Braided line leader material

[DropShotr]

I have been converting a lot of my reels to PowerPro the last several years. For leader material I have been using mono or flourocarbon fishing line, with no real issues.
I know that purpose built flourocarbon leader material is the advertized proper thing to use. I realize its stiffer and more abraision resistant. It is also very expensive. Is it really worth all that money?

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this.

Thanks,

DropShot'r

[Wallyboss]

I used to buy leader material also but I have started buying the regular Fluorocarbon line and I haven't seen any difference in strenght or longevity.

[beachburger]

Is it really worth all that money?

I think so.

I spend 90% of my time on the water fishing slop, heavy weeds and wood and have kept a few rods rigged with a 6 ft 18lb Seaguar flouro leader on 50lb PowerPro for 2 seasons now. After I discovered that flouro leaders are considerably weakened if (when) they get nicked, I have yet to lose a fish due to the leader (or knot) breaking. The Seaguar stuff is tough as nails and if you like to fish in the gnarly stuff, flouro leaders are worth it. You don't need a lot of the leader material and it is possible that the spool will last more than one season.

I don't use flouro leaders or braids for open water fishing. I use 12-15lb mono or PLine Halo instead.

[Wallyboss]

Beach burger I think he meant the spools that are sold as Fluoro leader material compared to regular Fluoro line. I haven't seen a difference between those 2. I use regular fluorocarbon line as leader material.

[cprince]

Not trying to hi-jack anything here... but... What kind of knot do you guys use to join the fluoro to the braid? Do you tie directly to the lure or do you tie in a snap (and swivel?)..?

Just curious. I am looking at trying this set-up for Walleye...

Craig

**EDIT**

Oh yah... does it float? Is it worth using for top water? I am worried about some pike biting through my power pro... hasn't happened.. but you never know!

Craig

[beachburger]

Yes WB, I realize he is talking about the spools of leader material and not casting line.

I have a few reels loaded with 15lb Halo that I use to drag frogs over slop. The Halo is very tough and does a great job. But after hauling 5-6 fish out of the slop, it is usually nicked up enough for a retie. I don't find this to be the case with leader material.

I think the leader material is better inside the gnarly stuff and would agree that regular fluoro would be just fine for fishing edges and other structures where the fish can be fought in open water.

[RJ]

cprince,

Uni to Uni knot.....real simple....I'd guess googling it would help ya find it...

I use Seaguar Leader material.....for the 15 bucks and rarely having to cut off and re-tie it's worth the money.....I use this setup on both my tube rods....30 pound PP...and 18 pound leader line..

Though other than my frog rod and my spinning rods I've got back to mono for everything including flippin sticks....

RJ

[beachburger]

What kind of knot do you guys use to join the fluoro to the braid?

To join the fluoro to the braid, I use a double surgeon's but a uni-to-uni is good too.

Do you tie directly to the lure or do you tie in a snap (and swivel?)..?

I use a uni knot to tie the flouro to the hook (or snap).

On all knots involving fluoro, make sure you use lots of spit when tightening the knot up. You could certainly use a swivel between the two.

does it float?

No. Fluoro sinks.

[Wallyboss]

Maybe I'll stick to my Seaguar leader material then. Would hate to lose a good fish because i tried to save a couple of dollars.

[Todd B.]

For heavier leaders there is also the Braid Leader Knot or the J Knot (if you like a simpler knot).

[DropShotr]

Not trying to hi-jack anything here... but... What kind of knot do you guys use to join the fluoro to the braid? Do you tie directly to the lure or do you tie in a snap (and swivel?)..?

Craig,
I use Uni to Uni, 5 wraps each. Regardless of knot chosen, might I suggest a practice knot tying session, to sort out any issues. Use lots of spit as lubrication. I start with the leader then I finish with the braid. Pull the braid snug, not tight.
I use a small piece of wood(NOT YOUR HAND) to wrap the braid arround when checking knot strength.
For the most part I tie direct, I did put a snap on my crankbait rod this year.

DropShot'r

[Out4trout]

I know that purpose built flourocarbon leader material is the advertized proper thing to use. Is it really worth all that money?

IMO - yes.
Couple of reasons
- lack of stretch - nice thing with braid is you can feel the hits - using mono as a leader results in dampening the feel - good flouro leader is low stretch - can feel everything

- abrasion - prevents pike from biting through and lets you bring your lures home

- reliability - It's expensive, but the leaders I made have lasted for 2 years, this summer I'm on year 3 with the same leaders. I use them through the ice as well... So they are not too costly in the long term

- hand protection - the really heavy flouro leader lets you grab the line with your hand as you swing the fish alongside the boat without risk of cutting

I use the Seaguar 45lb leader matl - coupled with 50lb braid, a deadly strong combination from lure to reel. Confident hauling that I won't snap my line - so I can concentrate on bringing the fish in without worry.

[Ronadt]

Sorry for the newbie question, but how long is the leader that you're using?

[beachburger]

Sorry for the newbie question, but how long is the leader that you're using?

No need to be sorry. I use a 5-6 ft leader mostly because it gives me a couple of re-ties with enough line to tie a good knot. I replace the leader when it gets down to about 2'.