So I have been experimenting with using long leaders on my casting set up to help with some stretch in the system. However, I keep breaking the leader knot while casting, causing a nightmare of backlashes.

 

Using 30lb 4 carrier braid to a 14 lb mono leader on a 6'9" MH-XF carbonlite 2.0 and a Shimano Curado K. The break is just below the knot, as in the remaining line always has the mono wraps showing. I wet the knot before pulling the knot tightly. Using a double uni knot to connect the lines. Checked the guides there good as is the line guide on the reel. 

 

Not sure if the knot going through the line guide is weakening the knot over each cast or if I suddenly can't tie a decent knot . Been catching fish and luckily the knot has never broken during the fight. 

 

Does anyone use long 12-15ft leaders that may have some advice on this issue? Or is it best to keep the knot outside of the reel? 

I tried it for one trip fishing big swimbaits and quickly shortened it to prevent it entering the spool after it took a chunk of thumb meat. 8 or 9' is just gonna have to work for me.

My shortest rod is a 7 footer.  All my leaders are 5 feet or less. 

I personally never see the need to have the knot be long enough to enter the spool. I only use braid to leader on all my casting, and spinning set ups. I tie all my leader knots so they are between the reel and the first guide when in casting position.

When I put a new leader on, I'll take the cut end and stretch my arms out so that the untied/untrimmed leader length matches roughly whatever my wingspan is.

 

I've tried long enough to go into the spool, but that juice never seemed worth the squeeze to me. Never had the line break outside the knot in the way you're describing because of it, though.

I've been using braid to long leader (about 12') on my main rig for about two years now. I've never had a break on the cast. However, I use 20# PowerPro braid, which is pretty thin.

 

A knot gets damaged from banging the eyelets and reel guide throughout the day, especially if you don't have a nice compact knot. So, I would start with a few things:

 

Try tying on a new leader before each trip and maybe halfway through the day if the knot is hitting the eyelets a lot.

 

Make sure your knot is small and compact (but don't over-tighten to the point of damaging the mono). If it's not, retie rather than trying to make do.

 

Trim the line as close to the knot as possible.

 

Try a different knot. Even if the other knot isn't necessarily smaller by design, you might tie it better. I've switched from double unit to alberto.

 

I hope you figure out what your issue is. I use braid to long leader and really like it.

 

 

I can see a shock leader for big musky but for bass any advantage of a long leader could be accomplished with the right rod, drag setting and technique even with braid. I fish straight braid with confidence. If you really want to stick with it I’d try a slimmer Albright and coat it with superglue and see what happens. 

I use a Crazy Alberto, and keep the leader short enough that it never gets to the line guide on the reel.  I used to run 30' leaders to start (I'd cut off a few feet after each trip), and the knot wouldn't always pass through the Daiwa/Cabelas T-wing reels, and so now all of mine are 6' or so.  I do wonder what's going on with your knot, that's weird, and if it's happening repetitively, something bad is going on.

Fish straight Sunline Defier Armillo.

What knot do you use?

Tom

I use braid to leader knot on most setups and start with about 10-12 or so feet of leader. The knot is definitely around the spool if I cast and almost to the reel if I pitch.  No problems at all using FG knot.

 

I use a long leader because I'm lazy, and want it to last a long time.

If you think you need a 12-15' leader then just go straight fluoro/mono.