Is there any benefit to using heavy mainline and a much lighter leader? I understand using 30 lb mainline and using something like a 12-17 lb flouro leader.

 

The reason I ask is because I saw someone fishing a drop shot with 65 lb braid with a 10 lb leader? He told me it gives him better sensitivity for feeling bites.

 

Is there something I'm missing?

 

No, in fact I find it very difficult to tie a good connecting knot if my main line is much thicker than my leader line. 

Line diameters is an issue.

I'd also have to think the shock of a hookset from 65lb to 10lb would be iffy.

The fact that it is 65 lb braid shouldn't make any difference in terms of sensitive when compared to a lighter braid.  As mentioned above, the only issue is being able to tie your knots. If you wanted to try it I would suggest going to 30 or 40 lb braid.

In terms of stretch, neither braid has significant stretch.  However, since the line doesn't always go directly, in a straight line, to the lure, heavier braid will not go through the water (taking up the slack by moving laterally through the water)  as easily as a much smaller diameter braid, and a little sensitivity will be lost with heavier braid.  Significant?  I don't know, but I believe it's true in theory.

I don't believe you're missing anything.

 

Though I've never used a drop shot with 65 lb braid - I have used it for heavy slop techniques and it's essentially a small cable.

 

For me, Unless I'm throwing a drop shot into somethign I' sholud be flipping into, I don't see why there is a need for the cable.

 

I'll agree that not every drop shot presentation is a finnesse situation, but when it is, I want the lightest weight I can use.  It allows me better strike dection.  Maybe that's just me.

 

I think I'd be using a bigger weight with the 65 braid which might not be the best deal.  It's tough to beat the bite detection (and reeling hook set) of light braid on a drop shot.

 

A-Jay

I feel there are 2 basic reasons to use different leaders with braid.

 

leader same diameter or smaller - if you are concerned with braid line visibility and/or lure action.

greater diameter leader - if you are concerned with braid cutting off on sharp objects like shells or rocks

 

But no way does a smaller diameter leader increase sensitivity of a heavy braid