i have been using braid on my baitcaster, tying the braid directly to the lures, and have been catching fish just as consistently as when i used mono. should i use some kind of leader or just stick with what is working?

I use a leader sometimes, mostly for abrasion issues or if I'm fishing snaggy water, and need to break off the bait easily with out spooking fish. If you're not dealing with that, and don't think you are missing bites, then don't change anything.

the only reason im asking is im on a budget with only one baitcaster and thats my favorite to use. also is the palomar knot the best to use when tying on frogs and senkos?

Don't fix what ain't broke.

Don't fix what ain't broke.

Exactly. Or in different words, don't implement a solution in search of a problem.

Since you mentioned being on a budget, leaders do save you $ on line. You don't lose exspensive line from retying/breaking off. I've had the same spool of braid on a reel for several years now. Start out with a 6'-8' leader and retie as needed.

Marty, I like that saying. When using braid and even mono, I like the knot that PowePro shows in their booklet. I believe it is on their website.

Mike

You don't need a leader, I always use a leader and this is why, sometimes the line gets wrapped around the hooks, with braid it can be a pain to untangle, with a leader it's easy.

For my freshwater fishing I use braid, leader and a duolock, I go thru very little braid that way.

Bear in mind there is a difference between leader material and using mono line as a leader, only time I use leader line is offshore and it's because the nature of the species that we target. I use pline flouroclear as leader line for bass fishing, been happy.