Fish-Hawk.Net

I've been thinking about ditching the wire leaders this year in favour of a fluorocarbon leader. I'd appreciate commentary on whether fluorocarbon is as strong as wire and whether this is a good idea or not. Think pike fishing - will their teeth just eventually nick it too much?

Also, is there a difference between actual fluorocarbon line and leader material?

Thanks,

FD

muskymatt posted this a while back. It might help you out.

http://www.fish-hawk.net/hawktalk/viewt ... 719#215391

Wow that was a great thread!

I do however still have one question as to whether floro leader and floro line is the same thing. I've heard some guys spool an entire reel with floro - is there any difference between that line and the stuff that comes in smaller spools (specifically called leader material)?

Fisherdude
I make my own leaders with Seaguar Flouro leader material.

The only difference is that the leader Flouro material is heavier pound test than typical flouro line.

I use 50lb Seaguar flouro to make leaders. Reason such heavy test is the diameter is large enough to allow me to grab the leader without slicing into my hands, and to resist abrasion. Very helpful for catch and release, don't even have to net the fish, grab the leader and pop the hook out.

Inspect it for nicks every so often, so far mine have resisted abrasion on rocks and pike's teeth and gill plates, 3rd year same leaders, none broke yet.

Trick is to get a good knot, as I don't crimp my leaders. The Flourocarbon needs a special knot. I use the Braid knot, wetted during tightening.

Hope this helps

That's exactly the confirmation I was looking for Out4trout! Thanks.

FLouro Line is very supple

Leader material is more rigid (hard), to stand up ty knicks and abrasion.

Palomar kinots work good, with a dab of crazy glue.

I like Fireline with a 30-50 lb seagar leader for pike, Just look for fraying and replace as needed. Buy a spool and make your own.

Relic indicates there is a difference between leader and line, so I must retract my statement - as I only "thought" there was no difference.
It does make sense that the leader is harder material.

I just checked my Seaguar box, and it is 45lb I am using, not 50lb.

One of the Outdoor Canada writers (Tim Allard I think) talked about fluorocarbon leader at the sportsman show. He had 60 lb leader that he had fished pike with all year and it was still in decent shape.

Another advantage of fluoro leader material is smaller 20 yard spools. That stuff is expensive but you only use a couple of feet at a time.

Learn that double uni knot or use a barrel swivel connector.