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Author:
Mattyk182
Date:
May 19, 2012
Subject:
Question on using leader line...
Message:
This is the first season I've heard about anglers using leader line (most likely because I've never fished as much as I have so far this season). What exactly are the benefits of using it and how exactly do you tie it on? I really want to give this a shot. Thanks for any help!
Author:
mikey5string
Date:
May 19, 2012
Message:
When I use leaders, I use them for a few different reasons. For toothy fish that can bite through my main line. I use a wire leader for bluefish as they arent very picky about presentation. I use a heavy mono leader for stripers, I think this is more for shock absorption than fear of the fish biting through the line. Sometimes you want a little give to the line. Also, if you are using braided line and you get snagged the leader will snap before the braid so you dont lose ALL your terminal tackle along with your lure if you have to break the line. This technique is good for heavy cover and rocky bottoms. If the fish are easily spooked, a leader made from flouro or mono will be less visible than braid. I dont use a leader much for this reason as I usually fish for bass and they dont seem to mind. Different lines have different buoyancies. Some float, some sink. If you are really concerned with the action/presentation of the bait you are using, you might consider how the line will affect that. It really depends on the species and conditions. Clear water, heavy cover, type of lures etc. For the most part I dont use one. I like to have minimal links between my line and the fish.
Author:
mikey5string
Date:
May 19, 2012
Message:
as for tying it on, you can either use a swivel and tie an 18" (or whatever length you want) leader of your choosing on to the swivel. Or you can tie directly to the main line using a uni-knot on each end. I forgot to mention that leaders are also used in carolina rigging to keep the weight from going all the way down to the hook. There are some products out there liek the Carolina Keeper that you can put on your main line so you dont have to tie on a separate leader. So another reason for a leader is to allow you to have different "sections" for attaching weights, beads etc on different rigs.
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