What is the rule (if there is one) for lb. test flourocarbon leader vs. your main line? Should your leader be the same or heavier. If heavier, how much more is acceptable or appropriate?
Thanks!
I don’t think there is a rule. Normaly my leader is heavier than my main line. When I fish for reds in the creek my main line is something like 10 or 12 pound braid and a 20 pound leader if no oyster beds are around. If oyster beds are around I might use 25lb leader.
I use the same pound test on both, braided line-flouro leader.
My grandfather is old school and uses a lighter leader so that if he has a break off or a snag he only loses his hook, not the whole rig. Pretty smart to save money but I’d be pissed if i lost a big fish cause I was scared of losing a 3 dollar cork.
Edited to say: I use the same pound test when fishing for redfish/trout inshore. I use a larger pound leader for cobia and when fishing for sharks.
06 sea pro 1900sv
“Reel Estate”
06 14ft Alumnacraft
Leader is meant inshore to provide a line vs. Cutoff things…ie…shells, grass, etc.
Floro is good but use different knots than mono IMHO.
I like to use 220-30 lb mono…it’s cheap and retie as needed…
big dog
I usually run about the same leader as the main line. I use braid almost exclusively. 20# braid actually break at or above 30#, so a 20# leader will break before the braid. The connection knot is usually the weak link.
Iain Pelto
Sea Hunt Triton 160
Native Manta Ray 14
Remember that a heavy leader will cause resistance for the pick up. Use weights on the light side. Just enough to hold the bottom.
Floats are working very well right now so a lighter leader maybe needed.
Have fun out there and try different stuff.
big dog
Learn how to tie a loop knot so your bait will move better.
big dog
I spool my reels up with heavier braid test than you would if you were using mono(i’ve got 20lb on my small reels), then i use teh next step down on floro leader, if I get hung up, the leader will break, not leaving a bunch of braid in the water, if it breaks off on a fish, I’d rather leave just a little leader, than a bunch of line hanging out of its mouth