Using a leader with braided line?

[Quailtail]

I fish "true" 2# test lines. Most of the time I use an Ester monofilament....which like braid...has no stretch. I also use 2# test braid from time to time. The only time I am using an FC leader for stealth is when I am fishing for trout. The reason I use FC leader is as a shock leader....and yes you get added abrasion resistance with it also. I have about a 4 foot section...sometimes more....tied to my main line. It really helps take the pressure off of no stretch line. Today I landed a 16 inch largemouth...and 15 inch Smallmouth....using a 6 foot Super Ultra Light rod with a very fast action. If I am using a no stretch line I always have a "shock leader" tied on. Using a shock leader with these lines I land some really good Smallies...KY bass.....and largemouth. It also helps when you start getting into 13-16 inch crappie using that setup. Larger crappie can pop those light lines in a microsecond if all is not right.


Regards

What knot do you use when you attach your leader? With my JDM rods I have micro guides on each of them;

[Alphahawk]

What knot do you use when you attach your leader? With my JDM rods I have micro guides on each of them;

All of my rods have micro guides. But I own 4 that have the smallest micro guides made....inner diameter of 1.8mm. I use a 3 turn surgeons knot with ester line that has a diameter of .105mm. If using the Japanese braid the line diameter is around .085mm. Some of the 2# test Japanese braids are much smaller.....barely can see it at all. I don’t have any issues casting with the knot coming through the guides. I am sure I lose some distance but it is minimal. Those rods are made for those micro lines.....and they are made knowing that 99 percent of the people who use those rods will use ester and braid...with leaders. There may be knots that can pass through those guides better....and I used to tie all those knots.....but with age it has come down to the 3 turn surgeons which is the easiest for me to tie. It has not failed me in years of using it, landing tons of big Smallies.....crappie......Spots.....with that knot. I tested the 3 turn multiple times with the Bouz Drag Checker and the line breaks at rated line strength so no need to look for another knot.

Regards


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[CocoLoco]

I feel that pain when I am trying to run it through a slip bobber...

Yea small jigs and getting the wimpy braid thru the eyelet can be a pain in the arse, that is my only gripe about braid.

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[Techno2000]

I feel that pain when I am trying to run it through a slip bobber...

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Melt the tip of the braid with a lighter. It's the fray in the line that catches the sides of the slip bobber that causes the problem.

[skiptomylu]

Will say the only time I have used a mono leader with braid is when the water cleared up and I got tot thinking they may be line shy.

Skip

[CrappiePappy]

Melt the tip of the braid with a lighter. It's the fray in the line that catches the sides of the slip bobber that causes the problem.

I just cut the braid with a pair of Fiskar Scissors .... cuts braid blunt (no frays) !!