Steel Leaders???

[bigbill]

If I'm using a higher test line and losing some of my lure action instead of using a lighter pound test I been thinking of using a steel leader like the ones for toothy critters. I been also thinking of the spot were I constantly get lures ripped off my line using the steel leaders just may help too. I'm not sure if it's a bigger smalley, a big chain pickerel or a freshwater otter doing it. It seems to love the blue rapala F7.

Using steel leaders on my topwater setup what ya think? Bb

Btw, I've caught 30" chain pickerel in this place already. These are so fat and round two of my hands won't wrap around it. They look like small northern pike.

[Capt.Bob]

Small Northern Pike,,,,,, are Chain Pickerel!!

[bigbill]

I didn't know that. They are a hoot to catch but they do like ripping lures off my like. I lost a brand new Mann's hank Parker classic spinner bait that I just finished tweaking when another 30"+ pickerel ripped it off my line at the waters edge as I tried to take it out of the water. I froze and was in shock when I seen it parallel to the waters edge shaking it's head, ripping off my lure and leaving with it.

I have one spot the stock with trout and a seen a very large fish in the tall 6' bamboo looking weeds ambushing what was probably trout. It gets the winter run off from a lake about it that has northern pike. From its turning circles I seen that we're really large it's a big one. Of course my bass setups will be too small for this fish but my new inshore setup should put me in the ballpark anyway. I threw all the 12" minnowbaits I had that day. But nothing happened. Now I have a better selection of pike lures.

I have lakes with pike all around me. They stocked these places with pike to control the white perch population. I still catch white perch all the time so there is plenty of food for the pike. Bb

[SirSnookalot]

I don't know what you consider heavy # test leader to be, I do not find I lose lure action with 20, 30 or 40# leaders which are my most used, I always use a loopknot.  I would not use a wire leader with a top water lure, I'm not saying don't, I'm saying I wouldn't. On the very rare occasion I do use wire, it's either crimped with a loop for the lure, piano wire with a haywire twist and loop for the lure, or a pre made one that comes with attached terminal tackle.  Losing lures is part of the game, no one likes to but it's going to happen, try this.  Attach a 1" duoclock to the end of your mono or f/c leader, that little bit of wire may save a lure or 2, that may work good on 30" pickerel, I'd probably opt for 20# leader, maybe 30# if your are running into 40-50" fish, but that's the way I fish.  In fairness I'm catching toothy critters that size in open water, less strain on the leader.

[MichiganFishing1997]

If your looking to use steel leaders I would do what we do for fly fishing musky. Buy what they tieable steel leader, its really coold stuff. Use a double surgeons loop to tie your lure on, it will allow it to have great action.

I can't say I would use a steel leader for topwater. Instead of steel we sometimes use high pound test flouro instead. This sinks so its a definite no no for topwater. Instead my choice would be to use a high quality high pound test mono. I mean high pound. Like for musky we use #80-#100 test. It will float, be clear, and almost always brings in the toothy that's on the end of the line. If there's some abrasion just re-tie.

With either leader you choose, doing some type of looped knot will help with the action of the lure.

Good luck.

Christian

[JeziHogg]

Try this product called Not2Kinky

[derekxec]

i would just try it lol who uses steel leaders with top water? maybe it creates a better action or makes the fish look injured or something so you never know you might find the next best thing lol

[Marty]

 

i would just try it lol who uses steel leaders with top water?

 

I do. It might affect some lures, but not all. For example, buzzbaits and Jitterbugs, my favorite topwaters. Just reel steadily and the Jitterbug's lip gurgles from side to side and the buzzbait's blade churns through the water. There is not a noticeable difference in the action of those lures.

[bigbill]

I just took off 17lb test on my new topwater spinning rod setup. I put on 12lb test. I did notice my topwater lures I have used for decades acting weird with the 17lb test. So I figure with the 12lb test I was planning on using a steel leader like 8" long from Wal-Mart with a swivel eye on one end and a locking snap swivel on the other

[derekxec]

I do. It might affect some lures, but not all. For example, buzzbaits and Jitterbugs, my favorite topwaters. Just reel steadily and the Jitterbug's lip gurgles from side to side and the buzzbait's blade churns through the water. There is not a noticeable difference in the action of those lures.

sorry i meant to say walk the dog style lures

[bigbill]

Well I'd rather not use a lighter test leader that's eliminates the purpose of using stronger line in the first place. The lighter test leader becomes the weak link in the setup. I figure the thinner, flexible steel leader just may give me the action I want with no loss of strength plus give me my topwater action and lure movement back together too.

Plus I see the toothy critters hitting my spinnerbaits from the side just ripping it off. And off in the sunset they go with it.

[The Young Gun]

Try this product called Not2Kinky

Lmao the commercial for that product drives me crazy! But it looks like a decent product

[Marty]

sorry i meant to say walk the dog style lures

 

No offense taken, no apology needed.