Leader length

[midex717]

Quick question: Is a 36" fluorocarbon leader too long?

Thanks!

[Nick Kuhn]

It'd be ok for prop topwaters, bucktails, and cranks. I'd stay away from WTD or jerk/glidebaits with them.

[FishGUY]

A 3 ft leader is primarily used for trolling.

[Esox_Magnum]

I prefer a 12-14" for casting. Longer than that for trolling only.

[midex717]

Ok, thanks gents, I appreciate the responses!!!

[goblueM]

probably an obvious answer so forgive me for asking... but why are trolling leaders so much longer than casting leaders?

[hunterjoe]

The reason I've heard is that sometimes the fish roll in the line when trolling. The longer leader has a couple advantages for this. One is, if it's floro, it doesn't hurt the fish as much as smaller diameter superline would. Also once the fish rolls, it has a good chance of coming back across the teeth. If it's still the leader at that point, it doesn't cut as easily as line does.

I guess it could also help by keeping floating weeds farther from the lure.

Just my guess.

[NCLaker]

If you are trolling, sometimes you get weeds hung up on the swivel at the top of the leader. The longer leader allows this to happen with less effects on the lure action. Gregg Thomas covers this in his trolling video.

[Cooter]

I would guess the only reason a 36" leader would be too long is for casting since performing a figure 8 with that length leader would be tough, especially with a relatively short rod.