Mono or Fluoro leader

[Johnpenguin]

I use mainly braid for a main line and fluoro as a leader(FC Sniper). However, the YouTube channel bassresource is making me think I should use mono as a leader. I recently lost a fish at the boat and broke off on a hook set at the bank. I think my FC sniper is pretty good, but would using mono be better? If so, what type of mono?

[JediAmoeba]

Personally I think big game is a great line for the price.  

[Sphynx]

Depends on the application, I generally run braid with no leader, though when I respool my reel next I'm going to go back to using a leader as a way to preserve line, jigs, t-rigs, things that are generally not "reaction" bites that you want on bottom I'd say Fluoro, topwaters, crankbaits that you want running on the shallow end of the depth range etc go mono, mono does have the advantage of being super affordable, I personally use Berkeley Trilene, the Big Game stuff works well enough and you can get a pile of it for cheap.

[rtwvumtneer6]

First off, let me say that I have tried to get away from using mono, and failed miserably.  As much as I like braid and fluoro, mono certainly has it's place.

 

The extra stretch in the mono will help act as a shock absorber.  I'm guessing that's the argument if your concern is losing fish at the boat?  Depending on the technique a more moderate action rod can also help with those last minute surges.

 

Fluoro also stretches, but has lower visibility.  If your issue is breaking off, that will allow you go to a larger diameter line.  I had a similar problem, but the issue was my knot.  I wasn't trying the old one consistently, and it didn't like the shock I put on it during a hook set. Learning a new knot was a lot cheaper than replacing all my line.  

 

Lots of variables here.  Moving baits vs bottom contact vs topwater, the cover you're fishing, how line shy you think the fish are, budget, etc.  But, if it's something you want to experiment with mono is affordable and readily available.  I've spent a lot of time testing and fine turning, and I still make at least one major change every year.  Remember everyone has an opinion and there's more than one "right" answer ? 

 

[papajoe222]

I had problems with my fluoro leader breaking on the hookset, too. Once I switched knots and adjusted my hookset, I never looked back. 

Now I use a double SanDiego Jam knot, though I guess the double is a bit overboard. 

I’d always used a ‘cross their eyes’, or very hard hookset for single hook presentations, but it really isn’t necessary using braid. A good reel and sweep the rod style will get the job done without the shock to your leader. 

[NHBull]

I have gone to strait braid when possible.

I do use a lot of Sunline Shooter Defier Armilo Nylon for mainline and leader.  I am getting away from FC leader

[FLAGATOR49]

Mono will be better for a leader than FC sniper, they Use Ultragreen (Co-Polymer).

 

From my experiences with braid to leader you'll need a touch of drag, frequent re-tying, and to adjust your hookset. Straight braid in heavy vegetation still and use a heavier leader than you think you need. Check your leader for signs of wear, in specific when the line gets cloudy your line should be clear.      

[LionHeart]

I use braid to Big Game mono leader for everything cept' froggin'.  I got no complaints.   

[WRB]

They must be reading BR if they recommend Max UG.

I have only been using UG since the mid 80's.

Bass are not line wary fish. The line diameter or weight can affect a lures action and can affect bass.

Let me think, use FC as a leader....poor knot strength, don't think so!

Tom

[Yumeya]

Everyone of my rods has braid to flourocarbon leaders, I use Seaguar invisX the most using a FG knot..

 

Never have had a problem....knock on wood

[king fisher]

I used nothing but Ultra green for years.  Very popular line where I lived in the Northwest.  Then jumped on the braid and floro bandwagon, thinking why be cheap.  Braid is strong, doesn't stretch, and floro is invisible.  I will detect more strikes and get more bites.  Was sure I would never use mono again.  One day I was visiting family and decided I wanted to go fish the local river.  I found an old spinning rod in my Moms garage, so far so good just needed to get some line. I went to the local hardware store and all they had was mono.  I was bummed, I felt like I was having to go back to fishing in the stone age.  I spooled on the line and left for the river.  The water was clear and cool, the fish were biting light, but I caught lots of fish.  I didn't have to tie an FG knot, didn't think I was missing any strikes, and best of all caught lots of fish.  I would like to say a light came on, but when it comes to fishing I can be stubborn.  It took a few more times fishing with friends that didn't even know they invented braid, or floro.  They caught fish and had a great time fishing mono, just like we did when we were kids.  They only knew one knot, and wondered why I would ever take two minuets tying on a leader. ( longer because it is hard to tie any knot when your friends are yelling hook up and fish are splashing all around).  Of course I had to tell them they were hicks, with the wrong gear and didn't know anything about fishing line.  They just laughed and caught fish.  It took a few years, but now I am over it.  I use braid when I need more line capacity, and floro for live bait fishing, both situations do not apply to my bass fishing.  I know the pros use braid and floro, good for them, I'm fishing for fun and mono is good enough for me.    

[Vilas15]

I use Sufix Siege for a leader. I feel like it's pretty tough and dont need to worry about knot strength issues like fluoro. I'm happy with it and will stick with it. Just my experience.