what are some good quality leaders?

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I was out fishing muskies the other day and caught about a 3 lb. pike and it managed to break a 60lb. titanium leader. Ive had this happen once before several weeks ago on a hook set, the brand by the way is South Bend. If you have any South Bend products Id recomend throwing them in the garbage. Ive lost $20 worth of lures, not to mention, two fish that will probably die and it leaves me skeptical on which leaders I can trust.

Im really kicking myself for skimping out and trusting those leaders.

[mskyfshntchr]

Was yours that broke a solid wire or 7 strand leader?

Joe Bucher leaders are very good. His are mostly jerkbait leaders (solid wire).

7 strand just usually go with whatever is at Cabelas or another big store. Titanium on those as well.

Good luck, it sucks to lose fish and lures to crappy gear.

[southerner]

Sorry to hear about that situation. It has been my experience that South Bend products are not even middle-of-the-road quality so I avoid them.

My suggestion is to make your own leaders. It's quick, easy, and inexpensive relative to the price of many store-bought leaders. Plus, as I feel I'm mechanically challenged, I get a great deal of satisfaction having done it myself.

I use 120# single-strand wire and mate it to snap & swivel via haywire twist; use the same sort of components you find on the best titanium leaders. If you're looking for durable snaps and swivels I recommend visiting Thorne Bros in Fridley. I've also found some good components online, but you've first got to know what you're looking for. That's the value of Thorne Bros.

Good luck.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

It was a 7 strand leader that broke on both occasions.

What does everyone think about titanium leaders? Should I stick with steal? What about florocarbon? I have one 80lb florocarbon leader but havnt had the guts to use it after what happend to the metal ones.

Southerner, Is there a webpage or a book that shows how to make leaders? I wouldn't even know how to start.

[delmuts]

if you taek some time and go back through the pages, jon and the guys had some great info on making your own leaders of of flouro carbon line.( i think they used 100# +), but not certain.

[Fish&Fowl]

I just started getting into muskie fishing a little bit ago. Just bought a 7-strand Joe Bucher, haven't caught a fish on it yet so I don't know how it will hold up. I think the biggest deal with those titanium is they don't kink, but for the price I'd rather get a few steel ones and replace them. 12 bucks for one leader is a little ridiculous (100#) Sorry to hear about the fish you lost, that's talk. I will make sure to never buy a South Bend product that's for sure. After hearing this I might just stick with the solid wire ones, at least while I've got a jerkbait on. Also saw some made out of fireline that kind of surprised me. Can't remember what # they were, but they might be worth a try. Anyone else seen or used those??

[mskyfshntchr]

I use titanium for jerkbaits and 7 strand. No problems, but I also spend the money and buy top of the line. Sure $12 is spendy, but how about losing a fish of a lifetime and leaving it with hooks in its mouth to die? Or replacing 5 steel leaders every year because they kink after every decent fish while you can use your titanium leader for years? Isn't it worth a little more up front to be safer?

I've learned the hard way and bought cheap stuff to try and get by, but just end up spending more in the long run because I bought the cheap stuff first and then went and bought the good stuff. It went that way with reels, line, components, lures, etc....Just buy the good stuff to begin with...It costs a few more bucks the first time, but it becomes the only time...

Flurocarbon....I have been using them for a few years. I have used 80,100 & 130 pound tests. No problems for me yet. I am using mostly 130 for muskies. If you go to the muskyhunter HSOforum and then swap meet you can find some guys who are selling their fluro leaders. I have some of them and am impressed- they are 130#.

Making your lures is not real tough at least for metal ones. Get a good crimping pliers, wire, crimps and have at it.

Fish&Fowl-You want the solid wire with your jerkbait-keeps the lure from fouling up. 7 strand will foul up because it flexes and lets the lure catch up...

Good luck...

[Fish&Fowl]

Thanks for the info. I also realized the 7 strand I bought was a musky maina, not a joe bucher. Got a 38" pike today and had one smaller muskie follow up a black bucktail and hit it a few times while I was doing 8's, never grabbed it though. Gotta go shopping for some solid wire leaders for the Suicks and Sand cats now that I know that's what they're made for.