Thread: Using a shock leader ?

I know exactly what you mean. I have used 2.5 lbs Varivas blue moon as leader for Ester. No issues from the kayak. But while fishing from the dock I have broken the leader while lifting up 8 inch crappie when they thrash around. Never had that issues with 2 lb SOS. So that is what I mostly use as a leader line. Thicker than JDM nylon and obviously higher breaking strain than 2 lb Works out well for me

Originally Posted by gillchaser999

Breaking off while fighting a fish isn’t a worry . It’s when I get it to the bank and I’m four feet or more above the water level that’s the problem.
My thought was once I got to the leader I could drag or lift the fish with the leader .
Also some of the fish I sometimes hook , such as spotted bass , have these little teeth that cut 2# line like it’s nothing.

And some of the gill varieties have tiny teeth too and while they may not part the line this time, his cousin that’s two or three fish in the future might get to make the line part and he carries some jewelry for a few days.