Question about line (Page 2): Most of the people in our Muskies Inc chapter use either 60# or (most) 80# leader. Some mono - some fluorocarbon. Most all told me not to use the vinyl...

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Most of the people in our Muskies Inc chapter use either 60# or (most) 80# leader. Some mono - some fluorocarbon. Most all told me not to use the vinyl coated steel. Thats what I go by. The people I fish with are catching a few 45 -50# ( just not me yet) and many 35–44# muskies every year with no cut off problems. Many use straight 80# braid with no leader and still catch the big ones without cutting off. They all have told me to check line for abrasions after ever hookup and cut off if ‘any’ fraying and re-tie. It has worked for the 20 to 35# muskies I have caught.

Vcrusco Loc: Connecticut

For muskie I get that because it seems they are more cautious in pursuit but my thing is I believe pike are all about search and destroy.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

We have a few pike in a couple reservoirs in Utah but they are 4-5 hrs away from me.

fishrmans Loc: Waushara Cnty Wisconsin and Port Charlotte Fl

Huntm22 wrote:

Most of the people in our Muskies Inc chapter use ... (show quote)

Are you catching these in Utah? Record musky in Utah is 33 lbs

fishrmans Loc: Waushara Cnty Wisconsin and Port Charlotte Fl

When you fish for musky you usually use a pretty large bait and they seldom swallow it far enough in to get behind those rear teeth. When we fish for northern we often use smaller spoons etc and they can be hooked deeper.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

fishrmans wrote:

Are you catching these in Utah? Record musky in Utah is 33 lbs

Mis typed - that was supposed to say inches - my bad - its an age thing - old timers disease. 😂😂

fishrmans Loc: Waushara Cnty Wisconsin and Port Charlotte Fl

Huntm22 wrote:

Mis typed - that was supposed to say inches - my bad - its an age thing - old timers disease. 😂😂

You’re alright using mono and flouro for fish that size as long as they don’t take the lure real deep. A lot of time when fishing for northerns I use the medium or large size spoon like a little Cleo and a larger size northern can pretty much swallow it. If I don’t have a wire leader——-probably gone.

Rayz Loc: North West N.J. and South Hero Vt.

I use a " micro leader" It is very thin wire. I think Eagle Claw makes them.

fishrmans Loc: Waushara Cnty Wisconsin and Port Charlotte Fl

Rayz wrote:

I use a " micro leader" It is very thin wire. I think Eagle Claw makes them.

Should work as long as it’s strong enough to handle a large fish. I like to use about a 20 lb wire leader although in most cases a 10 lb leader will do as long as your rod and reel are set up right.

Able Man Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)

It has been many, MANY years ago, but I do recall, the SINGLE Musky I've ever caught; was eaten due to trolling a Mepps3 spinner/ a 10 or 12 in., plastic coated steel leader. Was prolly using ~30 lb. mono... Hell, this WAS 50-52 years ago. If my memory bears any resemblance to "a stell-trap"; it is that: "It's old and rusty"!

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

fishrmans wrote:

You’re alright using mono and flouro for fish that size as long as they don’t take the lure real deep. A lot of time when fishing for northerns I use the medium or large size spoon like a little Cleo and a larger size northern can pretty much swallow it. If I don’t have a wire leader——-probably gone.

Here is a happy little gal from the area.

fishrmans Loc: Waushara Cnty Wisconsin and Port Charlotte Fl

Able Man wrote:

It has been many, MANY years ago, but I do recall, the SINGLE Musky I've ever caught; was eaten due to trolling a Mepps3 spinner/ a 10 or 12 in., plastic coated steel leader. Was prolly using ~30 lb. mono... Hell, this WAS 50-52 years ago. If my memory bears any resemblance to "a stell-trap"; it is that: "It's old and rusty"!

Yup...they can certainly swallow that. Some time ya gotta eat em. And the ones I have eaten were darn good.

fishrmans Loc: Waushara Cnty Wisconsin and Port Charlotte Fl

Huntm22 wrote:

Here is a happy little gal from the area.

Beautiful fish. Lucky girl.

jlb603

wire leaders are not very good for bass unless like vcrusco said you are using reaction baits, and to me 30# anything is defeating the purpose of the leader attached to braided line. it is a pain to re tie constantly, but i just look at it as one of those things you have to do in order to maybe catch a trophy bass

Able Man Loc: North Coast (Cleveland, Ohio)

fishrmans wrote:

Yup...they can certainly swallow that. Some time ya gotta eat em. And the ones I have eaten were darn good.

Hell, didn't nobody have to hold a gun to MY HEAD, to get me to eat that rascal... I just "termed it" kinda funny, I guess. ... The whole idea WAS to EAT the fish. I can't recall even ONE instance, of my going fishing, without intending to eat what I catch (as long as it's legal/ DESIRABLE; what I manage to catch).