky around me.
My reasoning for the 20 pound mono I’m not real savvy with bait casters so was concerned with getting a mess of backlash. went out yesterday and didn’t have any problems so I have some confidence to switch to braid. my other concern is these big Lutes snapping off some can get pretty pricey. That was my reasoning for shock leader.
I’m going to switch it up today if I get time and give it a try

Jer Loc: N. Illinois 🇺🇸

ripogenu wrote:

I use all braid. looking at your rig I'd try 15# braid with 8' fluoro leader. best two knots are double uni or a tony pina

Rip,
I concur but I have never tried the Tony Pèna knot. I use the Red Phillips knot that is fairly similar. Here’s a link to it.
https://youtu.be/WAbXaGYaaIo

JDFishes Loc: Atlantic County

My son swears by improved Albright. Experiences guide fatigue sometimes. I’m gonna try double uni Thanks

J in Cleveland Loc: Cleveland, Ohio

I’m a double uni braid to floro leader guy personally. Use 15-20 lb braid and 6 lb floro leader

Tight lines
J

JDFishes Loc: Atlantic County

👍🏻👍🏻

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

Same type rug I use first surf fishing, only I use an 11 foot rod. Lamiglas GSB132 1 blank that I built. 30# braid with a 15' stick leader tied on with an Alberto knot, which is basically an Albright with a rwist.

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

J in Cleveland wrote:

I’m a double uni braid to floro leader guy personally. Use 15-20 lb braid and 6 lb floro leader

Tight lines
J

Double uni is a fatter knot and doesn't go through the guides as easily.

JDFishes Loc: Atlantic County

Is that same as improved Albright. Seems like smallest knot. Thought about doing short leader so it never goes in guides, then knot size not as crucial but would need to be tied more frequently. Also was thinking my riig would be good for Stripers in spring/fall from surf. Have all spinning gear now but trying to expand my arsenal

nutz4fish Loc: Colchester, CT

JDFishes wrote:

Putting together a rod for big baits. 2-7 ounce. Something new I want to try, using 20lb mono and went out yesterday and not getting distance I want. Fish w boat but a couple my favorite lakes from the shore. Thinking about using 30pd braid w a 15’ shock leader. Thoughts? What’s best knot braid to mono? Is there a better leader then mono.

JD. Before ya give up on the mono, try some line dressing. Maybe even WD40 ? That's suppose to attract fish, but I've got my doubts, and have never tried it. I'm thinking this over, now that you mentioned it & gonna try some non stick cooking spray, that's just soybean oil, shouldn't hurt anything. Will letcha know in March.

Kunafish

I don’t know if a shock leader is going to help with snapping off lures. I would still use a leader anyway, but a short one you can cast with. Make sure your braid is spooled nice and tight using a wrap between your fingers. It should feel hard on the spool. That way your line won’t dig in to itself and lock up on the cast, and you won’t loose your lure.

JDFishes Loc: Atlantic County

Thanks for all the advice, gonna try to get out to local lake this weekend and work the kinks out before spring! Never too old to try something new

Retrieverman390

For distance I would use 15# braid of your choice, mosr are very good and 20# leader of mono or florocabon connected with a crazy Alberto knot. It’s easy to to tie with some practice and never ever fails,

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

I throw my big swimbaits with a Dobyn's swimbait rod, Daiwa Lexa reel, 50# braid, and a 24 inch 17 lb flouro leader. I use the double uni knot. I can make long casts without wearing myself out and because the retrieve is slow to moderate I feel like the flouro leader is less visible to fish taking their time following and observing the lure.