Couple questions concerning topwaters and line

[mrcrowley138]

I have a few topwaters that I am looking to throw this spring for pike, namely Zara Super Spooks and Wounded Spooks. I was wondering if using wire leaders (Berkley 18") would be significantly detrimental to the lures action. Should i ditch the leader and risk a bite off, or does the leader not affect the action too much?

My second question concerns line. I am looking for a good mono that will work well for pike. I'm generally looking in the 20 lb. test range. I have heard good things about Sufix ProMix (formerly DNA) and was wondering if anyone has first hand experience with it. Other mono suggestions are also welcome.

Any info on the above topics is greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[T-water]

I wouldn't use a leader. If you try a leader you'll quickly see the negative impact the steel has on the movement. I think I've lost 2 lures to pike usually when I was using small topwaters for smallmouth. Anyway keep the line tight and set the hook fast.

I've heard different ideas but I prefer a non-stretch super line like Power Pro. More expensive but definitely worth it. I also like that for the most part it floats which is good when casting and trying to set the hook quickly during a quick hit.

[polarsusd81]

For sure no leader like T-water said. The action is killed when you use one. You might lose a lure here and there, but that is better than sitting there all day walking a spook and not having any action all day. I think a braided line would work better in topwater use as well. It will hold up better and give you that quick set opportunity. Also a bit harder for the pike to cut it, although still somewhat easy, it does offer that little edge.

[Fish&Fowl]

I would use a leader. I use topwaters a lot for smallmouth early in the year and lose a fair amount to pike. I don't notice leaders hurting the action too much when muskie fishing, and it's no different for pike (unless you're using fairly small lures).

If you really think no pike are hitting because of the leader, try not using one. If pike are smacking topwaters they're usually not finicky. I use stiff, single strand leaders.

[mrcrowley138]

Thanks a lot for the input guys. Fish&Foul, when you say fairly small lures, about what size are u referring to? I believe the Super Spook and Wounded Spook are 7/8 oz. and 3/4 oz. respectively. Do you think these would be heavy and buoyant enough to not be affected by the leader? If I was to use a leader would a shorter or longer leader better serve the purpose?

What about titanium or fluorocarbon leaders? Would either of those options provide strength and resistance to bite-offs while not inhibiting the action too much? I've heard some positive things about both of these. Anyone have any information on them as it pertains to topwater? Thanks again.

[Fish&Fowl]

I would say with lighter, smaller lures like that you might have more leader issues. If you use lighter leader or a fluorocarbon leader I think it would work fine. I have heard some not-so-good things about Titanium, the biggest being the loss of strength with no visual signs.

Just do some experimenting with different leaders and lures and find what works. Hopefully you'll find an effective combination that works for you and catches fish!

[Neighbor_guy]

As far as your line issue goes, I use Iron Silk for pike and have had good results.

[mrcrowley138]

 Originally Posted By: Neighbor_guy

As far as your line issue goes, I use Iron Silk for pike and have had good results.

I used Iron Silk last season and was pretty pleased with it, but I'm looking to try out some new ones to find one that is perfect for me. Iron Silk is great but i have a feeling there is a line out there that will suit me better.

[b1gf1sh1]

 Quote:

I was wondering if using wire leaders (Berkley 18") would be significantly detrimental to the lures action.

in a prior post i slandered the knottable leader wire, but for this purpose of smaller walk-the-dog lures it is a good option ''IF'' your inclined to use a leader. it's a little bit more supple. mabe try all of the above and decide on one/not one. i've tied lures direct in an attempt to get a muskie to hit when they don't on anything and just follow. works but i have lost tackle. really in the long run you can never have one too many leaders.

[Hula_Grub]

If you go the knottable leader route, perhaps try the albright knot to your mono and then a non-slip loop knot to the lure to get the walking action you want.