Leaders and Baits

[InfantryMP]

Hey everyone!

 

I have bass fished for 20 years consistently unless deployed. I just started thinking about using leaders with my braid. I taught myself the double uni knot, and I believe I got it down. 

 

My question is, when do I use it? I think I understand if I am throwing a flipping bait that is rather heavy 3/4 + I can use a fluoro leader with the braid. When else is it appropriate or an asset if you will to use it?

 

I am sure this has been covered, but philosophy changes over time, so I would like to get some updated perspectives!

 

Thanks

 

 

[roadwarrior]

I recommend fluorocarbon leader for braided line ALL THE TIME.

The advantages are stealth, abrasion resistance and the ability to

break-off when you need to. My recommendation is Seaguar Gold

Label.  The length is 6" beyond the tip of the rod to about 6" outside

the reel.

 

Generally, I use #6 for spinning tackle, #12 or #15 for baitcasting.

 

My connecting knot is the Alberto.

[rtwvumtneer6]

On 2/5/2021 at 1:22 PM, roadwarrior said:

My connecting knot is the Alberto.

I second that, but the best connection for you is the knot that you tie the best.  The strongest knot in the world is no good if you can't tie it correctly.  

 

The leader serves a few purposes:

-Less visibility

-Abrasion resistance

-Stretch/shock absorber (mono can also be used)

 

I'll use a leader on/in:

-Spinning tackle (15-20# braid to 8# leader is my usual starting point)

-Clear water

-Moving/treble hook baits

 

If I'm topwater frog fishing, or pitching into heavy vegetation I will go with straight braid.  It'll help to cut through the grass, and line strength is priority.

 

Some guys won't use a leader as it adds an extra knot, and another possible point of failure.  In that case I would suggest a rod with a more parabolic bend, or backing your drag off a bit.  My opinion, something in the set up has got to give.

 

 

 

[InfantryMP]

Thanks guys! I checked out the Alberto, and practiced it a few times. I think that will be my knot as well, as I can do it quicker, and what I believe to look better than the double Uni knot. 

 

I will use the leader for my spinning setups; ned, shaky head, drop shot. 

 

I only use braid on my casting reels for top water, and punching so I guess I do not need any leaders there. 

 

Thanks again!

[J Francho]

Uni to Uni knot works, until it doesn't.  Mine just randomly failed.  That went away when I learned the Crazy Alberto variation on the Albright knot.  

 

[Dens228]

I use short leaders for my treble hook baits, about three feet.  The leader is less limp than braid so tends to foul the hooks less. 

 

I've went with and without leaders on single hook apps and really didn't notice a difference on bite rates.  This year I'm trying a higher vis braid for my jig and t-rig reels and am using a mono leader just to error on the side of caution with the bass see line and shy away theory which I've never really bought into but what the heck, have the fun is trying new stuff. 

[InfantryMP]

2 minutes ago, Dens228 said:

I use short leaders for my treble hook baits, about three feet.  The leader is less limp than braid so tends to foul the hooks less. 

 

I've went with and without leaders on single hook apps and really didn't notice a difference on bite rates.  This year I'm trying a higher vis braid for my jig and t-rig reels and am using a mono leader just to error on the side of caution with the bass see line and shy away theory which I've never really bought into but what the heck, have the fun is trying new stuff. 

 

I just throw straight fluoro with my cranks and traps etc. I used to use straight braid for everything especially in SE Georgia. Some places there you only catch 5lb+. But now that I am in Indiana, I had to change some stuff up.

 

It is crazy how your whole outlook and philosophy on bass fishing can change depending on region / location. It can also be very expensive too lol. 

5 minutes ago, J Francho said:

Uni to Uni knot works, until it doesn't.  Mine just randomly failed.  That went away when I learned the Crazy Alberto variation on the Albright knot.  

 

 

Thank you, this is basically what I was looking at. I tied it 5 times, and 5 times it came out great!