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BigSaltsFishing · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 6:59 am Post subject: Types of fishing leaders ... ...

I'm getting tired of having those lame store bought leaders fail me. It's just ridiculous how poor the craftsmanship can be on some of those things. If you make your own leaders what type do you make and with what materials? I went ahead and bought my own swivels and some 25lb shock leader. Would any of you all recommend using crimps or any specific type of knot? I'm talking for fishing in the bay.
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AcousTennis · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 13 Sep 2010 Posts: 1319

I'll be putting out a video soon on my drum leaders. Just keep as much metal off of the leader as possible. Mine last forever until I bust my main line. Use 50lb mono it'll last longer. Doesn't have to be expensive line.
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TxFlyFshrman · Finger Mullet Joined: 24 Apr 2012 Posts: 25

I use 20-25lb flouro as a leader; for bay, if I'm using a fishfinding rig I'll use a small barrel swivel, small egg weight to main line, swivel, flouro; if I'm freelining bait or using artificial lures, I tie the leader directly to the mainline (using a J knot); for the surf I tie a shock leader to the mainline directly, tie the weight to the end of the leader and then tie on some drop loops above the weight, run the loop end through the eye of the hook and around the end, now you've secured your hook, weight and leader without a single piece of metal (I do this for bottom fishing from the kayak as well). There are probably better ways out there but these basics have worked for me through the years, cheaper than buying premade and in my opinion, better in general, only time I've had an issue is if I don't pay attention to the knots with the flouro... Rolling Eyes

mansfieldjetties · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 9:47 am Post subject:

I've spent the money on flouro and had lost some nice fish because it snaps right at the knot. I buy cheap 50lb huge used spools from Roy's and make double drops all day long for the surf, jetties and bay. About the only thing ruins them is larger sharks, jetty rocks and 50+ fish before they are pretty eating up, even then I just clip and re-tie the hooks or weight. Tennis is right about them lasting almost forever. Anything is better than store bought imo...
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michaeluhlig1 · Horse Mullet Joined: 17 Apr 2013 Posts: 122

Please do the video because I'm in the same boat. I went today to Roys and bought some really good liters. Cost me about a days pay but I have them.

landlocked beachbum · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 9:46 pm Post subject:

I use fluoro for leader shy species in fairly clear water, and always use heavier test fluoro than I would mono because it IS sensitive to some knots in particular and poorly tied knots period! Still, it's worth the extra cost and added extra care in knot tying because it definitely has brought me some great fish. Would this same fish have bit on a mono leader of the same test? Who knows!!! One things for sure....... They didn't get to bite anything else and I ate well! Twisted Evil

Also, super glue your knots no matter what and you WILL see more fish caught/much fewer losses!
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"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits". Albert Einstein

Matt · Posted: Tue Nov 05, 2013 9:48 pm Post subject:

I use fluorocarbon, for line-to-line leaders. Usually 2x the weight of the main line, give or take. 'Line-to-line' or 'blood knot' to connect the two together. Never had a problem.

12lb test, 20-odd pound fluoro. Something in the 12" to 18" range for the leader.

Unless I'm using a Lemon Rig or float, there's no swivel.
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AcousTennis · Full Grown Flour Bluffian Joined: 13 Sep 2010 Posts: 1319

landlocked beachbum · Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 7:40 am Post subject:

The super glue stops the wraps of the knot from cinching down tighter when fighting a fish or pulling off a snag (etc.) and GREATLY toughens the knot to abrasion or cuts. Cheap and quick, a win:win situation! Wink

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Dave

"The difference between genius and stupidity is that genius has it's limits". Albert Einstein

ironmanstan · Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 8:17 am Post subject:

I still use the same old thing. It's good to try and double the size of the leader to your main line if possible. I use 8lb test mono and a 14 or 17 lb test leader out of fluorcarbon 16lb would be the best. I guess they they don't make it or if they do I have not seen it and haven't really killed myself looking for it. I have great luck using a properly tied double surgeons knot and I use a loop knot on my lures. I have caught up to a 43 inch drum on this rig with no problem. However I was not fishing on a reef or on a oystershell bottom. If I was I would probably go to 12 lb test. Very Happy

If I had any problems using 8lb test I wouldn't be using it. I hate snaps and swivels but will use them if and when I have to.
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TxFlyFshrman · Finger Mullet Joined: 24 Apr 2012 Posts: 25

I'll second the super glue although I only use it when making heavy duty leaders for snapper, shark, cobia, etc. I haven't had an issue with a knot out there yet and I use flouro for the abraision resistance. I did lose a large shark but it was due to the leader rubbing against it's skin for a significant time, wasn't the knot. As for types of knots for line to line, you've got a few options and I was a blood knot guy for a long time but a friend showed me the J knot and it's quicker and easier to tie on the water and I haven't had an issue with it yet.

Hoggeman · Posted: Wed Nov 06, 2013 9:17 pm Post subject:

I spend days making leaders, pouring weights and sharpening hooks. or if you are in a pinch for time get your shark leaders from Roy's and long distance stuff from Nick's at Breakaway.

PM me and I will send you a leader you can copy.
Hoggeman
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