This is my first time using a flipping stick.  I have an 8' rod with baitcaster setup.  I have filled the spool with #30 suffix braided.  I was wondering if I should tie a leader, how long, and what kind of line. Thanks

i always use a fluoro leader on my flipping stick except when frog fishing in heavy vegetation

Leader couldn't hurt but I would beef up the braid to 50 lb.

You really have to hit en hard and keep em coming and 30 lb is pushing it.

I agree on beefing up the braid to at least 50.  Personally I use 65 lb Power Pro and do NOT use a leader.  Never saw any need for a leader when flipping. Just something else to go wrong.

I use a fluoro leader if the water is really, really clear and only 2 or 3 feet of leader.  I don't like it so long that the knot is in the guides when flipping; want the knot out part the tip.  Otherwise, braid with no leader.  I use Ande saltwater leader as that is what I seem to always have around and use at the same test as the main line.

no leader needed in heavy cover but if you are casting to rocks or logs with jigs in clear water you may consider it but its not really necessary.  try it both ways and see for yourself.  I like the uni to uni knot with 15-20 lb floro.  The braid won't break if you get it stuck so the floro has to.

i used to use the uni to uni knot now i use the slim beauty knot

Definitely would up it to 50lb, no doubt about it.

If you're fishing rocks, use a leader no matter how dirty the water is, fluoro is much more abrasion resistant then braid.

If you're fishing dirty water not around rocks, it's up to you, but tie a good knot so it doesn't slip.

If you're fishing clear water, use a fluoro leader.

For frogs, no leader.

I agree on beefing up the braid to at least 50. Personally I use 65 lb Power Pro and do NOT use a leader. Never saw any need for a leader when flipping. Just something else to go wrong.

X2

The only time I use a leader on braid is when fishing gin clear water. I NEVER use a leader flipin and pitching in heavy cover. That is basically a reaction bite your looking for. What I will do is take a sharpie and color the braid in segments to break it up.

I agree on beefing up the braid to at least 50. Personally I use 65 lb Power Pro and do NOT use a leader. Never saw any need for a leader when flipping. Just something else to go wrong.

X2

The only time I use a leader on braid is when fishing gin clear water. I NEVER use a leader flipin and pitching in heavy cover. That is basically a reaction bite your looking for. What I will do is take a sharpie and color the braid in segments to break it up.

I fish nothing but gin clear water all year long here and in the lakes of Florida and never use a leader due to clear water.  

The only exception is when working a bottom bounching bait around zebra mussels I will then use a fluoro leader as their razor sharp shells cut through braid and mono like butter.

I fish in the florida everglades and i usually use 50 pound braid and a 2 foot 30lb leader. Never had any problems

I fish the galdes and I use 10# braid, 20# leader.........no problems.

For snook & tarpon I use 15# braid, 30# leader.........no problems.

Gave up floro leaders, I get just as many strikes as I did before.

I agree on beefing up the braid to at least 50. Personally I use 65 lb Power Pro and do NOT use a leader. Never saw any need for a leader when flipping. Just something else to go wrong.

agreed.

Personally, I would agree that tying a leader is just another thing to go wrong for simply pitching.  The only time I tie on a floro leader is if I am throwing a C-Rig, all other times, I just pitch with braid #50.