There's a lot of info on here on about this subject. I spent a ton of time yesterday searching the topic and reading back through old threads. 

 

I really just have one question at this time: which line should have the larger diameter, the main line or the lead line? 

 

Thanks!

not a direct answer for this that i'm aware of. I think it depends on the knot you tie. If you are throwing a baitcaster that usually throws 15 lb fluoro, throw 40 lb braid. I always tie double uni-knot & 10 lb braid to 10 lb fluoro could pull my truck before it breaks

Agreed - depends on the knot in question

Generally, the braid is smaller than the leader.  I can't think of a time where the braid would be thicker than leader.  At least not in my fishing experience.  Never been a problem with an Alberto knot.

Yeah, so I'm  planning on using: invisx 8lb to sufux 832 10lb for finesse fishing on two spinning reels, using an alberto knot. 

54 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Generally, the braid is smaller than the leader.  I can't think of a time where the braid would be thicker than leader.  At least not in my fishing experience.  Never been a problem with an Alberto knot.

10 lb Suffix 832 is .008D vs Seaguar InvisX 8 lb is .009D. Common combination where the braid is smaller then the leader as noted.

Tom

 

 

haha - yup!

 

that's why I'm asking...

I was always told that you want the OD of both lines to match up fairly well. I am reading here that many say the braid main line is often THINNER than the leader?

11 hours ago, pauldconyers said:

I was always told that you want the OD of both lines to match up fairly well.

Haven't seen that advice very often, or at all.  Imagine, you're running 50# braid (12# mono equiv) and want to use a heavy leader because your fishing around docks.  I would not want to be limited to just 12# leader, and in fact might use 25-40# leader.  That's a heavy line application, here's a lighter line application.  I like to stick to straight 6# fluoro for most of my open water finesse, but I'll go to braid/leader if I'm fishing cover.  I'll use 15# braid on a spinning rig, and anywhere from 8 to 20# leader, depending on conditions.  In both cases, the leader is much bigger than the main line.  Again, I can't think of any time the leader is smaller than the main line when using braid.  I can when I'm trout fishing, but the main line is usually mono, and I'm stepping down in line diameter.  

The only knot I use to join back or leader to braid is the FG knot. With the FG it is important for the leader diameter to be bigger than the braids diameter. I've never even come close to the braid being larger in diameter than the backing or leader material. Even using Power Pro 8lb to 6lb or 8lb mono or flouro leader it wouldn't be an issueas far as diameters go. The FG is very slim, so it's good for attaching to your backing.