Hello everyone. Recently tried to use a braided line and like it a lot, but time to time i am fishing in a rocky bottom river with grub and t-rig, what is not great for braid condition. Even if i never had any issues with it, to prevent line breaks in future i would like to try a fluoro leader. 

 

I have G-SOUL X8 30lb braid with 0.208mm(0.008') diameter. What is suitable diameter for leader? 

Have some research and found high rated local fluoro shock leader - Seaguar Premium Max with a wide range of lb's. 

Tried to match braid line diameter and fluoro mentioned above: 
30lb braid - 0.208mm === 7lb fluoro - 0.208mm

30lb braid - 0.208mm === 9.5lb fluoro - 0.235mm (0.009')

30lb braid - 0.208mm === 11.5lb fluoro - 0.260mm (0.01')

30lb braid - 0.208mm === 14lb fluoro - 0.285mm (0.011')

 

How it's important and healthy to match braid and fluro diameters?

Is it not a problem at all to have a higher diameter leader, for example 9.5lb from above? Or better to choose 7lb and it's will be enought?

Not sure about monster basses in shallow river near me, but seen recently photos of ~40cm (15 inch) bigmouth. 

Have a big doubts about it and cant decide by myself, thank you for advice.

 

 

It is not absolutely critical (within reason) to match leader and main line braid diameter . #30 lb. braid main line for me calls for between say a #12 lb. to #17 lb.  FC or Mono leader using a carefully tied Crazy Alberto knot to join the two lines .

3 hours ago, ChrisD46 said:

It is not absolutely critical (within reason) to match leader and main line braid diameter . #30 lb. braid main line for me calls for between say a #12 lb. to #17 lb.  FC or Mono leader using a carefully tied Crazy Alberto knot to join the two lines .

Thanks! Sounds like diameter difference in 20-30% is not a big deal.

No , even up to 50% is doable ... Above that I usually change the diameter of either the main line or the leader to be a bit more similar in size . 

The main setup I've been fishing this season is a 7' MH/F with a 6.4:1 reel spooled with 30lb Power Pro to a 15lb Big Game leader. Absolutely no problems.

I use 30lb power pro on most of my casting setups, all leaders are tied with an FG knot which needs the leader to be a thicker diameter than the braid to be most effective. I use Seaguar Red Label in 12,15,and 20lb sizes, and don't have an issues.