Seem's like everything I've read when talking about leader, guy's use very heavy leader. Why is that? I use leader lighter than my main line. Break off or snag and I only loose the hook.
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Seem's like everything I've read when talking about leader, guy's use very heavy leader. Why is that? I use leader lighter than my main line. Break off or snag and I only loose the hook.
Depends on the fish. For Crappie I agree but rougher fish like Pike or similar it is to protect from abrasion and break off. I had a Striped Bass break off when I had braid tied directly to plug. I added an 18" Flurocarbon leader to reduce the chance of breaking. Braid is susceptible to fraying more so than mono or fluro.
If you had a 50# braid, wouldn't a 30# leader work. I've read where some use heavier leader than main line. If something is gonna give I'd think it would be the main line.
I have 20-30lb main lines on my long rods, but the heaviest leader I use is 8lb test (though most of my leaders are 6lb test). The whole point of a lighter test leader is to break before the main line breaks. I know some use 10lb test lines from reel to bait ... somewhat in the hopes that they'll straighten out the hook on a jig or power a crank off a snag, but also to help gauge the depths their baits are running (as that's what the depth chart makers used, and what size line most line counter reels recommend for proper calibration of actual length of line out).
I "Push" my jigs & cranks, using 1oz - 4oz trolling weights. Those weights are attached to the main line with duo-lock snaps (20# test) and the leaders are attached to the other end of the weights with those same snaps. You'd be surprised at how much "pull tension" you have to put on those 6# test leaders (20-50ft from the rod tip) just to bend the hook open or break the leader. I've got 20# test mono on my "worm rod" (Bass fishing outfit) and even when the line is snagged on a rocky bottom ... it takes a lot of "oomph" to get that line to break. I can't imagine using it as a leader line ... I'd likely break one of my rods before the leader or one of the snaps gave way. :Doh:
Fishing for Sheepshead in the jetties I have 15# braid and 30# fluorocarbon leader. That's to combat the chompers on the Sheepshead.
My panfish rod I have 8# braid and 4# fluoro leader usually with a Beetle Spin, jig or ultalight plug.
I’m assuming were talking about Crappie fishing here?
Unless braided line is being used for the main line, I’m not aware of a leader being necessary for Crappies.
I’m of the opinion most use 6 to 8 pound mono line as a main line, and some use lighter, then tie the hook or lure directly to that. If you buy some of the pre made trolling rigs, like the BnM Capps and Coleman, or the Mr Crappie brand, there’s nothing special about the line they use either. It’s just plain clear mono which seems to vary in size some with larger weights, but not by much.
As for the toothy fish wether in fresh or salt water, wire leader would be the best to use.
Some of that is soft and flexible enough to tie knots with.
I use light leader line to keep from breaking main line and break off easier. Sometimes the hook will not let go.
Actually I see most this on the catfish thread farther down. On my crappie rig's I've learned that hanging up and breaking off cost's me the jig and the bobber. I'm using straight 4# mono but think I'd be better off with say 6# mono and about 4# leader. I'd get some 2# line for leader for crappie but don't know where to get it.
You can order 2# line online .... Stren makes a decent 2# mono. Or if you go to 6# for the main line, then a 4# leader would work.
And as far as losing the "bobber" along with the jig --- I don't know about your waters, but on my waters you can normally pick up a half dozen floats/bobbers along the shoreline or hanging in trees on about almost every trip ... all sizes, shapes, brands, and styles, from the brand new to the ancient in condition. I doubt I've purchased a float of any kind in over 40yrs !!
That might be true, i guess we have all seen floats and even some lures caught in branches as we go by them.
But most of us have heard the old cliche about what you get not always being worth what you had to pay in order to get it.
Especially if you have 6 or 8 rods sticking out from your boat. Lol