Leader Length

[Chevydriver2123]

Using braid in the spring for the first time my question is how long of a leader do you use? Thanks everyone

[Jolly Green]

It often comes down to where you want the knot. Some people don't like the knot to go through any of the guides, some people just don't want it on the reel, some people insist that having it on the reel plus a few turns of line is the way to go when bringing in a fish. I use a leader 12 to 18 inches shorter than my rod because I like to use a long leader but prefer to keep the knot off of my reel.  Unless it sustains some kind of damage, I will use the same leader until it is down to about 12 inches, then I cut it off and tie on a new one. I use an Alberto knot to join lines.

 

There are other considerations for leader length, such as water clarity, but I don't fish anything remotely clear so I'm mostly just after abrasion resistance and savings on braid, and to those ends my method works well for me.

[A-Jay]

It often comes down to where you want the knot. Some people don't like the knot to go through any of the guides, some people just don't want it on the reel, some people insist that having it on the reel plus a few turns of line is the way to go when bringing in a fish. I use a leader 12 to 18 inches shorter than my rod because I like to use a long leader but prefer to keep the knot off of my reel.  Unless it sustains some kind of damage, I will use the same leader until it is down to about 12 inches, then I cut it off and tie on a new one. I use an Alberto knot to join lines.

 

There are other considerations for leader length, such as water clarity, but I don't fish anything remotely clear so I'm mostly just after abrasion resistance and savings on braid, and to those ends my method works well for me.

 X2 ~ Nicely Done.

 

 A-Jay

[Darren.]

Using braid in the spring for the first time my question is how long of a leader do you use? Thanks everyone

 

There is no hard/fast rule as to the length of a leader when bass fishing.

 

Gary Yamamoto likes his leader long enough to reel onto his reel when fighting a fish. Me? I like to stretch out leader line one or two spans of my arms held wide.

 

Some folks like a 2 foot leader and nothing more.

 

One thing is for certain, if your leader line is in good shape, the longer the leader, the less you eat into your braid mainline. With my method, I can tie quite a few hooks before needing to change out the leader.

 

Experiment, find out what works best for you. These are just ideas

[Nick49]

I use braided line on all of my "single hook" rigs as well as my surface baits and keep my leader short enough to avoid entrance to my reel.

[mjseverson24]

I dont like using a long leader mainly because I only use a leader on moving bait presentations and I typically use a quick snap to be able to change lures quick. When I do use a leader it is typically about 24" and I will use it until it is about 10" or if the knot gets messed up. on spinning setups I typically run anywhere from 15-25 feet of leader attached to a braid main line.

 

Mitch 

[n8cas4]

Will the longer leader somewhat take away from the sensitivity you get with the braid? I've been using a longer leader lately myself but always wondered if I'm losing some of that sensitivity or low stretch properties

[mjseverson24]

Will the longer leader somewhat take away from the sensitivity you get with the braid? I've been using a longer leader lately myself but always wondered if I'm losing some of that sensitivity or low stretch properties

You will loose some of the added sensitivity that an all braid system would give you, that being said is the difference going to be really noticeable, probably not.

 

Mitch 

[WRB]

In off color water or weedy water you don't need a leader other than for confidence.

Clear water with good visibility (see the bottom at 8+ feet) than leaders may help depending on how active the bass may or may not be.

What size and type of braid are you using?

Most anglers with spinning outfits use a leader long enough that the knot is located between the first big guide and the reel with rods having conventional size guides.

Tom

[S Hovanec]

I start each day with a fresh 18' leader. That way, I can fish all day without having to retie a leader.

[EvanT123]

I like to tie my leaders an inch or so below my tip top and no more than 6 inches past my bail or spool. Not scientific but works for me.

[SirSnookalot]

For me using 20' of leader attached to my braid doesn't make sense, I may as well just use mono or copoly instead of braid.  I do use braid for everything, my leaders are about 20", slightly longer for inshore fishing.  I use swivels except when fishing for certain species unrelated to bass, using a duolock to change lures.  As a rule my leaders do not get changed daily if my knots are good to go, if not I will put a new leader and duolock on.  Fishing a weedless fluke, which I do a lot of, putting a fresh hook or leader on doesn't take much time, same for worms or jigs which I seldom use.

 

As far as I'm concerned nothing is more important than the line, I change my braid often, whether it's bass fishing or saltwater fish.  The cost isn't much more than a couple lures or bags of plastics.

[KDW96]

Im going to start using a leader is clearer water this year. But mine will only be 2-4ft. Like SirSnook alot said-having a leader long enough that wraps around the reel several times would be like having a whole spool of it? A leader is a leader,not a mainline? Im learning as we go here,not complaining,just dont understand the whole thing of having such a long leader?

 

For me using 20' of leader attached to my braid doesn't make sense, I may as well just use mono or copoly instead of braid.  I do use braid for everything, my leaders are about 20", slightly longer for inshore fishing.  I use swivels except when fishing for certain species unrelated to bass, using a duolock to change lures.  As a rule my leaders do not get changed daily if my knots are good to go, if not I will put a new leader and duolock on.  Fishing a weedless fluke, which I do a lot of, putting a fresh hook or leader on doesn't take much time, same for worms or jigs which I seldom use.

 

As far as I'm concerned nothing is more important than the line, I change my braid often, whether it's bass fishing or saltwater fish.  The cost isn't much more than a couple lures or bags of plastics.

[S Hovanec]

My reasons for long leaders are high pressured fish and not having to retie a new leader on the water. It offers the ability for many, many hook and weight reties through the day. When dropshotting, a retie removes a length of line equal to or greater than what a lot of you guys are using for a leader.

[roadwarrior]

I use braided line on all of my "single hook" rigs as well as my surface baits and keep my leader short enough to avoid entrance to my reel.

 

I like it up a little more so I never feel the  knot.

[Felix77]

It often comes down to where you want the knot. Some people don't like the knot to go through any of the guides, some people just don't want it on the reel, some people insist that having it on the reel plus a few turns of line is the way to go when bringing in a fish. I use a leader 12 to 18 inches shorter than my rod because I like to use a long leader but prefer to keep the knot off of my reel.  Unless it sustains some kind of damage, I will use the same leader until it is down to about 12 inches, then I cut it off and tie on a new one. I use an Alberto knot to join lines.

 

There are other considerations for leader length, such as water clarity, but I don't fish anything remotely clear so I'm mostly just after abrasion resistance and savings on braid, and to those ends my method works well for me.

I am here in this camp as well.  

[BenB54]

I usually use a 4-5' leader.