27 replies to this topic

[mikea07]

Hi guys,

I am running a 40lb braid on my baitcaster and have been advised to use a fluorocarbon leader.

Is this something that I should tie on and use for all applications? Will there ever be any disadvantages to using a fluorocarbon leader? Aside from the fact that it is apparently slippery and knots sometimes don't hold?

I'm probably looking to tie on 5-6 feet. What strength should I be using?

Sorry for all of the noob questions. I am new to braid and fluorocarbon.


Cheers,
Mike

[DitchWizard]

Most people run different knots for floro like the palomar knot

Depends what you are fishing for as far as strength goes.

[NADO]

i use the improved clinch knot for everything except for connecting line - I use the uni to uni for that.

 

Its kind of noobish to use the improved clinch for everything but I tie it very carefully and never have any issues with braid, mono or fluro.

[FrequentFlyer]

i use the improved clinch knot for everything except for connecting line - I use the uni to uni for that.

 

Its kind of noobish to use the improved clinch for everything but I tie it very carefully and never have any issues with braid, mono or fluro.

 

 

i do the same, cept i use a surgeons for connecting lines.....don't fix what ain't broke imo

[BackwoodsBassr]

I've used the blood knot on 6lb vanish to 6lb Trilene XL with no problems...aside from vanish being the worst line ever and not abrasion resistant at all lol. the blood knot worked well though and it was never the source of my frustrations...

 

Mono is a little easier than braid because the line crimps more but I've heard that blood knots still hold well.

[DitchWizard]

i use the improved clinch knot for everything except for connecting line - I use the uni to uni for that.

 

Its kind of noobish to use the improved clinch for everything but I tie it very carefully and never have any issues with braid, mono or fluro.

Lol I use the improved clinch as well but slobber all over it..I said "most people" but I feel like a bit of a noob using it as well but It doesn't seem to break off


Backwoods if you use vanish your fish will vanish lol

[FrequentFlyer]

doesn't matter what knot you use, long as it holds.  the fish aren't going to say 'ooo this guy tied a bimini twist, think i'll eat this one instead of the imp clinch'

[apz245]

i've been experimenting with leaders lately for spinning, but I don't like doing it in waters with lots of pike, easy way to lose expensive lures, especially when some stupid little 1 foot pike decides it wants a 4 inch rapala.

 

i usually tie a small swivel to my braid and then tie the leader..  does anyone else do it like this?

[FrequentFlyer]

i've been experimenting with leaders lately for spinning, but I don't like doing it in waters with lots of pike, easy way to lose expensive lures, especially when some stupid little 1 foot pike decides it wants a 4 inch rapala.

 

i usually tie a small swivel to my braid and then tie the leader..  does anyone else do it like this?

 

 

thats an easy way to do it, eliminate line twists that way too

[apz245]

I use 8lb leader, I worry that its too little though as a lot of the premade leaders sold are like 20lbs

 

edit: im not expert on fishing this way either, and am hoping to learn from this thread too, don't take anything I say as the proper way to do it

[mikea07]

Well I was thinking of going for a 20lb fluorocarbon but I'm wondering if that will tie well to my 40lb braid.

 

I'd tie it to a swivel but the only disadvantage is that that won't go through the guides.

[Nick Evans]

MIKEA07

 

First off, what species are you targeting? second, what lures, depths and structure are you planning on fishing? 

[mikea07]

I'm going to be targeting mostly bass, walleye and probably the odd pike. I'll be throwing topwaters, cranks, spinners, suspending jerk baits. A little bit of everything.

Just want something versatile.

[Nick Evans]

When fishing for bass and walleye you don't really need a heavy fluorocarbon leader more then 12-14 lbs unless you are fishing heavy cover. If you are specifically targeting pike I would suggest no less than 60 lb fluorocarbon, if you use anything less you could get bit off easily. It may seem like overkill but trust me it really isn't. For bass and walleye you really only need a 2 foot leader at max unless you are fishing ultra clear water. If you're fishing for pike then a 8"-18" leader will be fine. One thing to remember with heavy fluorocarbon 20lb+ is that it will distort the action on smaller stick baits and crank baits therefore I never use them when I walleye or bass fish.

 

Hopefully this helps. Goodluck!

[BackwoodsBassr]

Backwoods if you use vanish your fish will vanish lol

Lol fact. "Fish on!" *snap* "mother@#*!?$"

[mikea07]

When fishing for bass and walleye you don't really need a heavy fluorocarbon leader more then 12-14 lbs unless you are fishing heavy cover. If you are specifically targeting pike I would suggest no less than 60 lb fluorocarbon, if you use anything less you could get bit off easily. It may seem like overkill but trust me it really isn't. For bass and walleye you really only need a 2 foot leader at max unless you are fishing ultra clear water. If you're fishing for pike then a 8"-18" leader will be fine. One thing to remember with heavy fluorocarbon 20lb+ is that it will distort the action on smaller stick baits and crank baits therefore I never use them when I walleye or bass fish.

Hopefully this helps. Goodluck!

Thank you. That was a huge help. I like fishing without a leader for bass. Had a few rapala lures bit off last year though while bass fishing which is why I was inquiring about a leader this season. Doesn't happen too often though. Maybe I'll just take my chances and if I'm going to be fishing clear waters then I'll tie on some fluoro.

[BackwoodsBassr]

Nick Evans: If you don't mind me asking, what knot do you use bud? Anything that can hold down those monst fish of yours will do me just fine haha. The blood knot hasn't let me down yet but I've only used in on heavier line a handful of times.

[jackthefish]

Hi guys,

I am running a 40lb braid on my baitcaster and have been advised to use a fluorocarbon leader.

Is this something that I should tie on and use for all applications? Will there ever be any disadvantages to using a fluorocarbon leader? Aside from the fact that it is apparently slippery and knots sometimes don't hold?

I'm probably looking to tie on 5-6 feet. What strength should I be using?

Sorry for all of the noob questions. I am new to braid and fluorocarbon.


Cheers,
Mike

 

Fluoro leaders on braid always unless you are right in the thickest of the slop.  Try a trilene knot on the hook end and a uni-knot to the mainline.

 

Match the line diameter of the fluoro to braid (better knot strenght).  In your case tie 10lb fluoro to 40lb braid.

[Swing4Steel]

Fluoro leaders on braid always unless you are right in the thickest of the slop.  Try a trilene knot on the hook end and a uni-knot to the mainline.

 

Match the line diameter of the fluoro to braid (better knot strenght).  In your case tie 10lb fluoro to 40lb braid.

thats some pretty sound advice. i usually run 12 or 15 pound tho for bass,8 for walters. only need around 3 ft most of the time.

[AnglerAnonymous]

use a double uni knot, 8 lb or 10 lb leader is fine. I usually run a 5 or 6' leader, If i need to retie I dont have to worry about my leader getting too short.

 

If your fishing any type of heavy cover I like to avoid leaders