I have been having problems breaking off my lure when a pike takes it. I fish smallmouth/pike rivers in central Michigan and can catch either one on any given cast, regardless of the lure. When I know i'm in pike territory I use 15lb P-Line flouroclear with a 6" steel leader and much larger baits. In other situations I use 10lb mono tied directly to the lure. However, pike still hit these smaller lures and inevitably break off. I hate losing lures and I especially hate losing lures in the mouths of fish. Steel leaders on this set-up negatively effects casting and the action of the lure. I have considered using braid as a leader but have not done it. This is a reasonable question posted on this string, and I'm glad it was asked. I would still love to know, will a braid leader work? and, why, or why not?