i've never used a leader before.....always straight braid.

 

i picked up some of BPS' fluoro on sale and thought i would try using a leader and see how it may change things.

 

i'll be using 20lb braid so i am not sure what size of leader to use.  i picked up 8,12 and 17lb.

 

i'll be using it primarily for jigs.  nothing heavier than 3/8oz.

 

thanks.

 

Choose the leader based on cover.  I would use the 8lb. for more open water application, 12 lb. for moderate cover and the 17lb. for heavier cover. 

Agreed to choose the leader based on cover. 

Personally I don't like to go below 10# on my leaders, not saying you can't it's just a confidence thing with me. 12# would be my most used of the three you have as it's a nice compromise of strength to diameter. As the other guys pointed out I'd use the 17# anytime your going to be fishing fairly thick cover, trees, grass, or boat docks. I have 20# braid on a couple of my rods and 99% of the time I use a 15# leader. I only use three pound tests as leaders myself, 10, 15, and 20. I have my Curado 51E spooled with 20# PP and every once in a while I'll go to the 20# on the leader because I know I'm going to be fishing wood with a jig and don't want to take any chances.

i will be fishing cover but not too think or nasty...thanks for the replies.

sounds like 12lb would be the choice..