Super User *Hootie Posted June 25, 2013 Super User Posted June 25, 2013 I have have never understood that concept. To me it just doesn't make sense. Seems the old addage "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link", would come into play here. If I am bass fishing, and happen to hook into a 30# flathead catfish, (I have done that before), he doesn't have to break 50# braid. All he has to do, is break that 12# leader. ........Splain Lucy!!!!... Hootie Quote
Super User LgMouthGambler Posted June 25, 2013 Super User Posted June 25, 2013 Abrasion resistance. 1 Quote
Super User rockchalk06 Posted June 25, 2013 Super User Posted June 25, 2013 I've landed Striper over 30 pounds on 10 pound mono. Good drag and time is all that's needed. The smaller leader is needed match up to the diameter of the braid. I go 50/50. 40 pound braid, 20 pound leader. I think 12 is too small unless your using 30 pound braid. If you used say a 20 pound leader with 20-30 pound braid, the braid will cut into the leader and break it off. On a side note, usually with catfish, a leader is not really needed unless the water is clear or sharp bottom of the lake. But basically you have to fish like your using the leader diameter and pound test, not the braid strength. Some use braid for the strength, I use it for the sensitivity and management. Quote
LuckyHandsINC. Posted June 25, 2013 Posted June 25, 2013 50# braid is not used for the breaking strength, it is used for the diameter to help against digging in he spool. No bass fishing requires 50# no matter what kind of slop you're fishing. When using a leader it is best to match line diameter. It just so happens that 50# braid is roughly the size of 12# mono or flouro. Obviously it varies by brand. 3 Quote
Super User lmbfisherman Posted June 25, 2013 Super User Posted June 25, 2013 Abrasion resistance. x 2 and water clarity...if it's stained/muddy I'll go straight braid. Quote
Super User *Hootie Posted June 25, 2013 Author Super User Posted June 25, 2013 Abrasion resistance. Hey guy!!, How ya doin? Hootie Quote
Super User LgMouthGambler Posted June 25, 2013 Super User Posted June 25, 2013 Hey guy!!, How ya doin? Hootie Doing good buddy. How come you don't send me flowers anymore? lol. Quote
Super User *Hootie Posted June 25, 2013 Author Super User Posted June 25, 2013 Doing good buddy. How come you don't send me flowers anymore? lol.Can't afford it, spending all my money on SHIMAANOOS!!! I got 8 of those things so far. Ya home wrecker!......lolI just joined Shimanoholics anonymous. Hootie Quote
Super User LgMouthGambler Posted June 25, 2013 Super User Posted June 25, 2013 Can't afford it, spending all my money on SHIMAANOOS!!! I got 8 of those things so far. Ya home wrecker!......lol I just joined Shimanoholics anonymous. Hootie Welcome to the club. Been a member for 20 years, lol. Quote
Super User SirSnookalot Posted June 25, 2013 Super User Posted June 25, 2013 There is not a cut and dried answer. Leader and braid combinations for me vary with species, open water or with heavy vegetation. Alberto knot can be used with leader and lines of different diameters, a swivel for connection would also make no difference in the diameters as well. Maybe it's true about line digging, but there have been numerous posts where lighter braids are used on b/c gear without the digging in issue, being a spinning user digging in is a non event. If line abrasion is a major concern perhaps braid may not be the best choice, I don't give abrasion much of a thought and use braid almost exclusively. For the most part I'm matching strength more than diameter, if it's bass fishing 10# braid and 15# leader is a close match, 20# braid (most brands break at between 30 -40#) 40# leader is good close match for saltwater. Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted June 25, 2013 Super User Posted June 25, 2013 I've landed Striper over 30 pounds on 10 pound mono. Good drag and time is all that's needed. The smaller leader is needed match up to the diameter of the braid. I go 50/50. 40 pound braid, 20 pound leader. I think 12 is too small unless your using 30 pound braid. If you used say a 20 pound leader with 20-30 pound braid, the braid will cut into the leader and break it off. On a side note, usually with catfish, a leader is not really needed unless the water is clear or sharp bottom of the lake. But basically you have to fish like your using the leader diameter and pound test, not the braid strength. Some use braid for the strength, I use it for the sensitivity and management. X2 I'm still experimenting with the leader, but right now it's 10 lb Tuf-line or Kanzen and 6 lb Tatsu on spinning tackle; 50 lb Kanzen and 20 lb Tatsu on baitcasting gear. 1 Quote
Diggy Posted June 25, 2013 Posted June 25, 2013 50# braid is not used for the breaking strength, it is used for the diameter to help against digging in he spool. No bass fishing requires 50# no matter what kind of slop you're fishing. When using a leader it is best to match line diameter. It just so happens that 50# braid is roughly the size of 12# mono or flouro. Obviously it varies by brand. For me it is, I like getting my lures back from trees and other areas I end up casting into around canals. Quote
Super User rockchalk06 Posted June 25, 2013 Super User Posted June 25, 2013 For me it is, I like getting my lures back from trees and other areas I end up casting into around canals. True. I just hate it admit it for that part Quote
Diggy Posted June 25, 2013 Posted June 25, 2013 True. I just hate it admit it for that part 65 brings back the tree Quote
RoachDad Posted June 25, 2013 Posted June 25, 2013 I have have never understood that concept. To me it just doesn't make sense. Seems the old addage "a chain is only as strong as its weakest link", would come into play here. If I am bass fishing, and happen to hook into a 30# flathead catfish, (I have done that before), he doesn't have to break 50# braid. All he has to do, is break that 12# leader. ........Splain Lucy!!!!... Hootie I'm with you Hootie, it never has made sense to me either. 1 Quote
RoachDad Posted June 25, 2013 Posted June 25, 2013 50# braid is not used for the breaking strength, it is used for the diameter to help against digging in he spool. No bass fishing requires 50# no matter what kind of slop you're fishing. When using a leader it is best to match line diameter. It just so happens that 50# braid is roughly the size of 12# mono or flouro. Obviously it varies by brand. Why wouldn't you just spool 12# mono? If you are not going to use the braid for its strength, what are you using it for? If you have a 12 lb leader then you are fishing with 12 pound line. Isn't it more costly to use braid? I've never understood this, But I know alot of people use leaders, I just don't get it. Quote
Super User Chris at Tech Posted June 25, 2013 Super User Posted June 25, 2013 Why wouldn't you just spool 12# mono? If you are not going to use the braid for its strength, what are you using it for? If you have a 12 lb leader then you are fishing with 12 pound line. Isn't it more costly to use braid? I've never understood this, But I know alot of people use leaders, I just don't get it. One reason for the braid is the sensitivity Quote
Super User rockchalk06 Posted June 25, 2013 Super User Posted June 25, 2013 One reason for the braid is the sensitivity NO MEMORY! too. That is my number 1 reason for using it. Quote
craww Posted June 25, 2013 Posted June 25, 2013 Durability...I've got braid on a couple reels for going on 4 years. Just add leader as needed. With many knots matching diameters doesn't mean anything in my 5 years of doing it for a variety of species....I have some 15lb power pro that Ill use 12lb hybrid on w/minnows and bobbers and then run 6lb abrazx for finesse plastics. Quote
pbizzle Posted June 26, 2013 Posted June 26, 2013 One reason for the braid is the sensitivity Only reason I tried braid in the first part. In really muddy water I use straight braid. I like the ability to feel the fish breathe on the lure before he takes it. I only use braid on spinning reels. Mainly because I'm afraid of flooding $15 bucks on a bad backlash, but the no memory helps to. Quote
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