Hey guys, I just ordered an Okuma swimbait rod, MH 7'6" rated for 1/2 to 5 oz, planning on getting either a Curado 300 or a Calcutta B of some type for the reel. I'll be throwing Mattlures Woody's, 6" Hudds, and Mattlures soft swimbaits for the most part, and at this point, I'm planning on spooling up with 40 or 50 lb Power Pro.

For those who use braid for swimbaiting, do you use a leader? If so, what pound test, how long, etc.? Do you think a leader is a good idea or does it matter?

Thanks  

(I know there are many who are against braid with swimbaits, but I feel comfortable with braid and won't switch to flouro/mono unless I start losing fish and believe that the no-stretch factor is to blame.)

I very rarely use braid for swimbaits.  When I do, it's usually smaller baits that I just happen to throw on my normal rods.  Usually they are small baits like the 6" hudd, mattlures, etc.  With these setups I always use a leader.  Normally 15-20# mono.  It has very little to do with the "No Stretch" deal, but everything to do with abrasion resistance.  I fish swimbaits in rocks, around trees, etc and braid just won't hold up to these conditions, therfore a 4-6 foot leader of mono gives me that piece of mind that allows me to fish in the tuff stuff.  

Ever get a major backlash with braid while throwing a 2oz + bait?   your bait goodbye.  Having that little bit of give with a leader helps in this situation as well.

Dont use less than 65lb braid. I would go with 80.

Thanks guys.

fourbizz - you'd recommend 80 lb test braid with the lures I mentioned, even if the fish I'm targeting are CT bass? Why is that?

Youll cast off a lot of baits with 40-50lb.

Cool, thanks. 65 it is  8-)