Need advice on light line

[Austin Boss]

I am just starting to work on learning light line techniques.  If I have 8lb (high vis) braid on a spinning reel, what lb test fluorocarbon leader should I use?

Thanks in advance.

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, Austin.

It really depends. I would suggest using
6-8 lb leader (whether FC or copoly or mono)...

If you're fishing in thick sticks, go with a heavier
leader unless you are proficient at working a 
larger bass with say, 6lb line, out of the stumps
without breakage.

[Austin Boss]

Thank Darren.  I had some 17lb FC laying around and tied that on and it just didn't feel right

[roadwarrior]

Another option is Yo-Zuri Hybrid #4.  .009" diameter with a breaking strength of 8.5 lbs.

 

 

 

[Team9nine]

I'd pretty much stick with 6-12# leaders with that line depending upon the specific application being used...

-T9

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

8lb braid or 8 lb diameter which is more like 40lb?

[Austin Boss]

8lb braid

[tander]

7# Sunline Sniper works for me. Highly recommend it.

[aprilbass101]

I agree with tander! Sunline FC sniper 8# or 10# "personnel preference" Experimenting is the best option!

[Scott F]

On February 6, 2016 at 3:21 PM, Austin Boss said:

I am just starting to work on learning light line techniques.  If I have 8lb (high vis) braid on a spinning reel, what lb test fluorocarbon leader should I use?

Thanks in advance.

None.

[Burtonxj]

On February 6, 2016 at 5:24 PM, roadwarrior said:

Another option is Yo-Zuri Hybrid #4.  .009" diameter with a breaking strength of 8.5 lbs.

 

 

 

Keep seeing you mention this stuff. Been wanting to switch out my Invizx. Gonna pick up some #12 this weekend to try out.

They should cut you a check.

[A-Jay]

Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~

As you can tell by the number & variety of responses here, the BR members are always ready, willing & able to offer useful advice and recommendations.

  For me, a spinning rig spooled with an 8 lb braid mainline is going to be used in very light but more than likely, no cover/ open water areas.  So the leader size will reflect that and be some where between 4 and 8 lb test (maybe 10 lb at the most); depending on the conditions and the presentation. 

A-Jay

[WIGuide]

I'd probably go with a 6 lb test leader regardless of where you're fishing it. You just have to learn not to horse them.

[Paul Roberts]

On 2/6/2016 at 3:44 PM, Team9nine said:

I'd pretty much stick with 6-12# leaders with that line depending upon the specific application being used...

-T9

Ditto. Applications are how I make such decisions, which are mostly based on cover present, and on sky and water conditions.

In terms of presentation, the important factor is line diameter, moreso than rated break strength. A "6lb" line could have a diameter of .009 or .010 depending on brand and what it's advertised to do. Most "6lb" lines (both mono and FC) are .009 diam and break somewhere around 8+lbs. Lines advertised as "abrasion resistant" lines, or "super-strong", are often actually .010 diameter -really an "8lb" line (breaking at 10+lbs).

That .001" can matter in terms of presentation because water is a viscous gelatinous substance and its affect is multiplied across the length of line between you and your lure. My advice is to always purchase by diameter rather than lb test rating.

[Austin Boss]

Many thanks for all the responses.  This is a wealth of information.  I started with 10lb test Berkeley fc invisiline on spinning outfit.  Mostly light to moderate grass and open water. I am amazed by the casting distance of the light line application.