Flourocarbon leaders for jigs on fireline

[tacklejunkie]

I've used fireline tied directly to a jig in the summer and spring and have not used a mono or flouro leader. Some have said you need to use a leader as the fish can see the line.

I have an ice trip this month to LOTW and I'm borrowing rods with superline. Has anyone notice any difference between tying jigs to the superlines directly verses using a leader?

BTW...the color of the line is smoke so it isn't real bright

[JohnMickish]

Here is my take on this subject, and other opinions may vary. When it comes to braided line, will it hurt anything to put a short flouro leader on it? I tie on a small high quality swivel a couple feet of quality flouro leader on both my open and ice gear. In dirty water it may not matter but I figure it can't hurt.

[Get'n Jiggy]

Here is my take on this subject, and other opinions may vary. When it comes to braided line, will it hurt anything to put a short flouro leader on it? I tie on a small high quality swivel a couple feet of quality flouro leader on both my open and ice gear. In dirty water it may not matter but I figure it can't hurt.

What he said.

[Northlander]

In the winter most superlines look like rope in the water. Use a good clear mono shocker leader and you will do better. I do however tie direct to 2# superlines for deep crappies.

[OnAFly]

If you end up tying on a leader (which I would recommend) use a uni-uni knot to tie the leader on. I've noticed that some other knots tend to let the braid cut through the mono.

[PerchJerker]

I have an ice trip this month to LOTW

LOTW is dark water. I've fished there several times and have not used flouro leaders on my fireline crystal. As others have mentioned, it won't hurt to do it if you tie good knots, but it's not needed at LOTW in my opinion.

[Ed Carlson]

10# XT Clear is sufficient and it has a good sink rate with the lure. If you find spool of GAMA 8 # or 10 # fluorocarbon fishing line, grab it, it makes exceptionally good leaders for fishing.

Stained water, likely not needed. Thin lower test braids in steel or grey are very low vis in stained water situations. I often use (Dia/Test) 1/8, 2/10, and 4/15 braids for walleye in the grays, blues, or red.

Yet if you wish to add a tiny swivel up a foot or so an then a leader to eliminate line twist, it's a very good plan overall.

I often add the mono leader just for that reason on jigs like a Salmo Chubby Darter, Nils Jigging Shads, or aggressive flash/flutter spoons, just to eliminate line twist build up and the lure spinning at rest.

[Hoyt4]

I have been using Fireline crystal the last couple winters without any problems tying direct to the jigs. If I used the grey line I would use a leader.

I did better with the crystal then my mono line rods.

[icefisker]

Waste of time.

I use #6 fireline tied to the jig and see no difference. We also use 12# fireline on our rattle reels and put em on the ice. If you are fishing low light periods i dont think it makes a difference.

[walleye365]

i use 8LB for walleye and 14LB for lakers. its not a waste of time its smart thing to do. when it comes down to weather they see it i dont worry about the littel fish so much but when it comes to the big fish it makes all the difference.

[tacklejunkie]

I have been using Fireline crystal the last couple winters without any problems tying direct to the jigs. If I used the grey line I would use a leader.

I did better with the crystal then my mono line rods.

Really? The Fireline Crystal looks brighter than the smoke flavored

[Fish Head]

I always use a 3ft floro leader.

Definitely go with the uni to uni knot. You won't loose any line strength. It’s amazing how strong that knot is.

[tacklejunkie]

I think just to play it safe I'll use a leader. It will be my one and only ice trip of the year and I'll have the wife with me and i don't want her to be disappointed

[Lakeside_Nelson]

As with multiple replies, I use a leader, but depending on water quality I won't. I use a back to back uni knot but will also use a power swivel if I feel I am getting a lot of line twist.