Fluorocarbon Leaders

[fishtank]

Has anybody used Fluorocarbon leaders in thier presentations? I was wondering what type of knot do you use to attach the Fluoro to the mono line? Also, What lengh do you use for a Fluorocarbon leader attached to mono lines?

[ccarlson]

I use a swivel to link my fireline to the flourocarbon. Length of snell is determined by fishing conditions. If not lindy rigging, the swivel will still work and just run a couple feet of flouro before your crankbait or other type baits.

When tying the flouro to a swivel, I prefer a palomar knot. Be sure to wet the line as you tighten it down as flouro is more heat sensitive and will weaken if the knot it cinched without being wet first.

Flouro is a great way to up the strength of your leader material without sacrificing finesse. Because of its low visibility, I most times use 8 pound instead of lighter leaders as some do and the 8 works fine.

A little stronger leader means less break offs which often times lead to dead fish with a hook in the throat.

I like berkley vanish myself.

Use a quality swivel, not a cheapo. You'll be much happier.

ccarlson

[Bushwacker]

I also use Fluoro leaders for walleye snells and for my panfish jigs. I use 8lb for walleyes and 6lb for panfish. I have been using it for two full seasons and I really like it. One note is to make sure you wet the knots when you are tying the leaders. The friction of Florocarbon on a dry knot creates a lot of heat and can drastically reduce knot stregth. I picked up a few Florocarbon leaders for muskie this off season and I can't wait to try them. I went with custom made leaders from a pro on them, I didn't want to experiment on my own for muskies with $15.00 lures.