Fc Leader Line And Knot

[Weld's Largemouth]

Hey all,

 

I'm looking to buy some fluorocarbon to use as a leader for my 20# braid. I have a few questions:

 

1. What brand and lb test do you recommend?

2. What length of a leader do you recommend?
3. What is your favorite/best knot for tying the leader to the braid

and

4. What knot do you use from the leader to the lure, OR do you use a clip on the end of the leader?

 

Thanks,

Welds 

[roadwarrior]

Hey all,

 

I'm looking to buy some fluorocarbon to use as a leader for my 20# braid. I have a few questions:

 

1. What brand and lb test do you recommend? InvizX #10

2. What length of a leader do you recommend? About 8' or just enough to where the knot is outside the reel.

3. What is your favorite/best knot for tying direct to the braid  San Diego Jam

and

4. What knot do you use from the leader to the lure, OR do you use a clip on the end of the leader? Alberto

 

Thanks,

Welds 

 

 

 

[Weld's Largemouth]

10 lb leader for 20 lb line?

[camo]

Braid has a smller diameter so for example most 50lb braids have an equivalent diameter to most 12lb fluros and you want to try and match the diameter of your braid to the diameter of the fluro

[Weld's Largemouth]

Braid has a smller diameter so for example most 50lb braids have an equivalent diameter to most 12lb fluros and you want to try and match the diameter of your braid to the diameter of the fluro

I'm just worried about 10 lb line breaking 

[IDUTBass]

I use a uni to uni. It's held up really good to everything I have come across. I've tried others but I always seem to forget how to tie them and just end up using the uni to uni. I also add a little glue after i get it really tight

[roadwarrior]

10 lb leader for 20 lb line?

 

Comparable diameters.

[Weld's Largemouth]

Comparable diameters.

10 lb line and 6 lb bass dont play well though

[roadwarrior]

Then go with a heavier braid. For baitcasting 40-50lb braid and 20 lb Tatsu is a match I like. 

I have 20/10 on a spinning reel and have no issues.

 

 

 

 

[Wayne P.]

For bass finesse fishing with shakey head and wacky presentations, I use 8# mono equivelent diameter superlines and 20# fluorocarbon leader of about 3'-4' in length if I decide to use a leader (for the added weight).

I have 8-10 setups that I may have with that combo.

For dropshot, I may use 14# fluorocarbon so I can tie the Palomar knot with the smaller hooks, but still use the 8# mono equivelent diameter superlines.

Uni-uni knot connection, typically 6 turns on both lines when forming the knots. Properly tightened and tag ends cut flush with the knots--no glue needed.

For my micro guide rods, I use 8 turns on the superline side to get a more tapered knot so it passes through the guides more easily when casting.

 

Edit: forget to add----as far as brands, that has been discussed many times, use what you are comfortable with.

[Dwight Hottle]

I tie 10lb, 12lb & 15lb mono leaders to 10lb braid all the time using a back to back uni knot without any problems.

[aavery2]

If using a leader for abrasion resistance only it makes sense to use a very hard line.   Harder the FC line, it is generally accepted that the higher the abrasion resistance will be, the trade off will be in line manageability.   Some FC lines that are very hard in comparison with others are Toray Superhard, BPS XPS FC, P-line Halo.  All of these line will offer good abrasion resistance.

 

The length of the leader depends on if you want the knot to remain outside the guides or not.   Some people find it bothersome to cast a joined line through the eyes of the rod.  If this is you then you will be limited in the length of leader you can use.  If this is not a problem then many people will use the length of the rod as a good starting point.

 

I have played with several knots  the ones that I find the most usable are variations of the Alberto knot.  The knot is very strong and is also a very slim, small knot that will pass through most guides quite easily. 

 

My FC knot varies a little on the lure that I am using, but for the most part I use the SDJ now days.

 

On my spinning reels I use 20lb braid with either a 6 or 8lb test leader, this requires a good drag system, and using the proper technique to fight fish.  I would see no problem using a much stronger leader if desired.

[fishballer06]

1. I normally use AbrasX 15 lb for baitcasting, and Invisix 10 lb for spinning.

2. 2 to 4 feet normally. Up to 6-7 feet for really clear water.

3. I like the Seaguar knot. Easy, quick, and it works.

4. Depends on what I'm using. Palomar for worm hooks and jigs. Trilene knot for cranks, spinnerbaits, etc.

[HoosierHawgs]

8# is my preference for leader. I assume this is being fished on spinning tackle? Also, use a double uni knot. This is the only knot I ever use to connect line to line, it hasn't failed me yet.

[Angry John]

I also use the double uni knot.  It has never failed me on smaller lines.  On larger lines i like the alberto, but have had issues with 20lb braid.  I like the seaguar leader material.  I feel as though it is much harder material, but if you have the toray superhard, or sunline shooter those would be excellent as well.  The smallest line i use for leader is 10LB.  If i am dropshotting i just load the reel with 6lb and no connection knot to fail.  In that case i am running sunline sniper or P-Line 100% in the blue and black box.  I connect with the palomar knot always.  No failures to note with that if tied correctly.   

[SirSnookalot]

I believe Weld uses spinning gear, which is all I use.  I happen to prefer 20# leaders with 10-15# braid, IMO makes a very strong chain.  Using a mono leader I tie an alberto but not with F/C.  Braid can cut into f/c, I use a bristol knot which is identical to an alberto but in reverse.   The leader is wrapped over the braid, not the braid over the leader, the leader can't be cut because it's on top.

I'm not fussy on brand and use no more than a 3' leader.  Lures always get a loopknot, jigs and jig heads get an ordinary clinch.  Snap/swivels are out, clips are ok but I don't use them too often.

[Ozark_Basser]

I've used braid with a fluoro leader a lot the past few years.  I don't skimp on braid.  In my experience braid can be virtually indestructible out on the water or it can be your worst enemy.  I will only buy Sunline FX2 or Seaguar Smackdown.  They are both 8 strand round braids that are a real pleasure to fish with.  I only tie an albright knot for leader knots.  I've tried a handful, and I find it to be the best. The braid coats the knot.  As far as leader length, I'll use a leader as long as my rod pretty much.  I don't really like the leader knot to run into my spool but sometimes I'll do it anyway.  

 

As far as fluorocarbon, sometimes I'll skimp on it, but I prefer a brand that has really hard abrasion resistant line.  You don't have to worry about manageability so much because it's on a leader so you can use the hardest fluoro you can find.  I love Toray's Superhard high grade, but it's pricy.  Seaguar Abrazx will do fine though.  If I'm strapped for cash I'll go with red label as well.  Red Label is probably the best cheap fluoro out there.  

 

Leader to bait knot is always a palomar with fluoro. 

[adam lancia]

I use 15# Super 8 Slick on my spinning reels with a 15# FC leader (one of them has 20# Sufix with the same leader). My leader length is the length of the rod and I use an Alberto knot to join the two. The knot is a bit noisy going through the guides but it doesn't affect my casting distance. I use 40# braid with the same leader and knot on my baitcasters. Same deal, a little noisy going through the guides but it doesn't hurt my casting distance.

[WIGuide]

10 lb line and 6 lb bass dont play well though

They play just fine as long as you don't go all crazy on them!

[Ozark_Basser]

I agree with WI guide.  That's what your drag is for.  The first few six pounders I ever caught were on 8# or 10# test.  Granted it was mono which has better knot strength than fluorocarbon.  Either way if your drag is set right, you shouldn't have to worry about it too much.  With 10# the main thing you have to worry about is cover.

[Darren.]

I use 10lb braid on spinning gear, 20lb on casting.

 

I use leaders anywhere from 6-15 lbs on all.

 

No problems. I've caught 6 pounders on 6 & 8lb test

line on spinning gear. You learn how to play the 

fish. I've caught beasties in sticks, stumps, downed

trees with all the above mentioned. 

 

If I'm really concerned about the sticks, I'll put on 

15 pound test. It's all about what you feel comfy 

with, and we've all got opinions on that.

[SirSnookalot]

It really depends on how thick the water is, open water 10# braid is fine but there are times when heavier line ( and leader) is needed. Shore or boat may also be a different matter, as well as high banked canals and ponds with little cover.  The line has to be based on the conditions you are fishing, just like the rod needed to pull fish out if need be.

I use what I use based on where I fish, if I changed locations I may be changing my line too.

[J Francho]

Hey all,

 

I'm looking to buy some fluorocarbon to use as a leader for my 20# braid. I have a few questions:

 

1. What brand and lb test do you recommend?

2. What length of a leader do you recommend?

3. What is your favorite/best knot for tying the leader to the braid

and

4. What knot do you use from the leader to the lure, OR do you use a clip on the end of the leader?

 

Thanks,

Welds 

 

1.  I like Seaguar Leader material, not reel fill line for this.  It's much tougher.  Size depends on what your doing, but 6-12# should suffice.

2.  Again, really depends on what you're tying up.  generally, the length of the rod is a good start.  Retie when it gets under 18-24".

3.  Alberto.  There is no other.  Back to Back Uni knots will fail.  I've seen it over and over from devotees of this knot. You've been warned. 

4.  Palomar, Improved Cinch, Uni, SD Jam....whatever knot you can tie well.