fluorocarbon leaders

[metrojoe]

I recently switched over to Power Pro on a couple of my bass rods and I have noticed on some fishing shows, and info I've read on the internet that it's common practice to use a swivel and a fluorocarbon leader.

I personally have just been tying my lures right to the Power Pro, but I can definitely see the advantages to using a swivel and a fluorocarbon leader.

If you do use a leader, what lb test do you use?

[Fever]

When fishing slow ie: worming, jig fishing I use a florocarbon leader usually 12 - 20 lb test. The past couple years I've use berkley vanish. I don't use a swivel though. I tie line to line using a blood knot or a uni knot. When fishing cranks, spinnerbaits, or other qicker more horizontal presentations I don't see the need to use the leader as most strikes are reactionary and quick. If you've never heard of these knots do a google search and you'll see what I'm talking about. Good luck.

[RK]

Hiya -

By all means add a fluoro leader in some situations. Or a mono leader for that matter. I use braid quite a bit, but the only time I don't add a leader is when I'm pitching in really heavy cover where I don't think seeing the line makes a bit of difference. I don't use braid for spinnerbaits, but I'd probably tie direct there too.

As Fever said, skip the swivel. Tie the superline to your leader with back to back uni-knots. Especially if it's a heavier leader, I double the superline with a spider hitch first. On spinning gear I start out with leaders that are 8-10 feet long, and retie when they get down to 4' or so. For pitching, I use a shorter leader so the knot won't catch in the guides at all.

Besides the visibility factor, a mono or fluoro leader adds a little stretch into the system, which I kind of thinks helps keep fish hooked...

cheers,

Rob Kimm