Braid With Fluoro Leader

[Spotswood]

So I'm interested in trying out using braided line with a fluoro leader. I really like to be able to see the line for detecting bites, but I do a lot of clear water fishing with jigs and other finnesse techniques. So from what I know this gives the best of both worlds. But before I go out and buy it, what can you guys tell me for pros and cons of this combination as an all purpose line?

I was thinking of 20lb braid with 8lb fluoro.

[SirSnookalot]

My first thought is an 8# leader strong enough, I personally like my leaders a little more consistent with the strength of my main line, I'd have no qualms in using a 20# leader, your braid is still stronger. I have lots of left over 20#

p-line flouroclear and that's what I mostly use for freshwater leaders, thin and strong, straight 20# p-line has landed many 50+# fish for me.

I never had the need to watch lines, even using dark green braid at night, the line tells me what's going on without seeing it. Technology is great, but doesn't replace fishing instinct, using both will get you more fish.

[pondassasin]

I've been using #20 and #30 braid with a #10 sunline FC sniper leader for a while with great results. I've hooked into several good fish even at close range with no problems. I use an Alberto knot to join the two and I feel extremely confident in this setup

[Jig Man]

I use fluro/braid for clear water. I use 30# braid and fluro varies from 10-15# depending on how rocky the area is where I am fishing. I also use the Alberto's knot.

[Mike L]

20# braid with 15# floro leader on a spinning rod. uni - uni knot.

Mike

[Stasher1]

I use a uni-uni knot and prefer to keep the line diameters the same, so on the occasions that I use a leader, I use 30# braid with an 8# leader.

[Crestliner2008]

Try stepping up the pound test of your leader. For a 20# mainline, I'd go with a 15# - 17# fluoro leader. And if you want a more "fluid" joint knot, try the Alberto.

[craww]

Most guys use leaders for abrasion or line visibility issues. I just like the fact ghat I save $ on exspensive braid. Constant retieing can really shorten a spool of line pretty quick.

For all purpose use I run 30lb braid w/ 12 yozuri hybrid as a leader.

The spinning rig gets 15# braid/6# leader.

[Chris at Tech]

If you're using baitcasting gear, I'd recommend using 40lb braid or higher. I've never had good luck using 30lb or less braid on a baitcaster -- the line would always dig in on itself from hooksets and from trying to free snags.

But 10-30lb braid is great on spinning reels.

[RandySBreth]

I like thinner for spinning gear - 4/15 braid or 4/10 Fireline or 832. The I use different leader strengths depending on what I'm throwing. Lately I've been using 4/14 Stren Superbraid (I bought a bunch of it on the discontinued rack at the Bass Pro outlet store) in Hi-Vis yellow with a 10-pound fluoro leader. Works awesome for wacky rigging - easy to watch that bright yellow braid for bites!

[johnnytoxin]

I just switched to using 50# braid with a 12lb fluoro leader on a couple of my baitcasters. Works great for soft plastics, jigs, spinnerbaits etc...... If you wanna throw topwater just loose the leader. Make sure when you use a leader you use a GOOD connection knot!!! I use the Bob Sands knot which I havent seen anyone bring up here and I can say that I am pretty impressed with it.

[Mike L]

I just switched to using 50# braid with a 12lb fluoro leader on a couple of my baitcasters. Works great for soft plastics, jigs, spinnerbaits etc...... If you wanna throw topwater just loose the leader. Make sure when you use a leader you use a GOOD connection knot!!! I use the Bob Sands knot which I havent seen anyone bring up here and I can say that I am pretty impressed with it.

I'm happy with what I use but I'd like to ask, what is the "Bob Sands Knot"?

Never heard of that one.

Mike

[johnnytoxin]

Here is a link to a post on another forum that I frequent. It also has a link to a video.

http://www.hookupsportfishing.com/forum/articles/24987-spectra-mono-fluoro-how-tie.html#post307821

[Mike L]

Thanks Johnny

MIke

[SirSnookalot]

I'd have no chance in the world with that Bob Sands knot off shore in a 15-20 mph wind and 5' waves, it's ok if you tie it before you left your home. Just looking at that knot, I think it's way over kill for bass fishing and inshore fish, and it seems way bulkier than an alberto, may be good for offshore bait fishing and trolling.

For a good portion of my fishing when I join lines, especially braid, I use a back to back clinch knots and it works real well, uni to uni is good too but I fumble with it. If you are fishing off shore, don't join line, do a complete re spool if you're spool needs line.

[johnnytoxin]

Another knot that is much simpler is a "red phillips" knot. Its basically an overhand knot with a uni. I haven't tried it yet but I may in the future. Supposed to be very small and strong

[J Francho]

I'd rather stick a fork inmy ear than try to ties that Bob's knot in boat, lol. Alberto's knot for braid to fluoro. Works for stripers, it'll work on bass.

[johnnytoxin]

That's all good not saying its for everyone. My only point was make sure its a well-tied knot.