Leader choices

[MuskyRookie]

I would love to get some opinions on the suggested matchups for leaders. I am a bit confused on when to use a swivel versus no swivel versus fluorocarbon leaders.

Am I correct with the following?

Jerk & glidebaits - no swivel

Bucktails, prop & spinnerbaits - swivel

Fluoro (with swivel) - Bucktails, spinnerbaits, crankbaits

I realize there are personal preferences but I would apppreciate fellow FM'ers take on this.

[Rebel9921]

I use fluoro for everything... 130#

I remember Baldy saying something about new 150# by Seaguar.... not sure about 200#... but those would be excellent for topwaters and jerkbait/gliders...

Yes... swivel is a must for bucktails and spinnerbaits as it would minimize the twist in your line...

[JRedig]

I would love to get some opinions on the suggested matchups for leaders. I am a bit confused on when to use a swivel versus no swivel versus fluorocarbon leaders.

Am I correct with the following?

Jerk & glidebaits - no swivel

Bucktails, prop & spinnerbaits - swivel

Fluoro (with swivel) - Bucktails, spinnerbaits, crankbaits

I realize there are personal preferences but I would apppreciate fellow FM'ers take on this.

Sounds like you have it right, although I prefer single strand metal for jerkbaits/WTD/gliders.

[ole matty]

I agree with u jr abt single strand, I like to have swivels for propeller topwater....had to stripped my 15 ft of braids due to no swivel when fishin few hours with propeller topwater.....

[MUSKYMAN1011]

Muskyrookie,

Just my opinion, but I think You are over analyzing.

I use Fluorocarbon leaders on just about "everything" with the exception of 7 strand Titanium, which I have been experimenting with for a few years now.

I know other guys who only use Single strand piano wire.

Ball bearing swivel on one end and a "stay lock" on the other.

(Best Choice) in my opinion.

or Ball bearing swivel on one end and a "Cross lock" on the other.

You can analize this stuff to death if you want, but in the end you are going to do what works and feels best for you.

Best of luck

Brian K

www.kaisertail.com

[kustmoboy]

My experience is that most leaders will work with any bait except for Walk-the-Dog lures and glide baits. Then you really should you a single strand or similar leader to help you work them right. I've heard people say you should/shouldn't use a swivel and don't really know the correct answer.

But like Muskyman1011 said, use what works for you and what feels right. Everyone fishes a bit different and what may work for one person won't necessarily work for you.

[cjac]

Another vote here for almost all fluoro, mainly the 130# and down to 80 to match up with a smaller lure, especially chasing tigers. Like others I'll go straight wire on the WTD baits, but not always.

Regarding the swivel: I like an extra pivot or hinge point once a fish is hooked up, it reduces the chances of the leader helping to turn the lure out of or loosen it in a fish's mouth.

[Bemidjifisher]

I'd agree with what you've seen here....

For me it's simple:

Single strand (piano wire) for walk the dog lures

130lb fluorocarbon for all other casting

200lb fluorocarbon 60" for trolling

[BillyFinn]

Try a Billy Finn Toga Leader, it has a willow leaf spinner blade on the shaft. The Top PMTT winners used this with great success.