Flipping Braid with a Flouro Leader

[Big Easy Bassin']

So let me start off by letting everyone know that I strictly fish from the bank, that I just started using the "flipping" technique, and that I use strictly spinning gear.....

Anyways, I just invested in a 7'3" heavy action rod and a 3500 series 6.2:1 reel for flipping heavy cover. I love braided line, and I use it for most applications, and I normally use a flourocarbon leader. For example, my general soft plastic setup is a 7' medium action rod with a 2500 series 6.0:1 reel spooled with 20lb PowerPro and I normally a 15# flouro leader but will go to 12# sometimes. I had this flipping setup rigged with 50# PowerPro and I had pretty good luck today with a 1/4oz SK Bitsy Flip with a modified Pit Boss trailer. My only issue with the straight braid setup is the sinking factor. I just wasn't 100% sure about tying on a leader. Do any of y'all use a flouro leader directly tied to braid when flipping, and if so what would be a good diameter to pair with 50# PowerPro. Thanks in advance for any tips/advice.

PS - Sorry if I'm repeating topics. I searched for about an hour but couldn't find the answer to my question lol. 

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

What do you mean by sinking factor? Braid does not float per say. It's light but sinks once the surface tension is broken. 

[MickD]

Since in flipping you are in heavy cover, max stealth of FC is not needed, IMO.  And the knot, if going through the guides, may interfere with the cast, even though it is not "hanging up."  You may want to blacken or "camo": the last couple feet of the braid with sharpies.  I cannot believe that the line specific gravity will affect the  sinking rate when a 1/2 to 1 ounce sinker is used.  Actually, the braid's specific gravity is about equal to that of water, certainly not significantly less.  It doesn't actually float, it just doesn't sink.  But it will when a heavy sinker is used.

[Yudo1]

I use 15-20 fluoro leaders for flipping/pitching although I don't really flip.  One of the main reasons is if I get hung up I can break off without losing a ton of line especially fishing from the bank.   Good luck trying to break 50lb braid and if you're not careful you could break your rod or damage your spool.

[Big Easy Bassin']

Just that flourocarbon sinks much faster than brain does. Or at least when I throw my other setups with a flouro leader it sinks much faster than when I was using the straight braid today.

[Big Easy Bassin']

MickD, I don't use very heavy weight. Today I was throwing a 1/4oz Strike King Bitsy Flip. The spots I'm fishing aren't deep at all... The fish I caught today were probably in 1-2' at the most. I'm technically not even "fishing" heavy cover. I'm fishing from the bank over the heavy cover, and my issues have come bringing fish through likes, grass, etc.. As far as knots go I have never had a problem getting hung up in the eyes of the rod since I switched to the FG knot. 

Yudo1, I learned today how hard it was to break 50# braid when snagged. Luckily it was toward the end of a cast. Didn't want to break my rod so I cut my line lol

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Keep a short dowel in your bag wrap the line and use it as a handle to break off or straighten a hook. 

[riverbasser]

I use jigs more than any other lure I have and just throw straight braid. Are you fishing in extremely clear water? Sinking factor doesn't really come into play in my opinion. Jigs are heavy enough to sink any line. I do use leaders on some occasions normally 10 pound  fluro with different lures, only tip I could give for that is to use an Albright knot to connect the lines instead of a swivel- much better

[WRB]

Why use FC for a leader, poor knot strength and abrasion resistance. I would think 3' of 15 or 17 lb Big Game mono would be about right for your spinning tackle leader when flipping cover from shore.

Tom

[Big Easy Bassin']

That's a good idea DVT. I've always got one with me and I never thought to use it for that. And Tom, I don't use mono for anything. Don't even have any at home much less carry it with me. I like the sensitivity of flouro. Plus I grew up fishing for speckled trout in South Louisiana, mostly under a clip on weighted popping cork, and a 4-5' leader of 10-12# flouro is all I've ever used. Just slide the cork up and down to adjust depth of the lure. Guess it's a comfort thing more than anything

[Big Easy Bassin']

Riverbasser, I don't use a swivel. I use the FG knot. And the water is not clear at all. Stained at best. Dirty most of the time lol. I just felt that the braid by itself was really slow sinking with only a 1/4oz jig. Thought maybe a leader would help

[riverbasser]

Understood, and it might but when I want a faster fall I just use heavier jig, I read your other post as well and just wanted to add that I throw 1/2 ounce jigs to the bank regularly and bass swallow them the same as a 1/4. Good luck

[d-camarena]

I also flip with spinning gear. My set up is a big bear 7'3 heavy action rod, with stradic fk 4000. 40lb maxcuatro braid to a 16lb sniper leader. I have to say i have never lost a fish due to line breakage or terminal failure. The ones i remember loosing were all my fault. I use a uni to uni to tie the lines together

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

There's some sink rate difference between straight Fluoro and straight braid but a leader won't do anything for you in that regard.