To Leader Or Not To Leader?

[Paul Peixoto]

Let me start off by saying that i love braid.  I have fished with straight braid and also braid with a flouro leader. i havent notice a situation where the fish maybe spooked by braid.  i guess my question is- do most of you guys fish with a leader when fishing braid? Of do you guys fish with straight braid(no leader) ever have "fished spooked" from it?

[Arv]

I started out with a leader b/c I used mostly fluoro or copoly. Ive started going straight braid and gaining confidence but I do put a leader on every once in a while if I'm not getting bit. Sometimes I continue not to get bit. Sometimes I get bit more, or start getting bites period.

[Marty]

I never use a leader. I have confidence, but don't know for sure if it's the right or wrong decision.

[OkeechobeeAngler]

Never use a leader. 

[EvanT123]

I use a leader for two reasons. 1. Easier to break off. 2 easier to re-tie.

[thehooligan]

I only use leaders now in clear water for dropshot, flickshake, and shakeyhead. Everything else is straight braid.

[SirSnookalot]

I use a leader for two reasons. 1. Easier to break off. 2 easier to re-tie.

^Yep^.......... 3 rd.......It's also much easier to untangle a leader from treble hooks than braid.

[Capt.Bob]

I use a leader for two reasons. 1. Easier to break off. 2 easier to re-tie.

Yep! I always use a leader and it is always no heavier than the rod I am using is rated for! It is my weakest link and I only put new braid on every couple years or more, the only braid I ever loose is what I trim off from time to time, a foot or two when it needs it. I usually use 6 to 10 foot or so, I can retie several times before adding a new leader, mostly mono, but in open gin clear water I will use fluorocarbon. 

[B@ssCrzy]

I use a leader for two reasons. 1. Easier to break off. 2 easier to re-tie.

 

2x

[fishking247]

Use the search bar. There are tons of threads on this topic?

[Darren.]

Leader 99% of the time, for same reasons above, but also because I can switch out pound tests, either light stuff up to heavier line if I'm fishing in the sticks, etc.

[GeorgiaBassBros]

Never use a leader with my 50 lb power pro and havent had an issue spooking fish. Gotta keep in mind that i do 90% of my fishing in chocolate milk colored water, 5 inches of visibility is the max

[BradH]

I always use a leader for the reasons posted above.  I also fish around rocks and pike so I like the resistance to abrasion and bite offs.

[War Eagle 44]

I always use a leader on my spinning rod. I mostly fish "bottom contact" lures (e.g. shakeyhead, finesse jigs, light texas rigs) with this setup so I like the idea of the fluoro being almost invisible. It just gives me personally more confidence in my presentation. I sometimes use leaders on my casting gear, just depends on what technique I'm planning to fish. If I'm going to be dragging a football jig or heavy t-rig in 20-30' of water then I want the leader. If I'm flipping laydowns or bushes and the water is fairly clear I'll use a leader in this situation as well.  

 

I never use a leader while frogging or flipping heavy grass. As I said I really don't have many set rules on using or not using a leader, just let the conditions and situation dictate this decision for the most part. Also as some have already pointed out, this like many other things about fishing, comes down to what YOU feel is the best way to present your lure with confidence. Give it try both ways and decide if you like using leaders or not, some think it most definitely helps and others think its a waste of time. Good luck.   

[dodgeguy]

never use a leader.last night I outfished my buddy who uses a flouro leader 7 to 1.put your bait in front of a biting fish.also select the bait they want.