leaders

[tulikow]

In the spring I like to use Slug Gos but I always lose several that get cut off. I have tried the Berkely leaders but they tend to interfere with the lures subtle action. What would be a good brand to try or should I tie my own?
Any help is appreciated

[Fish-n-Freak]

Two best options for slug-O's and other soft jerkbaits (Kilreels and stuff) are either Florocarbon or the new super flexible 49 strand wire that you can tie regular knots in.

Both of these are flexible and can be tied direct to the lure, so you don't have the weight of the snap and swivle that come with standard leaders. This will prevent line cuts, without changing the lures action.

Steve

[Doop]

Hey Tulikow,

Do you have good luck using plastics for muskies and pike? Do you fish them with a big worm style hook and no weight? Do you usually use them in slop? Shallow? Deep?

Just curious, cuz I was thinkin of tryin that this summer!

[This message has been edited by Doop (edited 03-23-2004).]

[tulikow]

Fish-n-Freak,
Thank you for the helpful reply I think I will buy some 49 strand wire.

Doop,
I have had great success using plastics for pike. I havent tried them for muskies though. I fish Slug Go on a 4/0 Gamakatsu offset shank worm hook. I do not use any weight. The plastics work great in submerged weeds where there are drop offs close to the shoreline.

[TomWehler]

9" or 12" Shad, 7/0 brabless shark hook, 4" 10 penny Stud nail.
Also like a Custom 12" Reaper on a 2 oz Whistler Jig.

Killer action, Musky Munchies!

Make my own leaders of all kinds, but for plastic only use 2' lenght of 110 LB Fluro with a sleeve, wind-on swivel and some shrink tube.

Keep on ROck'en!

I sure am and it is good to be back on the road.

See ya for the opener!

T.

www.muskytomsguideservice.com

[This message has been edited by TomWehler (edited 03-23-2004).]

[delmuts]

fishin freak. can you enlighten me ( us ) more on the 49 strand wire you mentioned ? thanks ! del

[Fish-n-Freak]

Del,
Cortland makes some called Toothy Critter leader material, there is also Tyger and Surfalon brands, plus others.

Basically, the usual 7-strand wire leader, has been changed. They made a leader where each of the 7 strands, are now made up of 7 strands. Makes for a very flexable material, and you can tie it off instead of crimping. It makes some very strong very light weight leaders, no snaps, sleeves or swivels needed.

I think it can be found from 10lbs on up to 120lbs strength. I have made some live bait, spinner rigs out of the lighter stuff, so when I am fishing Walleye, the Pike and Muskies don't bite me off. Now I just need to play them correctly on the light leader, but their teeth are less of an issue.

Hope this helps,
Steve

[delmuts]

steve. how do you tie the 49 strand to your line ? do you use a swivel or directly to the line? ( i use back to back cinch knots when i do this cause i can't get the blood knot right) thanks del

[Fish-n-Freak]

If I want to stay light, I wil ljust make a loop in the end of the leader. Surgeon's loop is what I think they call it. Then I tie my line to the loop. Other line to line knots will work, I just find this very easy and have not had a problem with it.

If a little extra weight won't matter, than use a swivle on the end and tie to that.

Play around and see what works for you.

Steve

[delmuts]

thanks! del