Stranded wire or steel leaders?

[Guest]

I have quite a variety of fishing lures and have tried alot of variations, but I am still in the minor leagues of catching keeper sized muskies. I have only caught one small tiger and had many follows. I have to wonder if I'm doing something wrong.

I use bucktails, 1/2 - 1 oz weedless jigs, crankbaits, jerkbaits, spoons and buzz baits. I have never heard the reasoning for using solid steel leaders. Sometimes I use them, but I don't know if I should. Which type of leader should I use with different types of lures. Doese the type of line matter? I usually use Berleley Whiplash 30 lb braided line (6 lb diameter) or 25 lb Musky Mono.

Any advice is helpful. Thanks alot!

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[David Swenson]

Frosty,

I use almost exclusively single strand leaders. It is the best all around leader for muskies in my opinion. For bucktails and some surface lures I use a ball bearing leader (also apply to spoons). For jerk baits, spinnerbaits, and cranks I use a single strand with a crane swivel. There is nothing wrong with stranded leaders and for some guys they feel it is better than single strand. More a preference thing when it comes to leaders.

My leaders are 140 lb plus with snaps and swivels that are 150 lb plus. My line is 80 lb tuf line. The biggest reason for such heavy leaders and line is the lures (though the fish can be just as hard on your terminal tackle). The lure size puts a lot of stress on line and leaders casting. To light and you will start throwing lures away. Also, a muskie is pretty hard to hook and losing one to faulty or light tackle is a heart ache.

I hope this helps some. Good luck fishing.

David Swenson
http://muskieguide.homestead.com/

[guideman]

I also use a single strand wire, I have
never lost a fish do to one failing.
I do use titainim leaders for bucktails
and small crankbaits, but for overall
performance, it's hard to beat a single
wire 140lb test leader.

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Terry Sjoberg
Ace guide service.
Beautiful Lake Vermilion.
aceguideservice.com

[Guest]

Thanks alot for the tip!

I don't know what a crane swivel is, but I'm sure I will figure it out when I get to the tackle store.

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[Guest]

I think I've seen crane swivels in your tackle box. As a matter of fact, I think you own just about one of every type of tackle that was ever made.

[Guest]

mwchiefs,
Thanks for enlightening me. I will have to check my inventory. I'm going to stop at Thorne Brothers in Fridley this afternoon to replenish any stock that I may have misplaced.

[Guest]

How will you be able to stop by Fridley today? 1857 tackle boxes is going to take you quite a while to sort through.

[TomWehler]

Hi guys.
Mostly use a single wire my self.
Some with a swivel for Bucktails and Cranks!
The Ballbearing makes a good Spinner roll and twist and help it breath, look alive?
I have some hanging on the shed at the Island that are a total mess, but did the trick.

On Jerk bait Leaders of Single strand wire I do not use a swivel.
I do use the Sampo #150 pound snap.
They seem to hold up for a week or two of opening and closing, then I retire them to be used on a wind sock or something.\

I get everything I use on-line or at Thornes!
Fun to make up your own in the winter or on days your sposed to be doing the lawn or painting something!
LOL.

One thing I have been doing more and more the last three seasons is NOT use a snap at all.
I thread on a Bucker slpit ring and use that.
Constant opening and closing the snaps weakens them and I just don't trust them.
Just something I like to do.
Tough in the cold getting baits on and off, but to me it is just a confidence thing.

I was at Thornes Tuesday.
Lots of NEW dump going up on them walls.
May need to get a night job!
LOL

Keep on rock'en!

Tom

www.muskytomsguideservice.com