How many of you use braid + mono leader for poppers and walking baits with good success for top water ? ... I'm trying to cut down on having straight mono and FC line types by using braid as a mainline , then adding the proper leader type based on application (i.e. top water / mono) .

I use braid with leaders on almost every reel.

A friend of mine met Dean Rojas in Florida and asked him advice about top water baits, specifically frogs, and Rojas told him to use braid with no leader.  He took that advice and his top water hook up rate has improved.

10 minutes ago, Surfcaster said:

A friend of mine met Dean Rojas in Florida and asked him advice about top water baits, specifically frogs, and Rojas told him to use braid with no leader.  He took that advice and his top water hook up rate has improved.

Agree 100% for frogging.

My frog rod is the only one I fish straight braid without a leader. 

I've been using straight braid for poppers and props to see if I like it. So far it's been good. I'll stick with mono for walkers to avoid the line tangles though. 

48 minutes ago, racedad said:

Agree 100% for frogging.

My frog rod is the only one I fish straight braid without a leader. 

What about pitching jigs?

45 minutes ago, beginningfisherman said:

What about pitching jigs?

That depends if I'm pitching grass or wood/open water. Grass straight up braid, wood 15lb fluro leader.

Well, I tried straight braid with my topwater baits. Didn't work out too well for me. The problem (for me) is that the braid gets hung up in the split rings of the bait. Probably due to the fact that I use a relatively light braid, but that's just what I like to do. So, I use a monofilament leader, connected to my braid, which is heavier than the main line braid. This increases the stiffness of the line at the bait and seemingly reduces tangles with the bait. Add to that, the additional shock absorption of a leader with the braid, makes it a good combination.  JMO.  

I use braid with a leader for walkers and poppers. I use a leader to reduce fouled up hooks and to reduce pulled out hooks.

Good replies - it seems to make sense . Also a short piece of #12 ~ #15 lb. mono leader keeps braid from fouling on front treble hooks and split rings . I would also think that it will not take as much rod movement on braid + mono leader to get a walking bait to walk good ! *I'm trying to reduce having reels with so many different types of main lines - it just seems stupid .

I use braid with a mono leader for most of my topwater fishing and I really think it's the best way to go. Further casts and better hooksets. Just make sure you have a soft enough rod to avoid pulling hooks.