Leader question

[WRB]

I will garantee that FC line the same diameter as mono will have weaker knot strength. Using braid with leader requires 2 knots that can and will fail at critical times.

I use straight FC but not for the low refraction qualities, I prefer the low coeffient of drag  that increases bottom contact lure feedback. Using FC line to me is like holding a rattle snake never knowing when it will bite me.

I use 5 lb Max UG Copoly line for all my finesse presentations with a few exceptions presentations when I use 7 lb FC for nail weight (Neko) worms and verticle drop shot, both without braid.

Average bass is over 3 lbs, with a few DD each year. Big bass on light line everything must be right. My 5 PB were caught using straight 10 lb and 12 lb mono on jigs casting over 100'. Mono line stretch is another myth permanently etched into bass anglers.

You believe what you believe.

Tom

[Jermination]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

I will garantee that FC line the same diameter as mono will have weaker knot strength. Using braid with leader requires 2 knots that can and will fail at critical times.

I use straight FC but not for the low refraction qualities, I prefer the low coeffient of drag  that increases bottom contact lure feedback. Using FC line to me is like holding a rattle snake never knowing when it will bite me.

I use 5 lb Max UG Copoly line for all my finesse presentations with a few exceptions presentations when I use 7 lb FC for nail weight (Neko) worms and verticle drop shot, both without braid.

Average bass is over 3 lbs, with a few DD each year. Big bass on light line everything must be right. My 5 PB were caught using straight 10 lb and 12 lb mono on jigs casting over 100'. Mono line stretch is another myth permanently etched into bass anglers.

You believe what you believe.

Tom

I feel like we are having two different conversations here. I was referring tying braid to a fluorocarbon leader vs straight braid to the lure. I never tie mono as a leader, however I do have it stringed up on a couple spinning reels to throw Shad raps and such. My point was do not tie straight braid to your lure if visibility is >2ft. I absolutely agree to tie mono straight to your lure leaderless 

[WRB]

I can't see why anyone would use FC as a leader due to it's poor knot strength when mono has superior knot strength.

No reason not to use straight braid in heavy cover with visiblity over 2'. The vast majority of heavy cover provides good water clarity under it.

Tom

[Jermination]

1 hour ago, WRB said:

I can't see why anyone would use FC as a leader due to it's poor knot strength when mono has superior knot strength.

No reason not to use straight braid in heavy cover with visiblity over 2'. The vast majority of heavy cover provides good water clarity under it.

Tom

Because the fish here are heavily pressured. FC is less visible in clear water situations. FC is more sensitive and abrasive resistant. Braid is easier to manage on a spinning reel. I feel like fluorocarbon is less visible, more sensitive, and more durable which is what I am looking for while finesse fishing. The only time I use straight braid are in situations like the picture below. I would gladly partake in a finesse numbers game on a clear lake with one person using direct braid while the other using a fc leader. The person with the leader will outfish the direct line tie 4:1 EASILY

[Mr.C in Texas]

FC leader is typically larger in diameter, stiffer and more abrasion resistant.  I use braid on all my spinning/casting/surf setups and change the FC or mono leader based in the situation.  I have not had an issue with my connection knot being the failure spot (FG or Albright).  Due to lack of abrasion resistance, there is no way I would fish straight braid over oysters/shells/rocks.  Muddy water with a soft bottom and sticks I fish braid only.  There is good data showing FC main line and mono almost have the same amount of stretch.  It depends on the brand and line diameter.  There is also some compelling info showing FC may not be more abrasion resistant.  

[BiteArray]

I typically buy smaller spools of fluorocarbon for leaders.