46 replies to this topic

[outdoorsman110]

Im at the tackleshop for a while today and I need to get braid and a leader, what # test should I get? And please don't tell me that braid isn't for cranking because of limited stretch, I know what I'm doing. It's for a Pflueger spinning reel.

[Wayne P.]

IF you know what you are doing, then you know you don't need to add a leader to the braid for cranking.
Most 30# superlines are 6# mono equivalent diameter. 20# superlines are 4# mono equivalent diameter.
I prefer the 6# diameters-more shock strength.

[SirSnookalot]

I always use a leader with that set up. For me it's 15# braid and 20# leader. I don't like to weaken my chain having a light leader being the weak link, 15# braid probably has the strength 20-25#. This is a general set up, if I'm fishing an area with little cover I'm going lighter.

[outdoorsman110]

IF you know what you are doing, then you know you don't need to add a leader to the braid for cranking.

You can tell that to SirSnookalot, as I said, I know what I'm doing. No need to be rude.

[outdoorsman110]

I always use a leader with that set up. For me it's 15# braid and 20# leader. I don't like to weaken my chain having a light leader being the weak link, 15# braid probably has the strength 20-25#. This is a general set up, if I'm fishing an area with little cover I'm going lighter.

thanks man! I can always trust ya when it comes to braid.

[Packard]

No need for a leader. If you wish to add one, 8# CXX is a good and affordable option

[outdoorsman110]

No need for a leader. If you wish to add one, 8# CXX is a good and affordable option

Thanks:)

[RandySBreth]

I use braid/superline leader for cranking a lot - I like braid in the 4/15 class or fused (think Fireline) in the 4/10 class - I like 10-pound fluoro leader most times.
I really like Orvis "Mirage" flyfishing leader material for a leader in the 1X size - but you won't find that in the regular tackle section. The reason I like it? It's about the same diameter as 8 or 10 pound test mono but it's 14.5-pound test. Awesome stuff. Expensive, but worth it.

[Bassn Blvd]

Sirsnook fish primarily saltwater.
And like WayneP said, if you already know what you're doing then why ask. I still can't figure out why someone uses a leader with braid on most applications.

[Fish Chris]

Not that SirSnook, or others need any backing up on this....

But I'd use a mono leader for that too. In fact, of all the different types of fishing I do (which ranges from Sunfish to Sturgeon} their really are only a few X's I wouldn't use a mono leader.... and I think I know what I'm doing, but I could be wrong LOL

Fish

[Fish Chris]

Bassin, here's why I do.....

1) It gives me more abrasion resistence around a basses teeth, and at the end of my line, most likely to be getting scrapes over rocks, and other sharp, or rough debris.
2) It is less likely to get tangled up with my bait, whether it be an artificial lure, or a live bait either way.
3) a mono, or especially a flouorcarbon, leader is much less visible to the fish {for what its worth... maybe not much most times}
4) Because braided line has virtually zero stretch, then to add in just say 30" of mono, might provide you with 8" of stretch > read; load shock protection.

Works for me.

Peace,
Fish

[Bassn Blvd]

Chris,

I guess it also depends a lot on what body of water you fish. I can understand braid might get frayed catching 12 pound bass with big teeth, but so will #10 mono/flouro. IMO, 1-7 pound bass that the "average" angler on the "average" lake catches shouldn't put your braid in jeopardy of breaking, unless of course you use micro braid or you're fishing rocks and other rough debris.


Not doubting you know what you're doing, (i've seen your bass) I just don't see where a bass is going to refuse a long lipped, blue/pink, red hook, rattling crank bait just because a piece of 4 or 6 pound diameter braid is attached to it.

I think there is a time and place for braid, i just believe using a leader on every application is over rated or more of a confidence thing. I see guys catching bass using straight 17-20 pound mono (not flouro) and the bass don't seem to shy away from the line- and they have to be able to see it or they're blind, haha.

You also mention using a 30"( what I call) shock leader. For argument sake, I might can understand using a small leader for the overly rough mouths that the HAWGS you catch in Cali have, but there's no way in heck you're going to convince me using a 6-10 foot leader with your braid has any special benefits. Let me clarify- I'm not saying YOU use that long of leader, but i have read many threads on here where numerous people do.

Fishing saltwater with braid is entirely different than fishing fresh. I would NEVER attempt to snook fish with straight braid. Mono/flouro leader is a must. Not because they might see the braid, but because their gill plates are razor sharp. We sometimes will use anywhere from 5-25 feet of leader when grouper fishing because of the reefs or wrecks.

[SoCalFisher]

Chris,

I guess it also depends a lot on what body of water you fish. I can understand braid might get frayed catching 12 pound bass with big teeth, but so will #10 mono/flouro. IMO, 1-7 pound bass that the "average" angler on the "average" lake catches shouldn't put your braid in jeopardy of breaking, unless of course you use micro braid or you're fishing rocks and other rough debris.


Not doubting you know what you're doing, (i've seen your bass) I just don't see where a bass is going to refuse a long lipped, blue/pink, red hook, rattling crank bait just because a piece of 4 or 6 pound diameter braid is attached to it.

I think there is a time and place for braid, i just believe using a leader on every application is over rated or more of a confidence thing. I see guys catching bass using straight 17-20 pound mono (not flouro) and the bass don't seem to shy away from the line- and they have to be able to see it or they're blind, haha.

You also mention using a 30"( what I call) shock leader. For argument sake, I might can understand using a small leader for the overly rough mouths that the HAWGS you catch in Cali have, but there's no way in heck you're going to convince me using a 6-10 foot leader with your braid has any special benefits. Let me clarify- I'm not saying YOU use that long of leader, but i have read many threads on here where numerous people do.

Fishing saltwater with braid is entirely different than fishing fresh. I would NEVER attempt to snook fish with straight braid. Mono/flouro leader is a must. Not because they might see the braid, but because their gill plates are razor sharp.

Sorry this is off topic but why do people think California bass are huge? I mean I do know of a few places where you catch giant bass but one of them is only open half the year and costs a lot of money. One of the others is right near my house and it is said people are catching several 10+ pound bass a week but I never have and the lake is also only open 3 days a week. And another lake where you may know of is Lake Dixon, you know where the guy snagged a 26 pound bass but once again I have never caught any even close to that size. Sorry this is so off topic but I have always wondered this.

[Bassn Blvd]

Sorry this is off topic but why do people think California bass are huge? I mean I do know of a few places where you catch giant bass but one of them is only open half the year and costs a lot of money. One of the others is right near my house and it is said people are catching several 10+ pound bass a week but I never have and the lake is also only open 3 days a week. And another lake where you may know of is Lake Dixon, you know where the guy snagged a 26 pound bass but once again I have never caught any even close to that size. Sorry this is so off topic but I have always wondered this.

When was the last time you heard of someone catching several 13+ pound bass a year in Florida. Maybe it happens more regulary than I imagine

[SoCalFisher]

Well it looks like you live there so you should know the truth. The bass must really not be that big here in California because I fish with a light Phenix rod 4-10 line and 1/16-3/8 lure weight and it brings in all the fish well.