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Thread: Please educate me about leaders

  1. #1
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    Default Please educate me about leaders


    I fish from a boat dock. It's only about 12" above the water line. The problem I was having was that larger fish (the unwanted 18" LM bass and 24" northern pike) were breaking my line right as I tried to get them out of the water, hence losing my jig. So I put on some heavy duty leaders, both store-bought eagle claw wire and homemade 15-lb test. It does make it easier to lift the fish with one hand while I grab him by the gills with the other. I also bought a net but it's not always handy (sometimes while fishing it would be nice to have three hands).

    But I've read elsewhere on the board of people putting a 4lb. leader on their 8lb. (and heavier) mainline and such.

    What's your take on leaders? Do I have it backwards?

    PS Thanks for all the great advice. One day I hope to contribute more than I take.
    Last edited by CrappiePappy; 07-27-2011 at 08:10 AM.

  2. #2
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    For what you're doing, I would just make sure the net is always handy. I frequently fish off a dock like you, and I use a short leader (lighter than the mainline), but the net is key. I don't fish without it.

  3. #3
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    i agree about the net........

  4. #4
    shipahoy41's Avatar
    shipahoy41 is offline Crappie.com Legend - 2022 Crappie.com Man of the Year * Crappie.com Supporter
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    Welcome from Alabama. Most times I have #4 lb main line as well as leader. Works for me as 98%.of the time I bank or dock fish. Always have a net handy. I tie my own jigs so I don't mind losing a few. Keep your net handy for the larger Crappie as well as trash fish.
    Aquatic Species Removal Engineer.
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  5. #5
    rnvinc's Avatar
    rnvinc is offline Crappie.com 2016 Man of the Year * Member Sponsor
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    The general reason for a leader is to be a lighter lb weight than the mainline so that if a breakoff is neccessary...you only loose the hook/jig/bait....and the terminal tackle stays attached with the mainline....

    This reasoning is not foolproof nor steadfast.....your type of fishing setup...your target species...the structure you are fishing...etc...all can play a role in your decision as to mainline and/or leader setup.....

    Several instances do not even need a leader....

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  6. #6
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    Then just use some 20 # Braid.

    Skip

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