Thought I might tie a +20' 8lb or 10lb fluoro leader to a couple of reels (spinning & casting) spooled with PE mainline to see if I liked the result.  Looking to maximize the fishing benefits of both line materials.  I'm certain this isn't a new idea... anybody gone down this road already that wants to share your opinion/results.

 

 

oe 

Tried it and don't like it - just me. Any time that comnecting knot gets inside the first guide, and especially onto the reel proper, it seems like the odds of your line catching and something bad happening goes up, enough that the possible benefits don't outweigh the negatives for me. I feel I get the best overall combination starting with about a 5-6 foot leader. I have no doubt many use longer leaders without issue, so it obviously becomes a personal decision with no right or wrong answer.

9 minutes ago, Team9nine said:

Tried it and don't like it - just me. Any time that comnecting knot gets inside the first guide, and especially onto the reel proper, it seems like the odds of your line catching and something bad happening goes up, enough that the possible benefits don't outweigh the negatives for me. I feel I get the best overall combination starting with about a 5-6 foot leader. I have no doubt many use longer leaders without issue, so it obviously becomes a personal decision with no right or wrong answer.

This.  Did it.  Reel grew many afro's.  Stopped doing it.

I'm anticipating possible problems with casting reels as the connecting knot comes off the reel and may catch slightly on the line guide (?), what problems arose on spinning reels?

 

 

oe

I tried everything with finesse spinning using braid with FC leaders. Long leaders require  very low profile leader to braid knots like the FG. I am a line feeler and being very aware of the knot coming off the spool, going through the guides bothered me. Rerigging on the water was a pain trying to tie very difficult knots. I liked the long leader better then short leaders, the knots became the issue with braid to FC.

For me 1 knot beats 2 and gave up braid with leaders.

Tom

One theory for long leaders was to get the know on the spool and eliminate a weak sport when the fish is within the final 10 feet.  While there is merit in the theory, I have never had a break at the Braid/FC knot......and I don’t like the feel.  

13 minutes ago, OkobojiEagle said:

I'm anticipating possible problems with casting reels as the connecting knot comes off the reel and may catch slightly on the line guide (?), what problems arose on spinning reels?

 

 

oe

The same - line coming off catches line/leader knot. Spinning also more prone to twists or loops causing "bird's nest" because leader material doesn't handle line twist as well.