Braid Vs Leader Diameter

[Superdumper]

Hey I decided I am going to try braid out on my casting reels. I want to use a leader just in case I snag so I can snap the leader n not cut expensive braid.

So my question is when choosing a leader do u take line diameter into account? Should a leader be bigger, smaller or of similar diameter? Does knot choice make a difference? Idk if I'm over thinking this but I don't wanna be turned off braid because I didn't do proper research.

Thanks for any advice

[Felix77]

Similar Diameter - Find your leader diameter and spool the reel with a braid which is similar in size.  Close is what counts here.

 

Knot choice makes a big difference in getting through the guides.  Uni to Uni, Albright, Alberto knots are all common.  Alberto is the thinnest but I suck at tying them.  LOL

 

Personally I don't use braid on baitcasters with the exception of my flipping setups.  On those I don't use a leader.

 

 

Good luck.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

The Albright knot is good for joining dissimilar diameters and is slim enough to cast well. As long as the lines are appropriate for the presentation you shouldn't have to worry about the difference in diameter at all. 

[Catch and Grease]

For small diameter lines like 20lb braid or 6lb mono I'll use a uni to uni but for anything heavier I use an albright knot.

[Darren.]

I use 20# braid on my baitcaster setups, and everyone gets a leader of varying diameter.

 

Normally I'll only go as low as 8lb leader and as high as 15lb.

 

Albright (or reverse) is normally 7-9 wraps up the line, and 4-7 back down.

 

Also will use the uni-to-uni from time to time.

[Wayne P.]

I use 6# or 8# mono equivelent diameter superlines for finesse presentations, Most of the time on both I use 20# fluorocarbon when I want a leader. I will drop down to 14# fluorocarbon for a drop shot rig to have a smaller diameter line to fit the Palomar knot in the hook eye.

I use the Uni-Uni connection.

[Superdumper]

Thanks everyone! Very helpful info. Now its time to buy some line and see if it works for me

[doyle8218]

On the rare times I do tie a leader - I always use a uni to uni knot. It is very strong no matter what the difference in line sizes.

[Oregon Native]

I too like double uni....braid is usually the smaller of the two lines.  For me I tie five wraps on braid side and four on fluro side.  You can tell pretty quick if leader is to small or big as knots don't seem to hold well when tested.  Make sure you get knots wet too.

Good Luck

[Catch and Grease]

Only 5 wraps on the braid side? I do 12-15 normally...