Rigging Lead core rod...

[Marble Eye Guy]

Just wondering if anyone can help me out with a few questions about rigging my lead core rods. This is the first year I will be running lead core, and am not sure how to set-up my rods. As far as the rod and reel go I am set, and plan to use a 12lb test mono as a backer, and spool 100-150 yds of it. I will probably be fishing in 20-40 fow. And I plan to use a 5-15' leader of fire line. I understand the 5' down to 1- color of line out rule. The questions I have are how much lead core should I spool on my reel? And if anyone has any information or tips they would like to share on running lead core, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

[uglystick007]

Which reel are you using? I have 18 lb leadcore on my Tidewater and the leadcore fills up the reel with no backing at all. My research showed that the diameter vs weight of 18 lb test was the best compromise. I know that some guys use only two or three colors of leadcore (# unknown) and heavy mono backing so that they can still get the lures down while using planer boards.

[tunrevir]

A heavier saltwater reel might be a better option or if you are just trying to get to the 30+ foot range then a few colors will do nicely. Find a high capacity muskie type reel or a bigger salmon type line counter such as a diawa sealine and you will get down to where you need to be. Keep in mind if you are looking to troll with planer boards the smaller boards will sink with 2-3 colors out. I have a heavier reel that will hold about six colors of leadcore and that gets me to most fish in this timezone.

Tunrevir~

[PerchJerker]

Really depends on what baits you're using in that 20-40 fow, and how deep they'll run on their own. Using 3-5 colors of lead is pretty common for a lot of walleye situations.

I usually go with longer leaders than you're talking about, like 20 to 50 feet.

[FishDepot]

I use #27 Accudepths for my lead rods. 18# lead line with 8-ft. 14# Fireline leader to a snap. No mono backing. They can hold 5 colors - max. I can hit bottom in 30-feet but that's about it. Speed and bait style will change this a bit too. In MN, I've never really needed much more, but I've fished with almost all 5 colors out. ....Not much left for a bad snag or drag room when doing that. Nevertheless, I'm happy with this set-up.

[Mike Walerak]

I would put a minimum of 5 colors on. A Diawa Sealine 47LC is the perfect reel for this. I like to use a linecounter as it gives you the exact amount of line out rather than trying to remember how many colors you had out. I fill the entire spool with lead core. What ever is left from the filler spool I keep in the boat to use behind planer boards when only 1-3 colors is needed.

Start with 20-50 feet of 10lb. Flourocarbon leader. I personally do not care for fireline with leadcore as it does not give enough stretch and can pull lures out of the fishes mouth.

Simple notes with trolling speeds, lure and depth can be kept to create your own dive curves.

Also when connecting your leader to the leadline pull about 6" of lead from the end of the leadcore. Thread the leader into the hollowed sleave. A couple simple granny knots will keep the leader secured in place.

This is what has worked the best for me. I'm sure others will have some ideas.

mw

[PerchJerker]

Quote:

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Also when connecting your leader to the leadline pull about 6" of lead from the end of the leadcore. Thread the leader into the hollowed sleave. A couple simple granny knots will keep the leader secured in pla

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I have used this knot too, usually with a small dab or two of glue on it

[Marble Eye Guy]

thanks guys for the info. I appreciate all of your help.

I have Diawa sealine reels, so the rod and reel will not be the issue. I am looking forward to adding this presentation to my fishing this year, Thanks again

[croixeyes]

My leadcore rigs consist of sealine 47 reels from Diawa,coupled with 9ft telescoping glass rods.I dont have backer on these,instead I use tape on the spool to keep the line from slipping.I fill them with 100yds of 27lb test leadcore and use 12 floro for my leader.I differ a little on my leader length though,opting to use about 15ft.I peel back the dacron and pinch off about 6inches of lead and tie that to a small two way swivel,enough leader to run up the rod and down to the hook keeper on the rod.Depth is an issue of speed and the amount of lead you have out.Leadcore is fun but your arms sure do get a workout learning the diving curves of your crankbaits.

[Mark13:33]

Alright, I know I've hounded you guys for information before and you have given me great responses, some of which I have lost track of on this forum! I haven't tallied the data however from previous responses I have heard good things about many items. I am strongly considering between the following rods and reels, If you leadcore trolling gurus could let me know what you think that would be great.

Rods:

1. Shimano Talora

2. Walleye Series Pro (Bass Pro Shops Keith Kavjeicz and Gary Parsons Special Series)

3. Ugly Stik

4. Berkley Series One

Reels:

1. Daiwa Sealine

2. Cableas Depthmaster

People earlier on mentioned the Cabelas series, anyone else care to weigh in on them? Price appears to be right as I will probably only be trolling 5-7 times a year for walleye with 7 colors...Any info would be greatly appreciated! Sealines are top of the line and would be my number one choice...are they that much better and worth the extra dollar for my current situation?

Thanks...

[PerchJerker]

Hard to beat Sealines. I don't have any Depthmasters myself but have heard good things about them. You probably couldn't go wrong with either, and you probably would never wear out Sealines if you only used them 5-7 times per year. I don't know anything about them but Scheels has their own private label linecounters too.

Any / all of the rods you mention are fine, it's really personal preference. I have some Cabelas rods that I like and use, I don't own any of the Bass Pro Walleye Series rods but I really like them, same goes for the Talora. I spend a lot more money on my jigging rods and flatline trolling rods than I do on my leadcore rods.

Have you looked at any of the combos that Cabelas offers - you can usually save some money by going with one of their pre-arranged combos. And for a while they had a free shipping promotion on Sealines, I don't know if they still have it or not.

[Tony Holland]

Just picked up Accudepth 47LC and the Leadcore Cabelas trolling rod combo for only 58.00.

Reel seperate: 49.00

Rod Seperate: 35.00

Just tell them you want the combo and they will lower the price and fix you up.