Does braided line need a leader? In recent years I switched all my line to braid. I never gave it a thought using about a leader, but looking back, it seems I never caught quite as...

Jmlt93 Loc: NE Ohio

In recent years I switched all my line to braid. I never gave it a thought using about a leader, but looking back, it seems I never caught quite as much since I switched. I would appreciate some input and what to use for a leader. Thank you!

jigginjim Loc: Buffalo, Minnesota

I use a 3=4 ft section of mono or flouro, as a leader, this is also allows retying hooks easier. I used 10 =14 lb braid but will use 6 to 15 lb leader material. If you are looking to used a sliding float? Some stoppers do not hold on braid as well as using mono, then add as much material as you need. This mono leader will also work as a shock absorber, giving that little extra stretch.

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Jm, I saw a big increase in catches once I went with a leader. Have switched from mono to fluro and like that even better. My braid is 10lb and the fluro is 20lb and prefer the 18" to 24" length of a leader. However on my top water still just braid since there is all action on top and the hits have been from the sides and rear did not see a need to leader the top water bait.

Also for me I like the perfection loop knot and find it easier to tie on the leader instead of on the braid.

GaryH Loc: Northern Pa.

On top water fishing weeds and lily pads i'll use 30 to 50 lb. braid no leader. Crank baits 30 lb braid with 12 lb.fluorocarbon leader 2 - 3 feet if it's a deep running crank. For shallow water crank 30 lb. braid 12 lb. mono.leader 2 - 3 feet.
Finesse, wacky neko ect. straight fluorocarbon 8 - 12 lb.

Catfish hunter Loc: Riggins idaho (Paradise)

Jmlt93 wrote:

In recent years I switched all my line to braid. I never gave it a thought using about a leader, but looking back, it seems I never caught quite as much since I switched. I would appreciate some input and what to use for a leader. Thank you!

I use lots of different sizes of braid but I always use a mono or flourocarbon leader for everything but sturgeon. When I’m sturgeon fishing I use 80 to 100 pound braid with a 60 pound braid leader. Not casting it though. Just dropping from a boat in deep water with 2 and 3 pound cannon balls.

jfbanzai Loc: Menomonie, Wisconsin

Depends a lot on water clarity. Braid has a tendency to turn white from exposure to the sun and can spook fish. I either use a leader, or take a black Sharpie and color my braid black. In really clear water, a leader is pretty much a must. For bass, it's 20lb braid with a 15lb flouro leader. For Northern Pike, it's 30-40lb braid with a 30lb leader made of a line called Flouroclear by P-Line.

USAF Major Loc: Sea Bright, NJ

I use fluorocarbon leaders in salt water. For a full season my fishing buddy couldn't be bothered and I was getting many more strikes than was. We were casting for striped bass.

Jeremy Loc: America

For Sm M bass I use Mono 6Lb leader maybe 8 if I broke any. On 12 main. My buddies use 6 and lose fish but I go to bigger when I do. I also use real worms they will not...until I catch fish for 3 days and they don't...then they will use worms too.

Jmlt93 Loc: NE Ohio

Thanks guys! I do most of my fishing on lake Erie which is pretty clear waters for the most part. I will definitely be using a leader from now on and hopefully I'll be able to keep up with the other guys from now on. Good luck and tight lines to all of you!

LKPKGA

Unless i am fishing in heavy weeds,I always use a leader.

Ronniejw Loc: West Point MS

I only use leaders on light lines for crappie or bluegill. Had a bass take my lure yesterday only 4 ft from me in 2ft of water, crystal clear, lure was tied on 15lb braid

plumbob Loc: New Windsor Maryland

Jmlt93 wrote:

Thanks guys! I do most of my fishing on lake Erie which is pretty clear waters for the most part. I will definitely be using a leader from now on and hopefully I'll be able to keep up with the other guys from now on. Good luck and tight lines to all of you!

Good luck Jm, next post will be pictures from Erie, Right?

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

We do like to see the pictures on here. Thank you

Kerry Hansen Loc: Bremerton, WA

For what it is worth, For trout, Steelhead and River salmon drift fishing I use 50 lb braid because it is easier to get knots out of the line (approx equiv dia. of 12 lb mono) and i use a mono type leader. I use the leader to be less visible to the fish, especially if they are spooky and to act as a "fuse" using electrical terms, because my rods are something like 8-12Lb rated. for sturgeon, I am not worrying about that so I use the 50lb braid with 80lb Dacron to take the abuse and use over and over.

Jmlt93 Loc: NE Ohio

Yes hopefully I'll be able to post some pictures here shortly. My boat is in the shop so I won't be able to get out this weekend, hopefully next week.