Mono to Fluorocarbon Leader

[VBSB761]

Currently running either 6 or 4 lb clear monofilament on my crappie and perch setups. Fluorocarbon leaders seem to be frequently recommended, but does anyone find them beneficial even when using such small diameter line that has a minimal visual signature anyway? Only place it seems logical there could be a difference would be cold water presentations with minimal action where fish spend a lot of time inspecting baits. Live in central VA and our water clarity is generally not the super crystal clear that a lot of more northern bodies of water get. Thanks in advance for any input!

[deathb4disco]

Fluorocarbon leaders seem to be frequently recommended …

… for use with braid. I’ve never heard of anyone using mono and adding a fluorocarbon leader.

I would just run straight mono or fluoro and forget the leader.

I hate leaders.

[Doninva]

I live in Virginia also. I HATE fluorocarbon. I use copolymer for leader on braid but have used straight braid for crappie. Using fluorocarbon to mono is probably more trouble than it's worth. JMHO

[Alphahawk]

The only time I use FC to mono is if I am using a Trout Magnet going after trout. If using a hard bait I do not use an FC leader. It is rare for me to use nylon line. I use FC leaders when using baid and Ester line. I use straight through Varivas Blue Moon 2# test when fishing for crappie. It comes in a 4# test if you're interested. Been a lot of discussion about using FC leader for abrasion resistance. The jury is still out on that theory. Lots of YouTube videos that show nylon mono is just as abrasion resistant as FC.


Regards

[BobC]

I’m a hi viz mono fisherman, and on the rare occasion I would be on trout water I might attach some tippet if the water was gin clear. For pans and crappie on my home water there is no need.
Bob

[Micanopy]

FC has different characteristics than mono. If you are NOT purposely seeking one of those characteristics then you are simply adding an extra issue.

FC is not any more invisible underwater than mono. If you want stealth get skinny line.

If you want to try it anyways I recommend the Nail Knot to Nail Knot as a connection.

[VBSB761]

… for use with braid.

That's always how I used fluoro in all my years fishing saltwater. Recently was told by a very accomplished crappie fisherman that a fluoro leader was often the difference between catching and not catching, no matter what kind of main line you were fishing. I just can't seem to imagine anything offering a much lower visual profile than 4lb mono- you're down to the same diameter line as fly leaders used for trout at that point.

[deathb4disco]

Recently was told by a very accomplished crappie fisherman that a fluoro leader was often the difference between catching and not catching, no matter what kind of main line you were fishing.

As I said, I've never heard that. If it works for him, more power to him.

Over the years. there have been a lot of mono vs fluoro vs braid debates here as well as debates on clear vs colored lines. Some people swear it matters. Others say it doesn't. Just do what works for you.

[Alphahawk]

That's always how I used fluoro in all my years fishing saltwater. Recently was told by a very accomplished crappie fisherman that a fluoro leader was often the difference between catching and not catching, no matter what kind of main line you were fishing. I just can't seem to imagine anything offering a much lower visual profile than 4lb mono- you're down to the same diameter line as fly leaders used for trout at that point.

Lot of lines out there with much smaller diameter than 4# mono. Curious as to what brand mono you’re using and diameter. The 2# FC I use for crappie is only .117mm. The 1.5# test I use is .090mm. The Twitch Master nylon in 4# test is at .148mm. The 3# test comes in at .128mm.

Regards


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