I learned a long time ago to use at least 20 lb leader when throwing plugs.I double check all my knots and make sure they are tied properly.I take guys out all the time with reels that have the same line on it for years.Line is the most important piece of your tackle.It’s your direct connection to your fish.With PP you can use it for several years.I do and have no problem with it.Your leader choice may be the problem why fish break off at the boat.I use 20 lb on my reels.Never broke off anything since I started using it.I Bimini my PP and then tie it.I feel the Bimini double Power Pro will not cut my leader on a big fish.I check my leader on every fish.It’s easy to run your fingers down your leader looking for nicks.Find one retie.Better that then to watch a prize get away.
Right on Stonoman.
I have a similar setup except I use a spider hitch to form the double line in the PP instead of a bimini. It is a lot faster and easier than a bimini. After that I join the leader section with a bristol knot to the double line. I have yet to have a fish fail the connection.
Iain Pelto
Edgewater 185CC “Jumpin’ Bean II”
Any double tie will work.My fast Bimini is not problem except when my hands get cold.LOL
Stonoman
quote:I hate that. Cold hands + tieing knots = pissed off :stuck_out_tongue:
Originally posted by stonomanis not problem except when my hands get cold.
I’m with you 100% stonoman. My dad and I always use 20lb leader, replaced regularly, tied to 20lb braid with a double uni. I have used this for years, and only owner hooks if I have a choice. They seem strong, and the hooks keep a sharp point pretty well. Just my opinion, though. I almost exclusively use their multi light circle hooks. I am pretty meticulous with my rigs, like you seem to be stonoman, and I can’t remember the last time I had a fish break off. On the rare occasion it happens it’s usually from oysters or some structure. I think it’s silly to spend all this time and energy chasing a great catch, just to lose the fish cause I was to lazy to tie on a new leader when the old one was worn out, or I didn’t tie a good enough knot, or even cheaped out on the hooks. I’ve landed some big reds that bent some good size hooks, and lost a couple only to reel in a slightly straightened hook too. It may just be in my mind, but I think some of the cheaper hooks I’ve seen could be straightened completely or broken if a big enough red bit down on it really good. The small details pay off big for sure.
Sea Hunt Triton 186
Yamaha F115
if you are catching,on the average, 2# trout, 2# flounder and 6# sptbass and you are spooled with over strength braid (30 or 50#), why do you even need a leader, let alone 20#. plus you added 2 complicated knots (bimini and albright)
i never use a leader, and I use mostly 8# mono on spinning and 12 on casting gear. I cant remember the last time i lost a fish because the line broke.
Tie your mainline directly to your bait or hook. Learn to how use your reel’s drag and the strength and sensitivity of your rod. They are for more than casting. Educate your thumb or palm and use them to supplement the drag. Learn how to back reel. And when the line is nicked, you only have 1 simple knot to tie when you cut the line back.
“learn how to reel back”
wow, i haven’t heard that since Jerry McKinnis on the Fishin Hole tv show on sundays.
good advice from a veteran fisherman whom i’ve interweb stalked for years.
I probably don’t need 20lb line, although I do target bigger reds mostly. We’re often fighting 10-15lb+ reds sometimes near structure so the heavier line is helpful. I doubt a leader is needed, but I feel like it has advantages. It’s less visible, although I doubt this is an issue with live bait and the typical cloudy water we have. Since I use a leader, I go with high vis yellow braid for my main line. This is much easier for me to see than the green. One more thing I like about a foot or two of leader is the stretch it provides. This could all be in my mind, but it seems like having that little bit of stretch is good when a big one is pulling hard. Even though I have one more knot because of the leader, its stretch allows for a little less stress on those knots. It also puts a little less pressure on the mouth of the fish, which can be good if the hookset isn’t great. I’m probably WAY overthinking all this, but this is the way I’ve gotten used to after trying other methods. It works well for me, but there are a hundred other goods ways to catch a fish. Regardless of how you set up your rigs, I would agree with stonoman’s advice about checking knots and line before and during each trip. Dont lose the big one over a small overlooked detail.
Sea Hunt Triton 186
Yamaha F115
Where i fish i know the braid works best for me.I use owner Circle hooks and 20 pound leader.All good points noted on the thread.
Stonoman
Not using a leader while fishing braid is not the best idea, though if it works for you, well rock on. You definately cannot fish a topwater plug like that, or most other plugs. Braid is very limp and will tangle in mid air around almost any plug. A mono or flourocarbon also provides a transparent section near your bait or lure. The cleaner the water, the more important this becomes. Can be difference between 2 fish and 22 fish IMO