New to braid. Leader or no leader?

[jmatheny9]

I've been looking in to getting braid because of it's thinner diameter per #. That being said I don't like the idea of using a leader because it creates a weak point (just what I've been reading) I've been scouring the web and I've been getting mixed messages about it so I want to ask you all on here lol. I've got a better trust on this forum than others.

This would mostly be for float trips on the south branch Potomac fishing for smallies but I also was wondering about stocked rainbows? In both cases the water is fairly clear but a touch stained. Maybe 6-10ft visibility. I don't use anything but soft plastics most of the time.

So with all that would I have to use a leader? Or is the leader just an abrasion protected and confidence booster?

Thanks guys, sorry for the debatable topic lol


      -Jeremiah      @bullfroglures

[ctom]

If fishing shows a need for a leader, use a short length of fluorocarbon. I generally tie direct unless the fish just don't like the braid line next to the bait. They'll let you know.

[DF]

 Jeremiah, go down to Fishing Techniques and Rigging, I asked about the same thing a while back and got some helpful advice. I think the subject title was Braid Question. Hope this helps.

[jmatheny9]

Jeremiah, go down to Fishing Techniques and Rigging, I asked about the same thing a while back and got some helpful advice. I think the subject title was Braid Question. Hope this helps.

okay sweet. I don't know how I missed that thread while it was being talked about. I like what I saw lol


      -Jeremiah      @bullfroglures

[BareKnuckleJigs]

I use leaders with braid 99% of the time.  I'm doing what I feel is necessary to get more bites...I use leaders rated heavier than whatever's on the reel, also 99% of the time.  On my lightest Spinning Reel there is 6 lb. Sufix green braid, and I use Seaguar AbrazX 8 lb. leaders with that.  My favorite Inland Saltwater Spinning Reel has 10 lb Sufix green braid and that gets either 15 lb. or 20 lb. mono (30 lb. mono, rarely) or 20 lb. AbrazX leaders.  I also make my leaders kind of long, upwards of 3'-4' (all of them), this way I can retie a few times before I have to replace the entire leader...and longer leaders get the swivel (if used) and braid a little further away from the bait.

[Apdriver]

Jeremiah, everybody has their own opinion about this. I out fished a bud of mine the other day on a relatively clear lake 9 to 1. I was using a fluorocarbon leader, he was not. He had braid tied directly to his bait. Granted, I was fishing from the front of the boat but was taking big bites with every cast and moving fast just to leave unfished water for him. My experience says yes, you should use a leader. Learn to tie a double uni. Arguably the best bond between braid and flouro.

[pjmcla]

I used braid a fair bit when it came out.  Now I use none, zero, nada.  Fluorocarbon has completely replaced it.  I don't pitch; or heavy grass fish either.  If I do, I will use braid with no leader.

[Lamar]

  Here's how I look at this. Why use a fluorocarbon leader ? Were is your weakest point ? The knot, right ? So why have two knots ? If braid is so much heavier then fluorocarbon then why use a fluorocarbon leader ? Is not your weakest point ether the two knots or the fluorocarbon leader ? So why not use ether all braid or all fluorocarbon ? Braid floats and fluorocarbon sinks. So the two don't mix. Or do they ?

[Bass in the hood]

I fish clear lakes a lot and to get bit more I often use a fluorocarbon leader attached to my braid with a double uni. i use 5 pound test my for spotted bay bass and LMB. i tried fishing straight braid i love the sensitivity but couldn't git bit without the fluoro or mono.

[Bugpac]

Sharpie the braid black for about 3'. Makes it invisible in the water... learned from a friend.

[jmatheny9]

Sharpie the braid black for about 3'. Makes it invisible in the water... learned from a friend.

lol how would that work??

Good info here guys. Guess I'll just have to try both and see everything myself on the places I fish, I'm hoping I don't need a leader though


      -Jeremiah      @bullfroglures

[Bugpac]

Try it..

[WALLEYE WACKER]

I use 6  2 15  4 power pro and use a 10 and 20 lb section of fluorocarbon 20" tied with back to back uni knots.  Have not had any trouble with it being a weak point it's if you make it too long and it goes threw the guides is were you run into problem's .

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[Lamar]

  I guess my question would be why have fluorocarbon leader ? If you like ( and I do ) fluorocarbon then why not just use all fluorocarbon. What is the advantage of using braid in front of it ?

[t-billy]

 I don't know about trout, but river smallies aren't line shy in my experience. I use Power Pro tied direct. I've tried a lot of braids. I stick with original PP green these days.