i hear different things searching online. some say dont let the knot get to the real, others say to have 30 ft leaders. im new to braid, how are most of you using your leader? also when if ever do you tie the braid direct? thanks.

Mine is about 4 feet or so.  When it gets under 2 feet I cut it off and tie on a new one. 

 

When I am using spinning gear, I want my finger holding the line to be the braid, so I guess that would be no leader on the spool. When I use braid on casting, I don't use a leader. Normally I use just braid pitching/frogging.

 

I start my leaders around 6 feet long (very rarely use a leader).

This gives me ample retie lineage, and keeps the leader-knot out of the reel-spool. 

 

Roger

Plenty to read here: https://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/search/?&q=leader length&search_and_or=and&sortby=relevancy

 

 

Casting I keep my leaders the length of the rod. Not feeling the knot in the spool is just what I prefer and length of the rod allows me enough get a good number or reties before replacing. I replace when I'm down to about 2 feet. Depending on what knot and reel your using I don't think having the knot in the spool would be an issue though.

 

Spinning my leaders range anywhere from 6' to 10' long. The knot it the spool is a non-issue for me and I have enough for quite a few reties. 

 

Most times I run straight braid while frogging or with moving baits.

 

On lines 10lbs or less I mostly just tie a uni to uni because it's easy and knot size isn't an issue unless your using micro guides. All leaders over 10lbs I tie an FG.

Depends, shallow jig fishing I might use a 5-6ft leader, with the knot staying outside the reel. Cranks I'm using more like 8-10ft. Spinning for worms and finesse I like a bit longer too. I'm mostly a Daiwa guy so for the setups that I use longer leaders I usually run a Fuego CT so that the leader knot isn't getting caught up by a T-wing. Shorter Leaders it doesn't enter the reel so the T-wing isn't an issue. 

5ish feet

I start with a 6' leader, when it hits 2'-3' it gets replaced.

I'm usually at 6 feet.  If I'm fishing crystal clear water I'll go to 12.

3 hours ago, NJBasstard said:

Casting I keep my leaders the length of the rod. Not feeling the knot in the spool is just what I prefer and length of the rod allows me enough get a good number or reties before replacing. I replace when I'm down to about 2 feet. Depending on what knot and reel your using I don't think having the knot in the spool would be an issue though.

 

Spinning my leaders range anywhere from 6' to 10' long. The knot it the spool is a non-issue for me and I have enough for quite a few reties. 

 

Most times I run straight braid while frogging or with moving baits.

 

On lines 10lbs or less I mostly just tie a uni to uni because it's easy and knot size isn't an issue unless your using micro guides. All leaders over 10lbs I tie an FG.

 

thanks for your advice. 

So last few times out I found it much easier to have the knot inside the reel, Just got a few wraps of mono around the reel. Worked better for me this way. 

I start mine about 4-5’ when they get down to around 2’ I retie 

Casting I run a leader or 12-15ft as I too prefer the leader knot on the spool when landing the fish. 

 

Spinning I run a leader from the knot outside the real total length about 6ft.

The distance of my wing span... I've not measured it.  KISS

 

oe

6 minutes ago, OkobojiEagle said:

The distance of my wing span... I've not measured it.  KISS

 

oe

On average, your wing-span is the same as your height...that's how I measure the 6' of leader I use - I'm 6'1"...it's close enough.

Usually I’ll use about double the length of my rod. When I tie on the leader, the spool of leader line is on the ground and I’ll reel until it gets onto the reel. Usually ends up around 15 ft. I get lazy and end up with like 1 ft tag ends when I tie lures on so it gives me a lot of reties before I need to make a new leader. Do this with both spinning and casting.

this might sound stupid but what are you guys using to cut your braid? my scissors are not giving a very clean/neat cut. I have a cleaner cut using the scissor blade like a knife, rather than scissoring it.

They make scissors especially for braid. Any tackle shop will have them. 

11 minutes ago, Jonas Staggs said:

this might sound stupid but what are you guys using to cut your braid?

 

$11 - cuts all my line.

https://www.amazon.com/Boomerang-Tool-Company-Retractable-Stainless/dp/B002BX0QXK/ref=pd_lpo_200_t_0/136-6643560-8245451?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B002BX0QXK&pd_rd_r=a44c39e7-831b-44d4-93bc-4875749bf24b&pd_rd_w=CLGUb&pd_rd_wg=Lr6Ke&pf_rd_p=7b36d496-f366-4631-94d3-61b87b52511b&pf_rd_r=BJ7627YBH0NX07WBK22V&psc=1&refRID=BJ7627YBH0NX07WBK22V

I put the knot between the first and second guide. Then the knot doesnt need to pass through the largest guide where the angle of the line changes dramatically coming from the reel. Means i use about 4 or 5 feet which seems to be long enough for me.

I start around 7 foot or so..length of the rod.  I carry a folding box cutter with me.  I use it to cut

10 hours ago, BaitFinesse said:

The shearing action of the kids safety scissors work great.  

holy cow dude are you serious? thats crazy, and safe! I have medical scissors, so they are safe to keep in my pocket without getting poked, but I never would have guessed some kiddo safety scissors would do the trick!

5 minutes ago, BaitFinesse said:

Best as I can tell the fancy pants braid scissors are just pair of Fiskars.

Since my 'nippers' are attached to my vest, when I bring my rods upstairs for leader/line replacement I'm using a pair of Fiskars F9495 - 4.75" Thread Snip Scissors I nicked from the wife. Handles everything from the 4# YZH to 50# Power Pro without a problem.