Should I be using fluorocarbon leaders for anything other than a Carolina rig?

[SuperVehicle001]

So I have already tried a c-rig with using my 12lb fluorocarbon as a leader. I use a barrel swivel so it is pretty easy to attach a lead. Should I look into using a fluorocarbon leader for other bait presentations?

 

I have 30lb test PowerPro (green) on my bait caster. My next trip I'm planning on trying out a swimming Senko on a shank weighted swimbait hook. It is tied directly to the 30lb braid. If so how would I use a leader? Should I splice the line? Will fluorocarbon splice to braid? Use snaps or swivels for it? I hear people talk all the time about using leaders but not much talk about how they actually implement a leader.

[swandog]

There are a lot of good instructional videos on YouTube that will show you how to make a solid connection knot (Alberto, FG, double Uni). Just takes some practice.

 

I use an alberto knot will a dab of loctite. I tend to use around a 5-7 foot length of flouro or mono and for 30# braid a would go with a 12-15# leader. 

[buzzed bait]

look at videos on how to tie a uni to uni knot.  that's the one i use to connect braid to fluoro or mono

[jr231]

I'm not sure what this knot is called. But after you snug that knot you tie a standard clinch knot with the fluorocarbon and it's done. Simplest way I've found to do it and you start the braid just like the Palomar so it's really easy to remember. It is very strong, I bent a 3/0 gamakatsu ewg out with 10lb fluoro and I've been using it ever since. I like using a leader for my weightless plastics. 

 

[Steveo-1969]

The only presentation people seem to agree on that SHOULDN'T use a fluorocarbon leader is top water. Other than that you can use FC on any presentation you want (or tie your bait direct to braid - your choice). Some use a FC leader because it's more abrasion resistant than braid or it's easier to break off when snagged or maybe it's less visible to the fish in clear water.

 

And as was said above there are lots of good mainline-to-leader knots to choose from. Some are easy, some are complicated, some are smaller than others. But they all work well when tied correctly. Pick one and learn to tie it correctly every time and you will be all set. I learned the uni-to-uni and that's what I use.

[BobP]

Actually, I prefer using regular mono vs fluoro for C-rig leader.  Mono will tend to float your bait up a little when you pull the rig.  fluoro being heavier than water will tend to keep the bait on the bottom.  I think I get more bites with mono.

 

The modified Albright knot is easy to tie and has a small diameter and lasts well to connect fluoro leader to a braid mainline.

[bholtzinger14]

 

[OkobojiEagle]

9 hours ago, Steveo-1969 said:

The only presentation people seem to agree on that SHOULDN'T use a fluorocarbon leader is top water.

 

Well, maybe most but not all.  A 10lb fluoro leader is tied to my topwater rod...

 

oe

[Lil fat guy]

On July 25, 2017 at 3:28 PM, Yeajray231 said:

I'm not sure what this knot is called. But after you snug that knot you tie a standard clinch knot with the fluorocarbon and it's done. Simplest way I've found to do it and you start the braid just like the Palomar so it's really easy to remember. It is very strong, I bent a 3/0 gamakatsu ewg out with 10lb fluoro and I've been using it ever since. I like using a leader for my weightless plastics. 

 

 

I believe that is a Yucatan Knot.

[Steveo-1969]

9 hours ago, OkobojiEagle said:

 

Well, maybe most but not all.  A 10lb fluoro leader is tied to my topwater rod...

 

oe

 

You are a rebel!!!!

[OkobojiEagle]

1 minute ago, Steveo-1969 said:

 

You are a rebel!!!!

 

I don't consider myself a rebel... or even a good fisherman.  When I'm actively retrieving a topwater bait with the line on the surface I don't find a significant difference between a monofilament fluorocarbon line and a monofilament nylon line.  I do prefer the monofilament fluoro for it's slightly stiffer property which lessens bait walk-over and seems to aid my hook sets.  I carry pony spools of 6lb and 10lb fluoro.  The 10lb is on my topwater/hard jerkbait rod and 6lb is used when I'm fishing light hair jigs.  I can't think of other situations where I use either a fluoro or nylon monofilament leader.

 

 

oe

[BigGame0892]

57 minutes ago, OkobojiEagle said:

 

I don't consider myself a rebel... or even a good fisherman.  When I'm actively retrieving a topwater bait with the line on the surface I don't find a significant difference between a monofilament fluorocarbon line and a monofilament nylon line.  I do prefer the monofilament fluoro for it's slightly stiffer property which lessens bait walk-over and seems to aid my hook sets.  I carry pony spools of 6lb and 10lb fluoro.  The 10lb is on my topwater/hard jerkbait rod and 6lb is used when I'm fishing light hair jigs.  I can't think of other situations where I use either a fluoro or nylon monofilament leader.

 

 

oe

OkobojiEagle - Lake Okoboji in Iowa?  Miss that lake - folks had a place there when I was growing up.  They still grow the smallmouth big there?

 

On the topic - I use monofilament for almost every topwater application.  Still experimenting with the fluorocarbon leader to braid combination for finesse.  Its kind of a love hate relationship, but it can definitely work.

[OkobojiEagle]

11 minutes ago, BigGame0892 said:

OkobojiEagle - Lake Okoboji in Iowa?  Miss that lake - folks had a place there when I was growing up.  They still grow the smallmouth big there?

 

 

Still a beautiful place to call home!  I have a wonderful wife... but smallmouth fishing is my mistress!  Hope you can find your way back up here some day!

 

 

oe