Always Use A Leader With Braid! 2024
Green Trout reply :
I have seen it too many times where one guy has a leader of Flurocaron and caught way more than the guy who does not. No matter the situation the bass can see braid, they can not see fluro
ABW reply :
Well, if you were punching thick mats, I think it would be better to use straight braid. If you had a leader it would be easier to break off in the thick stuff, and there goes your rig.
Long Mike reply :
As said above, if you are fishing in the slop, straight braid is the way to go, and make sure that it is at least 50#. Also, if you are fishing in stained water, straight braid is fine for fishing reaction baits. If you are fishing with plastics, a flouro leader is the way to go.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I rarely use a leader with braid on my casting rods. Putting a leader on braid in the dirty water in the lakes I fish is a waste of time and effort. Putting a leader on braid when flipping heavy grass is completely defeating the point of fishing braid and just asking for heartbreak.
Scott F reply :
I've caught thousands of smallies and largies on braid and have never used any leaders other than steel when I fishing with a lot of pike. I'd probably quit fishing if I had to use a fluoro or mono leader. Having a knot got through my guides alone drives me crazy. I don't believe bass are line shy and even if you could prove beyond a doubt they were, I still wouldn't use a leader.
Bluebasser86 reply :
All those bass in clear water lakes that eat A-rigs with thick wire and snap swivels everywhere, but braided line is too visible 
aavery2 reply :
On 11/27/2014 at 9:59 AM, Green Trout said:I have seen it too many times where one guy has a leader of Flurocaron and caught way more than the guy who does not. No matter the situation the bass can see braid, they can not see fluro
So you say you have seen many times where they see the braid but can't the Fluorocarbon. Why do you think that is?
bass1980 reply :
I used wacky senko on high vis yellow all year and catch just as much as my partner.
rippin-lips reply :
Wonder how guys like Bill Murphy caught all those trophy bass on 10-12lb mono.
Raul reply :
You forgot to mention that some of us also add spinnerbait blades to A rigsOn 11/27/2014 at 11:14 AM, Bluebasser86 said:All those bass in clear water lakes that eat A-rigs with thick wire and snap swivels everywhere, but braided line is too visible
Ozark_Basser reply :
On 11/27/2014 at 11:14 AM, Bluebasser86 said:All those bass in clear water lakes that eat A-rigs with thick wire and snap swivels everywhere, but braided line is too visible
Very true, but I swear that fluoro leader makes a difference sometimes. It's wierd that it doesn't with an A-rig. Maybe the bass doesn't focus as much on the wires and line because of all the baits kicking and causing more of a distraction. Also braid doesn't seem to matter as much on moving baits as it does with jigs and what not. I'm referring to clearer water situations of course.
SirSnookalot reply :
What ever is working for you is the way to go, what works for me is always using a leader. Just the aspect of being able to break off is a good reason for me. I wouldn't be using an expensive hardbait to fish those kinds of conditions, breaking off a plastic bait isn't a heavy financial loss.
In more of an open water situation where I am using lures with exposed hooks I still use a leader, I don't like braid getting tangled in treble hooks.
Whether it's thick water or open, I don't use anything heavier than 15# braid, just the way I like it.
Hogsticker reply :
You need to do some research before stating controversial opinions / statements. This topic has been beaten to death. There are times when a leader can be helpful and times its completely uneccassry.
Sam reply :
I don't use flouro leaders as I do not want a "weak spot" in the line.
I have not had any problems in all types of waters with straight braid.
Jig Man reply :
I've experienced it in cold clear water with slowly fished baits. 6 of us fished one small area a few years ago. 2 of us (not in the same boat) were using braid and got our butts beat off that day.
Bluebasser86 reply :
On 11/27/2014 at 4:06 PM, Hogsticker said:There are times when a leader can be helpful and times its completely uneccassry.
Yep, clear water I would be fishing one, but I usually opt for straight fluoro in clear water. I have no doubt plenty of fish can still be caught with straight braid in clear water, but with slow moving presentations especially, the advantage goes to lines that are more difficult to see.
long island basser reply :
I don't know what a bass can or can't see, so I sometimes do use a floro leader but have not had a day where I said, wow that really made a difference.
I think with us anglers it's more mental than anything else.
OkobojiEagle reply :
Fishing walleye can give a different perspective to this conversation...
Sam, I do want a weak spot in the line... at the knot to leave as little line as possible when I have to break off.
oe
Jaderose reply :
I DO use a fluoro leader but it has nothing to do with visibility. I bank fish mostly in some pretty gnarly areas with tons of downed trees and lots of stuff to snag on. I'd rather lose 5 feet of fluoro with my jig and than 50 ft of braid with my jig
Mike L reply :
The only time I use a leader is on my spinning outfit, and that is only used for finesse presentations. Which for me is only wacky and shaky rigging.
Mike
desmobob reply :
I always use a fluoro leader on my braid...
1) It becomes the sacrificial part of the line that gets replaced due to abrasion, saving the braid
2) It really helps prevent tangles when casting hard baits with trebles
3) It's easier to break off and breaks off with no braid line loss when hung up
4) It gives me a little confidence due to the lesser visibility of the leader
5) I'm more comfortable tying knots in the fluoro and don't need scissors to trim the tag
Tight lines,
Bob
Master Bait'r reply :
I have to laugh whenever someone insists any one technique or style is a constant across all of fishing, or that their way is the only way.
Whatever you say dude!! 
desmobob reply :
On 11/28/2014 at 12:24 AM, Master Bait said:I have to laugh whenever someone insists any one technique or style is a constant across all of fishing, or that their way is the only way.
Whatever you say dude!!
Are you referring to my post or the OP? I didn't notice any post in this thread that insisted one technique or style is a constant across all of fishing, or that their way is the only way.
It looked like the usual sharing of opinions to me...
Calm down, dude! It's Thanksgiving! 
Tight lines,
Bob
Master Bait'r reply :
On 11/28/2014 at 12:38 AM, desmobob said:Are you referring to my post or the OP? I didn't notice any post in this thread that insisted one technique or style is a constant across all of fishing, or that their way is the only way.
It looked like the usual sharing of opinions to me...
Calm down, dude! It's Thanksgiving!
Tight lines,
Bob
The OP. I thought your breakdown was very nice. In any case, I said I was laughing right? Opinions are just that. Flouro leaders have their place, but are far from an "I've seen it too many times" kind of thing IMO. Lots of circumstances not to use one.
desmobob reply :
I saw your smiley but thought your response was just a bit strong; laughing at vs. disagreeing/explaining. Not a big deal by any means.
I'm a newbie at bass fishing and I sort of like this kind of thread. I'm learning from it. For instance, I haven't done any punching (yet), but when I try, I'll ditch the leader.
I was just outside looking at my boat, tarped and covered with snow. I can hardly stand the fact that it's going to be several months before I get out on the water again! Next year's ice-out will be my first experience doing any spring fishing for largemouths. I'm looking forward to picking up lots of good information here over the winter and putting it to good use in the spring.
It's time to get ready to head to the big turkey day get-together.
I'm thankful to have your, and everyone else's, opinions on techniques and tackle.
Happy Thanksgiving,
Bob
HoosierHawgs reply :
Is this true for flipping laydowns, grass mats, and other vegetation? I see that people usually just hit the line w/a sharpie and do just fine... Also, what about when it comes to frogs? I do the same thing their too... Obviously you can't use Fluoro, and mono just has way to much stretch!
roadwarrior reply :
On 11/27/2014 at 3:53 PM, SirSnookalot said:Just the aspect of being able to break off is a good reason for me.
Very important to me, too!
WRB reply :
For me it comes down to 1 knot.
Tom
Slipknot_Fan666 reply :
I would like to be able to use braid and a leader, but I only have one rod and reel setup so I change baits a lot and I'd be spending more time tying leaders than fishing. I thought about tying a swivel to the braid and making quite a few different leaders tied to a snap swivel but that kinda defeats the purpose of using a fluoro leader considering it would add to the visibility factor. I like mono. 
Catch and Grease reply :
I'm with bluebasser the places I fish aren't to clear and I'm perfectly fine fishing straight braid.... I just see a leader as another knot to fail.
Green Trout reply :
On 11/28/2014 at 5:02 AM, Catch and Grease said:I'm with bluebasser the places I fish aren't to clear and I'm perfectly fine fishing straight braid.... I just see a leader as another knot to fail.
It doesn't fail if you tie it right.
Ozark_Basser reply :
What's the deal with all these people saying they like the option of breaking off? I haven't found a hook I couldn't bend to get a bait free from snags with braided line. I'm positive there's one out there, but usually the knot breaks or the hook bends when I have to free baits from snags, even with all the jigs that I fish with. To each his own I guess.
jignfule reply :
OP Naivete
WRB reply :
100% knot strength is extremely difficult to achieve with either FC and super braids, joining the two lines is more difficult. The result is braid with a leader and lure = 2 knots to fail and they will.
Breaking off 50 to 65 lb braid isn't easy unless you have a leader. Using a FC leader with braid is very popular, just not my choice. I prefer the line to be 1 type, although I will use 75 yard top shots tied to spool filler line.
Tried finesse spinning reels with braid and FC leader, don't like it. Tried baitcasting reels with braid and FC leaders, didn't like it.
Tom
Diggy reply :
I'll use a leader where necessary, so I don't lose half a spool of braid like I did one day. I was too lazy to tie the leader, I knew I should have. It allowed me to spend more money on fishing stuff when buying the line, so no harm no foul 
Catch and Grease reply :
Do you ever find yourself using leaders tom? Just curious...
Angry John reply :
On 11/28/2014 at 5:30 AM, Auggie14 said:What's the deal with all these people saying they like the option of breaking off? I haven't found a hook I couldn't bend to get a bait free from snags with braided line. I'm positive there's one out there, but usually the knot breaks or the hook bends when I have to free baits from snags, even with all the jigs that I fish with. To each his own I guess.
http://www.***.com/Mustad_Denny_Brauer_Grip_Pin_Max_Flippin_Hook_5pk/descpage-MGPEH.html
I use these hooks a lot in clear water around laydowns with 15lb flouro. I have never even been able to get the hook to flex let alone get it to straighten out.
Darren. reply :
I always use a leader. But for me it is mainly
1) to save braid mainline - yes I take off lengths
incrementally when changing leaders but that's
acceptable.
2) Shock and abrasion
3) Confidence in using a leader as opposed to
straight braid.
Knots are not an issue. I have full confidence in
the Albright and uni-to-uni knots.
CWB reply :
On 11/28/2014 at 5:17 AM, Green Trout said:It doesn't fail if you tie it right.
All knots will fail eventually. I used a flouro leader with no problems and got complacent. Didn't re-tie the leader for quite a while. Had a nice fish take my swimjig and leader with it. Back to one or the other but no leaders. To each his own though.
SirSnookalot reply :
SirSnookalot, on 27 Nov 2014 - 02:53 AM, said:
On 11/27/2014 at 3:53 PM, SirSnookalot said:Just the aspect of being able to break off is a good reason for me.
On 11/28/2014 at 3:35 AM, roadwarrior said:Very important to me, too!
Yesterday I dealt with this scenario. Fishing an open canal with a hard jerkbait I got snagged on an unmovable object total hidden from view due to the dark water. Nothing I tried would free my xrap, so I had to break it off. Using 15# braid with a 20# floroclear leader attached with an 8 wrap up and 0 wrap down alberto both the line and knot was rock solid, neither the mainline nor knot would break. What did break was my loopknot, which actually took quite a bit of effort. I'm thankful I was using a leader and even more thankful I wasn't using anything heavier than 15# braid. Total loss, 1 lure and a few inches of leader, back fishing within seconds.
Raul reply :
For me is not a matter of visibility, if your mate is outfishing you then he´s doing something you don´t, for me is a matter of abrassion resistance, braid don´t mix well with rocks and less with those chunk shale rocks found in many lakes I fish, those things are razor sharp and cut braid in an eyeblink but don´t cut monofilament ( FC, nylon or copoly ) so easily even if it´s thin.
SirSnookalot reply :
The same exact situation happened to me again today as described in post #40, with the same result. Had I been fishing with no leader or heavier braid I may have had to cut the line.
Just to throw this out, I was on a hot bite today. On one of my casts my lure was foul hooked, I didn't change my retrieval speed and got nailed by one of the nicer bass of the day. I seldom give up on cast even if the lure is flopping around, ya just never know when a fish is going strike. It happened a second time today, that fish I lost.
Fishing Rhino reply :
I always use a leader. I do a lot of fishing with four and six pound test fluorocarbon, and would lose a lot of baits to pickerel. I use fifteen pound test fluoro for a leader and use an Albright knot to join them.
With braid I also use the fifteen pound fluoro for a leader. Most of the ponds and lakes around here are extremely rocky. Braid and rocks do not play well together. A nice fish takes the line around a rock and it's gonzo. Braid is great in vegetation, it can mow down patches of lily pads, sawing through them like butter. But in craggy rocky areas it's next to worthless. If you want to see how easy braid can be broken pull it over the cutter on dental floss. It cuts the line as well as any, and better than most braid scissors, and it takes very little pressure. It may be fine on smooth rounded rocks, but the rocks around here will part it as easily as the dental floss cutter.
The knot goes through the guides with nary a tick.
gulfcaptain reply :
Just my opinion, maybe it's the person holding the rod. I fish straight braid a lot, seen a lot of others fish FC, finesse, etc and do quite well if not better right there with them. But I can regularly outfish a most of my friends on a consistant basis using braid only. But then there is a time and a place for leaders/topshots also.
WRB reply :
Not bass fishing. I use 2 & 3 lb leaders for trout using bait, 100 to 300 lb mono leaders for marlin, wire leaders for toothy salt water fish, sharks etc.On 11/28/2014 at 6:28 AM, Catch and Grease said:Do you ever find yourself using leaders tom? Just curious...
I fished FC leader on finesse braid for about 3.years, broke off too many good bass.
We have a Instron machine at work and I test lots of knots and they all are less than 80% strength when tied to braid with FC, less if you don't retie after 24 hrs.
The problem is sudden pull force when a good size bass makes a hard turning run. Under steady pull the knots perform OK. Losing good size bass solely due to knot failure teaches you lessons, 1knot is better than 2!
Tom
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