Leaders for pike fishing

[Chester-MN]

I had posted this over in the open water forum but opted to post over here too as it seems a better place for this question.

I need some advice on leaders for pike fishing.

In the past I always used an 8 inch ball bearing steel leader around 25# test. I have always used the ball-bearing to prevent line twist.The place I am fishing rarely puts out more than a 10lb fish. I do quite a bit of trolling with spoons, Mepps spinners, and buzz baits. Do some casting with the same stuff. I only use a spinning reel.

I am wondering why some leaders are black? What are the differences in swivels? Why does each style get used?

Is there a better set up to use? Why?

Thanks in advance for the help! Any other advice is apprecitated.

[Deitz Dittrich]

Chester-

Line color in my opinion isn't much. Some may use the chrome ones to help draw the fish, supposedly the back ones are harder to see.. If Jon Petrowski answers this he will tell you he uses 80lb Florocarbon leaders that he makes his self.

The reason there are a few diferent styles of swivel is simple. $$.. some are more expensive and better, some people want cheep because they don't care. All my leaders have a ball berring swivel. I too use a lot of Mepps baits!

[Random guy]

Chester-MN,

Check out this older thread, it has alot of good info about leader selection.

Leaders

[RK]

Hiya -

Couple thoughts...

Leader color probably doesn't matter much in most cases with pike. It's simply a matter of what color nylon the leader's coated with if you use a coated sevenstrand leader...

If you're using spoons or inline spinners like Mepps, ball bearing swivels are a must to prevent line twist. Crane or barrel swivels just don't cut it.

One thing you may want to consider is making your own leaders. You can use uncoated sevenstrand wire in the 30-45# range, and buy swivels and snaps separately. To attach the swivels and snaps, run the wire through the swivel so there's about a 2" tag end, then grab the tag end with a forceps. Swing the forceps around the main leader line so there's a tight twist. Takes a little practice but works exceptionally well. I much prefer uncoated to coated wire. Making your own is extremely economical too. You can get a 1/4 pound coil of wire for under ten bucks, and can make a LOT of leaders from one coil. Just buy the swivels and some #6 Crosslock snaps, and you're set to go.

Cheers,

RK