leader when trolling cranks?

[nccater]

I'll be using 30# braid (8 lb mono diameter) for trolling cranks. Do I need to use a mono leader and if so, how long? Also, will using a leader and a barrel swivel change the way my crank runs? Will it help or hurt?

[Erin Brewer]

I dont see why you would need a leader. Im sort of the opposite though I use 8lb mono and use about a 2 foot braid leader. The swivels dont seem to affect the way the crankbait runs either.

[RK1]

I wouldn't worry with a leader, plus you'll lose your ability to bend the hooks out with a mono leader. I would fill my spool up with mostly a cheap mono for filler and then spool on your braid. Assuming you're using line counters they're more accurate when they're full


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[CrappiePappy]

Most people I know that push/pull cranks WILL use a "sacrificial" leader. It may be because they are using trolling weights ahead of their cranks, and can't stop or turn quickly around to free a hung bait (due to the necessity to maintain a set speed, so as not to have ALL the cranks pulled to the bottom by the trolling weights).

I use leaders, so as to not have to try and pull a crank free OR break 30lb test braid ... but then I don't longline troll with cranks, I push them (w/trolling weights ahead of the leader line & crank -- or jig)

I've heard people say they use 3-5' mono leaders for cranks. I've used as short as a 18" leader, ahead of my cranks, and still caught fish.

[Crestliner08]

A leader is like car insurance. You only need it when it really counts.

A fluorocarbon leader affords abrasion resistance and shock absorption, which I feel is critical when using braid. If you are worried about not being able to bend out hooks on a hung cranbait, switch the trebles out to single, aberdeen hooks. They've been catching crappie for generations and when combined with cranbaits, they can be bent out with little effort, even with straight mono main lines. JMO.

[Cray]

Braid straight to the crank. Crappie tell me they don't care.

[M R Dux]

Mono all the way to the swivel at the bait. Never saw a need for anything else. KY/Barkley crappie approved of this message.

[trypman1]

I use 20/8 braid, yellow- I tie straight to swivel and bait. I use no leader, crappie do not care. Hooks will bend out with this setup. I use bandits, they come with light hooks, Chinese made, will break also. My 2cents worth.

[Joey Clark]

I use braid straight to the swivel. Lose less baits this way.

[KnightShadow10]

What they said