What pound test leader? 2025
ike8120 reply :
When using braided line, what pound test (fluorocarbon, hybrid or mono) leader would you use? Do you use the same pound test leader ? Also what would be a good leader length?
Scott F reply :
I use braid all the time and never use a leader.
BigAngus752 reply :
I use a leader only for the purpose of breaking off if I'm going to fish in someplace snaggy with braid on the spool, otherwise I'm using straight braid. When I do use a leader I use the lightest I feel I can get away with for the technique I'm fishing. What size braid I have on the spool isn't what I use to decide leader size. You definitely don't want to try to match the braid and leader test size. 20lb braid and 20lb mono probably won't be your friend. If the technique is something I can do with 8lb mono then that's my leader. If I need 16lb mono or flouro then that's my leader. I'm not saying that the size of the braid doesn't matter because it matters for the technique and the leader should match the technique also. So no 65lb braid on a frog rod with 6lb mono and a Ned rig...
J Francho reply :
I use braid all the time without as well, but I will add a leader if I think it will make a difference, or I don't want all that strength from braid, but want all the other characteristics, like no stretch, limp line. One example would be for fishing jigs in trees. Adding a leader, say 10# fluoro to 50# braid, for fishing jigs in lay downs makes sense. If I get hung up, I can break off without too much commotion. The bonus is being able to feel the connection knot when your line is draped over a branch. If I know I have a 4' leader, when I feel the knot, I about when the jig will hit the branch and I can use more finesse to get it through.
ike8120 reply :
On 8/2/2019 at 8:36 PM, Scott F said:I use braid all the time and never use a leader.
On 8/2/2019 at 8:48 PM, BigAngus752 said:I use a leader only for the purpose of breaking off if I'm going to fish in someplace snaggy with braid on the spool, otherwise I'm using straight braid. When I do use a leader I use the lightest I feel I can get away with for the technique I'm fishing. What size braid I have on the spool isn't what I use to decide leader size. You definitely don't want to try to match the braid and leader test size. 20lb braid and 20lb mono probably won't be your friend. If the technique is something I can do with 8lb mono then that's my leader. If I need 16lb mono or flouro then that's my leader. I'm not saying that the size of the braid doesn't matter because it matters for the technique and the leader should match the technique also. So no 65lb braid on a frog rod with 6lb mono and a Ned rig...
On 8/2/2019 at 8:51 PM, J Francho said:I use braid all the time without as well, but I will add a leader if I think it will make a difference, or I don't want all that strength from braid, but want all the other characteristics, like no stretch, limp line. One example would be for fishing jigs in trees. Adding a leader, say 10# fluoro to 50# braid, for fishing jigs in lay downs makes sense. If I get hung up, I can break off without too much commotion. The bonus is being able to feel the connection knot when your line is draped over a branch. If I know I have a 4' leader, when I feel the knot, I about when the jig will hit the branch and I can use more finesse to get it through.
The reason I was asking is that I am setting up a NED rig combo and was going to use 10#or lighter braid and it was suggested to use a fluorocarbon leader.
J Francho reply :
I use straight fluoro when fishing finesse baits like a Ned. I go woth 6# Tatsu, so I'd think any 6-8# line would work for you. I have a one (of six) DS setup that I use in light weeds that has 15# braid, and usually an 8# leader that works well.
Diggy reply :
On 8/2/2019 at 9:06 PM, ike8120 said:
The reason I was asking is that I am setting up a NED rig combo and was going to use 10#or lighter braid and it was suggested to use a fluorocarbon leader.
I have 10lb braid and between 6-8 for light neds in open water and I will use 12 for heavier stuff or heavier cover
PourMyOwn reply :
For my Ned rod I use 20 lb braid to 8lb fluoro. I have used 30 lb braid to 8 as well, can't tell a lot of difference.
Team9nine reply :
Yep - 8# leader, 5-6 ft long with that type braid setup will work great.
BassWhole! reply :
It really depends on what I'm doing, and where I'm fishing. With spinning, I like 10/10, and 15/12 most times. With BCs I'm usually using 15-20 lb leader, or really heavy. I mostly use leaders to either keep treble hooks from tangling on braid (cause I really hate that), or when fishing around pike, pickerel, and snakeheads. It also helps to conserve braid, but I've been tying a uni more and more to lures, and the tags are minimal, so not so much anymore.
Largies4Life reply :
On 8/2/2019 at 9:31 PM, J Francho said:I use straight fluoro when fishing finesse baits like a Ned. I go woth 6# Tatsu, so I'd think any 6-8# line would work for you. I have a one (of six) DS setup that I use in light weeds that has 15# braid, and usually an 8# leader that works well.
On 8/2/2019 at 9:34 PM, Team9nine said:Yep - 8# leader, 5-6 ft long with that type braid setup will work great.
What type of knot do you guys like to use as the connection knot? I've tried the FG knot, but found that it seems to fray pretty easily. Maybe that's just due to me not tightening the knot down enough or cutting the line too close to the knot. Any recommendations on that end?
Team9nine reply :
FG more and more. Google search for finishing options to find one that works best for you to minimize fraying. Alberto before that or any other time. Seaguar knot comes recommended courtesy of Ned himself and Rich Zaleski, two heavyweight testimonials, and I’ve been checking out Shin’s knot here lately, also. That should be enough options - Lol
Timberwolf530 reply :
For a Ned, I use chartreuse J Braid X8 10 lb test on a ml power fast action 6 ft rod. Leader is Sunline Sniper in 4-8 lb test. The less abrasive the cover, the lighter the line, and the clearer the water, the longer the leader. I use the thinnest line I think I can get away with. It gives finesse baits a much better action, plus helps with line shy fish in clear water, especially smallies. The longest leader I use is about 12-15 ft. I never measure exactly. Shortest is about 6-8 ft. I use the chartreuse for line watching. With finesse baits, there are many times you can't feel them bite at all. They pick it up almost imperceptibly. With my old eyes, I need all the help I can get seeing the line move, and the bright colored line helps me detect those light bites much sooner. I actually use this setup for not only Neds, but all non-reaction baits, and use only the 8 carrier braid on spinning reels. It handles better & casts much farther than 4 carrier. For moving baits, I use straight fluoro or mono. For Sliders I use straight mono too. The only thing I tie directly to braid, and the only dark green braid I use is for froggin, I use 50 lb J Braid X4.
I agree with the fraying problem on the FG. I also think it's just too much work. The Alberto knot is just about as thin, and is MUCH easier to tie. I have zero problems with it going trough micro guides. At the bait, I use a Double Pitzen or Palomar.
J Francho reply :
On 8/2/2019 at 11:05 PM, Largies4Life said:What type of knot do you guys like to use as the connection knot?
The one you can tie well. I use an Alberto, but I have used a triple surgeons in a pinch.
Darren. reply :
I always use a leader, 6, 8, or 10# are my go-to, but will use
4 and 15 on rare occasions.
I'm a proponent of Shin's knot. Have posted videos to it several
times here on the forum. Easy to tie, very strong. Also a fan of
the uni-to-uni, and variants of the Alberto/mod'd Albright knots.
Definitely agree with @J Francho that the knot is the one you can
tie well. That is what it boils down to. For me it is ease and speed
of tying, as well as simplicity of tying while in my kayak.
I don't really believe in one knot being "best" over all the others.
Never have problems with the knots I mention, and if I did, it has
usually been something I did wrong.
Cinch the knots down and give a steady pull. I like to see my braid
discolor as it is compressed. FWIW.
ike8120 reply :
I went with 10lb braid and 8lb FC leader. Most likely will use the Alberto knot
waymont reply :
To actually answer your question, instead of telling you that I don’t use a leader when I use Braid, I will suggest with 10lb braid to use 6-8lb flouro or 6lb mono.
Bluebasser86 reply :
I only use a leader with braid on my spinning rods, no leader on casting rods ever, just personal preference.
I typically use 8lb test leader, but I'll go as heavy as 15 and as light as 6 depending on what I'm doing.
LionHeart reply :
10-15 lb leader. FG knot y'all
ike8120 reply :
For my NED spinning outfit went with 10lb braid,8lb FC leader and the Alberto knot.
Jig Man reply :
On 8/8/2019 at 10:52 PM, ike8120 said:For my NED spinning outfit went with 10lb braid,8lb FC leader and the Alberto knot.
I do a lot of Ned fishing. Enough that I carry 5 setups. I have experimented with heads and line. It is my experience that 6# fluorocarbon will get twice as many bites as 8# will.
Mikeltee reply :
0# test leader as in no leader. It robs you of performance and adds another breaking point. We use braid for a reason... it's tough as nails. Why turn your rig into a wet noodle by adding the lightest, clearest line you can maybe get away with all for the sake of fooling a bass that doesn't care what line is tied to that lure? If it makes you happy tie one on but if so, I suggest getting a cheap rod so that you wont have to hear that knot banging away on your guides. I assure you that you will still catch fish with whatever decision you make.
ike8120 reply :
On 8/9/2019 at 12:14 AM, Jig Man said:I do a lot of Ned fishing. Enough that I carry 5 setups. I have experimented with heads and line. It is my experience that 6# fluorocarbon will get twice as many bites as 8# will.
Getting off the topic what heads do you prefer?
PourMyOwn reply :
On 8/9/2019 at 5:32 PM, ike8120 said:Getting off the topic what heads do you prefer?
Not Jig Man but I prefer the Midwest Finesse jig from a Do-it mold. I'm sure lots of guys sell them on Ebay. I make mine out of bismuth/tin to be legal in my state, plus they are lighter than lead, which I like for this application. My favorite hook is the Eagle claw Lil Nasty-sharp and light wire, which is what I want with 6-8 lb line. Here's what I'm talking about.
Jig Man reply :
On 8/9/2019 at 5:32 PM, ike8120 said:Getting off the topic what heads do you prefer?
I bought a few different ones and did not much like any of them, especially at more than $1 each. So like PourMyOwn I bought the Midwest Finesse mold. I tried several hooks that I have in stock but wasn’t satisfied. I found a good sale at Shorty’s Hook Sales and bought 1000 1/0 Grammy hooks.
I made up several sizes and have basically used only 3, the 1/16, 3/32, and 1/8. Normally I fish the 1/16 unless it is windy. I used the bait keeper like PourMyOwn showed but had trouble getting TRDs to hold the way I want them so I don’t use them anymore. I just put a small dab of Super Glue Gel between the bait a n jig head.
MickD reply :
Regarding leader specs, I do not recommend anything lighter than 8 because I've never found an 6 that was not to fragile. Most of the time I use 12. I see no need, even in clear water, for anything lighter exc for spybaits.
OkobojiEagle reply :
Leader diameter can change the drop speed, as well as, help regulate the speed/depth at which a lighter lure can be retrieved. A 12lb mono leader will significantly slow the drop speed of a 3/32oz hair jig and allow you to almost suspend it in the water column, where as a 4lb leader will allow the same jig to be livelier and retrieved at a quicker tempo. It's about fine tuning your presentation and that can make a huge difference.
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ike8120 reply :
Just like to report back that the KK 10# braid and 8# Segaur FC leader and the Alberto knot worked just fine. Nice casting and was able to feel the NED rig without any problem. Thank you for everyone's input.
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