I would like to, but can't bring myself to use a leader diameter less than .011". I go slightly larger occasionally but not smaller. This is pretty much true of every technique I'm fishing. Am I needlessly skittish? (The lake I fish most often supports state record smallmouth and state record musky, as well as, outsized pike, drum and catfish.)

oe

My number is measured in pounds test and it is lower than your floor, but I have developed one in recent years, 8# in both mono and fluoro. I consider it a me issue, but not a consequential one. I don’t really have a ceiling on it.

My fear of thinner line is strictly driven by fear of breaking off a PB.

I use both FC & mono leaders, all on spinning gear.

Casting gear is straight FC, no leader.

There's some sporty Brown Bass in Lake Mendrchuck as well.

I will not use a FC leader regardless of brand that is less than 8 lb test.

I will use mono down to 8 lb but only in the cooler months (early & late season when the waters cool and the fish are a bit sluggish).

In the warmer months 8 lb FC/mono leaders become 10 lb, and 10 lb becomes 12 lb.

The very few times I might want to say Drop Shot with less than 8 lb FC, I use 6 lb Maxima Ultra Green,

which in all honesty, probably has a diameter closer to 10 lb FC.

But it makes me fell better.

btw- I hate DS.

Good Luck.

A-Jay