I've heard some guys argue that you need a leader for finesse & some say you don't. What's the general consensus?

1 minute ago, Gfd63 said:

I've heard some guys argue that you need a leader for finesse & some say you don't. What's the general consensus?

You've heard guys argue about leader? Where? 

 

 

 

 

I do use a leader for drop shotting. 

I'm not gonna say you have to use a leader. You can get the job done without one, but I usually use a 20 lb fluoro leader. Saves me some braid money when tying knots, and if you get REALLY hung up, you can break it off without wasting a lot of braid (tough to lose a bait but I hate spending 20 minutes trying to get unsnagged). I wouldn't do it if fishing heavy/thick grass though. You're just asking for a heartbreak with a big fish if you do that

For spinning outfits, finesse or otherwise, I use a leader most times for a variety of reasons, but 'visibility' is furthest down that list.

Braid on spinning reels helps to reduce line twist, leaders help to improve abrasion strength, FC is where the debate comes in.

Tom

Thanks to all for weighing in. Yea you're right WRB  that's the debate for sure. Tite lines 2018 y'all.

Visibility

Abrasion resistance

Ability to break-off when necessary

 

I have complete confidence in my connecting knot and never tie direct.

 

Welcome aboard!

 

I use braid + leader all the time, for many of the reasons

above, and one more. Cost of braid for mainline. I prefer

to keep my braid as long as possible. I retie, often, many

times when out on the water, so cutting down a leader 

saves braid...FWIW.

2 minutes ago, Darren. said:

Welcome aboard!

 

I use braid + leader all the time, for many of the reasons

above, and one more. Cost of braid for mainline. I prefer

to keep my braid as long as possible. I retie, often, many

times when out on the water, so cutting down a leader 

saves braid...FWIW.

What's your typical leader length Yak?

20 hours ago, Gfd63 said:

I've heard some guys argue that you need a leader for finesse & some say you don't. What's the general consensus?

mono leader with braid 

Fluoro is not that great  

11 hours ago, Gfd63 said:

What's your typical leader length Yak?

I generally do one or two arm length stretches, i.e., 

I grab one end with left hand, stretch arms out and 

grab line with right hand either once or twice.

10-4 Yak ???