Flouro Leader Pound test floating for Steelies

[BigT555]

Hi there,

Wondering what everyone uses for leader sizes when they float for steelhead. I typically use 6lbs flouro but after breaking off 2 or 3 times setting hooks on saturday I switched to the 10lbs flouro line I use for spin fishing out of frustration. Hooked into a fish within 15 minutes on my first hook set, nice 8ish lbs buck.

Maybe I just have a spool of bunk line but after that I'm considering just moving to 8 or 10 lbs permanently, unless I'm going for little creek shakers which I have a spool of 4lbs for. I don't think that visibility is a big difference between each size with how thin the 10lbs even is, but I have read that the slightly thicker line can effect how the bait floats around underwater.

What does everyone typically use? Can you recommend a line type that I should be using at 6lbs that I won't break off as easily? I use seaguar invisx line for the 6lbs, and I think the 10 is berkley vanish (which I have had great experience with, no fish have broken off on that stuff yet)

Thanks in advance

 

[NADO]

Hi there,

Wondering what everyone uses for leader sizes when they float for steelhead. I typically use 6lbs flouro but after breaking off 2 or 3 times setting hooks on saturday I switched to the 10lbs flouro line I use for spin fishing out of frustration. Hooked into a fish within 15 minutes on my first hook set, nice 8ish lbs buck.

Maybe I just have a spool of bunk line but after that I'm considering just moving to 8 or 10 lbs permanently, unless I'm going for little creek shakers which I have a spool of 4lbs for. I don't think that visibility is a big difference between each size with how thin the 10lbs even is, but I have read that the slightly thicker line can effect how the bait floats around underwater.

What does everyone typically use? Can you recommend a line type that I should be using at 6lbs that I won't break off as easily? I use seaguar invisx line for the 6lbs, and I think the 10 is berkley vanish (which I have had great experience with, no fish have broken off on that stuff yet)

Thanks in advance

I'm not a believer in using light line for steelhead. Even if i'm fishing the east ditches and the water is low and clear I wont go less than 6lb. I usually fish bigger rivers and use 8-10lb seaguar abrazex. If i'm fishing a small river and it has decent colour to it I wont go less than 8lb.

With that said, you shouldn't be breaking the 6lb lead on hooksets unless you are using a rod that is too powerful for 6lb. I have a Rainshadow XST which is a pretty beefy rod, if i'm fishing small rivers I will leave it at home and bring one of my lighter rods.

 

[fisherman2280]

Totally agree on the 8lb line, seems strange but I feel 8lb is closer in strength to 10lb but 6 seems a long way from 8.

 

[ChromeAddict]

I like using light line for steelhead. 4 or 5lb fluro, 6 in muddy water.

 

[Ibstacle]

All depends on your rod. I usually use redwing tackle blackbird #5.6 and #6.6 for steelhead

 

[NADO]

It also depends on the brand you use, pay attention to the line diameter as one brands 6 lb can be the same diameter as another brands 8lb. There is a resource somewhere that showed breaking test results for the different brands and it is all over the map. Drennan is the most obvious brand that comes to mind when it comes to underrating the breaking strength.

 

[BigT555]

I was using a 13' light rod when I was breaking off on hook sets... so I think I must have a spool of bad line.

I'll move up to 8 though based on what everyone's been saying.

 

[BRMZ]

Yep 8 lb test fluorocarbon is the the leader for me

 

[Ibstacle]

I know people that mostly use 4lb test for steelhead!

 

[BRMZ]

I know people that mostly use 4lb test for steelhead!

And I know people who enjoys being whipped
On a serious note even ultralight pound test leader would work under certain circumstances with the right rod and enough room to tire the fish. Problem in my opinion is fight become to long and to stressful for fish to survive after release.

 

[rich_ace_G]

4lb is ideal as long as you're using the right rod. If I'm swinging flies. I use 6-8. on average. 6lb during icy temps and 8lb when their running (spring)

 

[Tacklelogic]

I have switched back to 8lb Trilene XL. more pliable than fluorocarbon. My hook ups with beads has increased because of this.

 

[TRINIBOY]

I like using light line for steelhead. 4 or 5lb fluro, 6 in muddy water.

same here..