What to use for leader.

[Big Moe]

I'm a rookie at Bass fishing and I normally use straight up Braid, since braid floats and is very visible I would like to use a   fluorocarbon leader. Is it ok to use regular fluoro line for a leader or do I have to get the kind that says "leader" and what is the  right lb test fluoro leader for a 30lb braid?  

[jr231]

Depends on what you're using as a lure ? 

 

Seagaur red label can be purchased at Walmart and works great for a leader material. 

 

I use 8lb for weightless plastics. And have bent out a 3/0 EWG gamakatsu with it being used as a leader and have caught many fish with it so I know this product is more than good enough. 

 

Sunline sniper if you feel like being fancy. 

[CroakHunter]

P-line cxx. Super cheap. But is almost double it's breaking strength per lb test. All I use.  

[Big Moe]

I like using Super Flukes, are they ok for a fluoro leader? Currently with 30lb braid 

[Further North]

I prefer "real" leader material because it is tougher than "regular" fluorocarbon line.

 

Cost isn't much of a reason to not use the leader material, one spool will likely last years.

[roadwarrior]

For the most part I use what is left as a remnant on a spool of fluorocarbon line. #6 or #8 is probably all you need, 

but you can go heavier if you like. If you decide to buy a dedicated spool, Seaguar Red Label is fine for leader line.

 

[Bluebasser86]

I run straight braid with weightless soft jerkbaits, but if I was using a leader, it would be Seaguar Fluoro or Pline C21. 

[Darren.]

Welcome aboard, @Big Moe!

 

I go between fluorocarbon leader and copoly leader

like Yo Zuri Hybrid. Both work great for everything

I throw - which is mainly soft plastics, jigs, etc.

 

@roadwarrior is right with 6-8# test. I also use 10 

and 15 for some presentations, but I find myself

mostly using 6 and 8. Plenty strong, just make sure

you set your drag properly (not too tight or locked down)

otherwise you may end up with a snapped leader on a

nice fish. I speak from experience 

[Attila]

So I just setup an all purpose 7' Medium Fast action spinning rod with a 2500 sized spinning reel and spooled it with 20lbs braid with an 8lbs fluorocarbon leader of Seaguar InvizX of about 6ft in length. I'll be throwing everything from topwaters to jerkbaits to crankbaits and some finesse baits including weightless 4-5" Senko's on 2/0 worm hooks. I'm confident that the setup will hold up when I sting big, 5 pound bass under docks or around shallow water cover like trees.

 

Cheers.

[Delaware Valley Tackle]

Braid doesn't actually float its neutral buoyancy. For the most part I don't find bass to be line shy. Leader material choice depends on your reason for a leader at all. Heavy leader material works well if zebra mussels Or toothy critters are likely to be encountered. Outside of that spool scraps like RW suggested should be fine. 

[NHBull]

I have used blue label for yrs, and remnants of FC spools

[frosty]

17 hours ago, CroakHunter said:

P-line cxx. Super cheap. But is almost double it's breaking strength per lb test. All I use.  

This. the stuff is great. 

[MassYak85]

It depends why you are tying a leader, if it's visibility, or the need to break off, or for finesse, then you will be fine with regular fluorocarbon line. If it's for abrasion resistance you are better off with the "real" fluorocarbon leader material. It is much much stiffer (seriously, if you ever spooled up with that....good luck) and will do a better job. But if all you have is normal fluoro line it will be better than 30lb braid for abrasion most likely.