Saw a post about fishing  braid on spinning outfits. Question is do you always use a leader? & how about finesse fishing especially in clear water?

For the most part, I always have a leader on my spinning rigs.

Pretty much.

For several years I used a leader with my spinning/braid gear. But a couple of years ago my flurocarbon leader broke off so I tied the hook directly on to the braid. I could not tell any difference in the number of bites and I no longer have to worry about the leader breaking off and losing a fish. I have not used a leader since.

I always use a leader with braid, whether spinning or casting.  The leader enables me to break off of a snag, as opposed to possibly breaking my rod.   The rod WILL break before the braid.

Never.

Yes, I fish very clear water most of the time (Table Rock and Ozark Smallmouth streams) so I like the stealth of a fluoro leader.

never use a leader.

Yes.

Apart from the stealth factor (I figured I get twice as many bites with a leader than without although that might be a confidence issue), I'd rather lose the leader and/or a fish than break the rod. The stretch in the leader cushions hooksets. Also, when I do get snagged, which happens quite frequently, I'd rather lose the leader than be forced to cut off yards of expensive braid.

Yes.

Apart from the stealth factor (I figured I get twice as many bites with a leader than without although that might be a confidence issue), I'd rather lose the leader and/or a fish than break the rod. The stretch in the leader cushions hooksets. Also, when I do get snagged, which happens quite frequently, I'd rather lose the leader than be forced to cut off yards of expensive braid.

I agree 100%.  For the time I change lures, I'd rather snip off a bit of leader than that miserably expensive braid.

I use about 4' of 20# fluorocarbon line with 8# mono equivalent diameter superline for weightless finesse. I use the fluorocarbon for weight to make the braid sink.

If I am using the same presentation with added weight, I do not use a leader.

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I almost always do.   I prefer the 15 or 20 lb leader material as opposed to just using fluorocarbon line.

Every so often I get baits stuck using braid and I've learned my lesson, trying to pull them loose by hand.  I got several deep cuts on my hands before I convinced myself that it was a bad idea.

Now, if it is a Lucky Craft or some other expensive bait, I just go get it, and I understand that after I am through getting it I'll have to move because I'll stir up the area pretty good with a lure retriever.

If it is a soft plastic lure that is stuck, the easiest thing to do is to wrap the line around a boat cleat several times and back it off with the trolling motor.  So far, that has always worked.   Sometimes it will re-arrange structure prior to working.

always. around 6 foot in length. cxx in 6 , 10 or 12#.

never use a leader.

And what line do you use???

steve

Never have used a leader with braid

I'm another who never uses a leader. I use 15#, either Power Pro or Fireline braid.