lure losing Northerns

[ikeslayer]

In the past year i have lost more lures getting bit off by northerns than for any other reason. However it seems the second i put on a leader i stop catching fish. Where is the Trade off? Someone out there has solved this problem and i am eager to hear it. thanks ike

[Cooter]

I'd recommend tiger leader material, say 15lb. You tie knots with this so no extra hardware (swivels, snaps) for the fish to see. Was catching smallies in clear water with the tiger leader this last weekend. The braided lines are another option as are flourocarbon lines or leaders, again say 14lb test or so.

[JohnMickish]

Flourocarbon leaders.

[muskieboy46]

Last year i tried wire and flourocarbon on multiple trips while muskie fishing. I had more success with the wire then the flourocarbon. May have been a coincidence, but i think not.

I have also experimented with braided and mono for northern and how they react. i caught 3-1 when i put a 5ft mono leader on the end of my braided. Same lure, same boat, same speed.

[SlaPPy]

Fire Line works nice for me

[ilikepike]

Make sure your leader is as thin as possible. Most commercial wire leaders are oversized junk that should be used for shark fishing. South Bend makes leaders with thin braided wire and small snaps that don't interfere with lure action. There's a variety of sizes/strengths from 12lb on up. I usually get the 18lb or 27 lb test 8-inch size. Another good option is to make your own out of single strand wire. You can get enough 35lb single strand to make a hundred leaders for like $6.00. Or get some 15lb nylon coated wire and do a twist melt with a lighter. That works good for jigs.

[jackfish]

Try titanium leaders. They are pricy but they are extremely durable, cut the weeds, won't kink and if you check your knots often and use good line it should last you a ton of fishing. Best of all they are very thin and light.

jackfish