LingKing Loc: Bay Area

I used to use all mono for line and leader off a swivel around 30” but have since switched to braided main line for distance casting. I heard I should tie at least twice the length of the rod for leader of mono. I am proficient with a double uni knot for braid to mono but this knot going through the guide and just into the spool doesn’t seem to be a good thing since I’m casting out 100 or so times. I thought I’d just tie my braid onto a swivel then follow with a 2-3ft leader but was told the fish will see the braid snd not follow the bait as it psssed through the trough they are sitting in. Any suggestions would be helpful.

USAF Major Loc: Sea Bright, NJ

I've been using no more than 4 feet for years. I get my share of fish.

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

It would depend on how clear the water is, but 2' - 3' should be fine in most cases. (MHO)

LingKing Loc: Bay Area

I appreciate your reply. Thanks for that.

JohnG Loc: Long Island NY.

Three feet max for me.

tblutton1

It depends on whether you are fishing bait or lures. Because bait fishing requires less casting a long leader with a double uni or FG knot works fine, particularly if the bottom has sharp shells or rocks. If fishing lures, a 2' to 4' leader is usually adequate in the surf particularly in white-water. Flouro-carbon is the choice in exceptionally clean water but most times a simple mono leader is OK. The longer leader in the surf serves as a shock leader and is often used when tossing bait and heavy sinkers, but with lures the knot passing through the guides takes too much of a beating. It's better to go with shorter leaders, but if using a teaser go with at least 3'. You didn't mention the length of the rod that you are using but shorter rods clearly require less length of leader to get the max distance in the casting. TomL

hemihappy Loc: pawleys island s.c.

If you use the FG knot going through the eyes is not a problem even having the knot on your spool a bit will work Personally I only use about 2 1/2 feet of leader that way I keep the knot out of my rods eyes. The FG properly tied is the smallest knot you can find. I use the Alberto knot it is easier to tie. The FG if I will spend the day casting.