Heavy duty leader for small crankbaits?

[fishinfey8]

I like casting small cranks every spring for shallow post-spawn walleyes. Sometimes I'm using very small cranks in order to match the minnow hatches, but a constant problem of mine is getting bit off by pike. I have tried various wire-leaders ranging from all different sizes, but I can't find one that works well with those tiny rapalas. I also think if I'm fishing clear water the hardware sometimes deters the fish. Seems to me that those small rapalas are a bit more fussy when it comes to tuning them up, and I find that even snap swivels sometimes cause it to run funky...what are you guys doing in this type of situation?

[popriveter]

I haven't found a good solution. I just get bit off like you do. Sometimes, I will use a 2nd rod with a leader and a daredevil and sweep the area with a cast or two first. I have found that using powerpro or fireline without a leader kind of splits the difference- a few less bite offs and the raps still run for me. it certainly isn't a perfect solution.

[OnAFly]

Have you tried tiable wire? American Fishing Wire makes a 49 strand, 13 lb steel wire that you can tie like normal line. Might work better than normal leaders.

The 49strand, 13lb stuff costs an arm and a leg, that's the only downfall.

[fishinfey8]

Have you tried tiable wire? American Fishing Wire makes a 49 strand, 13 lb steel wire that you can tie like normal line. Might work better than normal leaders.

The 49strand, 13lb stuff costs an arm and a leg, that's the only downfall.

Is this what you use for fly-fishing as well? If so, I wouldn't mind spending some money if I have double-use for it.

[scott b]

In another post you asked about swimbaits. In early spring, a white twister is hard to beat. 1/16oz and a 3in gulp or scented bait at night will get you all types of shallow post spawn walleyes. At less than .50 cents apiece, who cares if you get bit off, right? Great swimbait practice. Save the cranks for when you're sure you wont lose them.

[fishinfey8]

In another post you asked about swimbaits. In early spring, a white twister is hard to beat. 1/16oz and a 3in gulp or scented bait at night will get you all types of shallow post spawn walleyes. At less than .50 cents apiece, who cares if you get bit off, right? Great swimbait practice. Save the cranks for when you're sure you wont lose them.

That's a great suggestion hotime! Unfortunately I have tried using twisters to no avail. I will be trying paddle-tails and twisters more and more to build my confidence level though. I also would like to use a similar leader for fly-fishing pike and muskies. Maybe a post in the fly-fishing or muskie forum would be better??

[goblueM]

cortland toothy critter wire. use it for fly leaders or for your cranks. Less than 10 bucks for a 10 foot coil

[mainbutter]

You might give fluorocarbon a shot. I've never been bit off on 20 or 25lb fluoro, despite catching pike and muskies big and small. My 48''er had the fluoro leader IN the mouth and definitely raked it against the teeth.

You might try just tying on 8-12 inches of some 12lb fluoro leader, I've been meaning to give lighter fluoro a try to see if it provides any bite protection against pike. I'll be fishing more small stuff this year for bass, so that's my first idea/plan to hopefully at least reduce bite-offs, if not prevent them completely.

Anyone have any input on bite-offs and fluoro in the 8-15lb test range?

[My_Key]

I had a pike bite off 6lb flouro this winter. I realize it's not in the range you asked, but thought I'd throw it out there.

[OnAFly]

The AFW stuff is ~20 bucks for 25 feet. So, I would go with that or the cortland depending on how much you intend on using.

Both are used in fly fishing.

[fishinfey8]

Is there a reason for such a big price difference? This was the exact type of leader I was looking for though, thanks guys.

[mainbutter]

Is there a reason for such a big price difference?

My guess is that tackle manufacturers know they can gouge fly fishermen, who are notorious for paying big bucks

It's still a good investment, if a section of 1 foot leader costs you $1, and protects against a single bite-off saving your $5+ crankbait, well.. the math is easy there.

[OnAFly]

They are similarly priced per foot ($10/10ft, ~$20/25ft)

Though, in general, fly fishermen do get totally hosed on prices. For instance bead chain eyes for tying - $5 for a foot. Same thing at a craft store is $1.

Foam sheets at a fly shop - $4 for three 6"X8" sheets, at a craft store, $4 for a dozen sheets of varying colors (8.5"X11")

For the record, fly fishing is moving in both direction as far as cost goes. Everything is getting more expensive for the highest performance stuff, but on the other hand, there is gear available these days that performs very well, for a fraction of the price.

[fishinfey8]

They are similarly priced per foot ($10/10ft, ~$20/25ft)

HaHa...duh! I didn't even notice the footage. I'm relatively new to fly-fishing but I have also noticed that you pay a premium when buying fly-fishing gear and supplies. I'm not into tying...yet, but thanks for the tip on the craft store. I'm sure there's a million things you could use down to pheasant and grouse feathers from last years birds that you would normally buy for 5 or 10 bucks.