18 hours ago, MickD said:

This verifies that braid is more sensitive to abrasion but doesn't explain physically the reason for the early failures.  

Personally I don't need to know why.  Only that it is.  But.....I suppose if I did know why, I'd sound a bit more intellectual.  

On 4/22/2025 at 11:12 AM, Fishingmickey said:

X3

You get hung up bank fishing and trying to break off braid can be downright dangerous. Breaking off a 12-15# leader is much easier and you know your not leaving a bunch behind.

FM

When I was fishing rivers in Washington state. A couple times I had bad snags. The first time it popped loose. The rig came back hit me square in the chest. Another time fishing the Cowlitz by the dam. I snagged. It popped loose. It came back hit me in the face. Luckily I was wearing glasses.  I started using low lb leader after that. 

I use braid to leader 90% of the time. Generally it's 40lb braid to a 16lb leader. I actually use sunline system shock leader. I think it's geared towards salt water but the bass don't seem to care lol. I'll use that for most applications and step up to 20lb when around more abrasive cover. Lighter baits like tailspins, jerkbaits, spinning gear I usually step down to 8-12lb but they don't make it that light so I use a different brand. 

On 4/23/2025 at 11:31 AM, dk2429 said:

Whatever you do, don’t use that junk ass Invizix for a leader. I lost a big one the other day because of that, and that wasn’t the first time it’s broken on me. Sunline Sniper for leader or mainline, no problems at all 

If one wants the most reliable leaders he will use LEADERS, not line.  Whether mono or FC.  

On 5/1/2025 at 6:46 AM, MickD said:

If one wants the most reliable leaders he will use LEADERS, not line.  Whether mono or FC.  

 

What's the difference?

 

I guess I just use normal FC line.

50 minutes ago, HawkeyeSmallie said:

What's the difference?

Line is often formulated to be "manageable," so it's limper than leader material.  Leader material is formulated to be tough, not limp, and its stiffness is advantageous in preventing the tangling of some lures (like blades) when casting them.  

On 4/19/2025 at 10:16 AM, Sota said:

I’m thinking this might have been asked a few times. 
 To give some info on setup. I have a Kistler Argon 7’ MH and Diawa bait caster reel. I love the feel of the setup. It balances right at the hook keeper. 
 I’m going to be bank fishing Tenn rivers mostly. Maybe some lakes. 
 I’m thinking 30 maybe 40lb 832 main line.  Texas rig 4-5”. 
 I’m wondering about using leader or straight main line? If I go leader which would be the go to leader? What lb test? What knot to use or should I use clips? 

I almost always use a leader with braids unless I’m fishing thick grass. I would go with 30 lb braid to a 12-16lb leader depending on the cover. I’m a big fan of the Sunline fc leader. It’s the best leader material I have found for the money.