Braid with floro leader or straight floro?

[Greyson]

Hello, I just got the Daiwa Zillion SV TW 2021 and was wondering what I should spool it with. I have been doing braid with a floro leader for a while now and like it a lot, but don’t know if I would switch to all floro. I am putting the reel on a Shimano Expride MedHvy Fast 7’2”.  I mostly fish for  smallmouth in shallow rocky rivers (Shenandoah). What would the best option for me be and what pound line should I use?

[jbsoonerfan]

I don't like a leader. If I am fishing an area like yours (rocky) I will just fish straight fluoro. No idea what baits you plan to throw, but anything from 12-15 lb seems about right. 

[Bluebasser86]

I don't like braid with leaders at all on casting gear. If you're fishing bottom contact baits in rocky areas, straight flouro would be my choice. 

[Cigarguy]

If you do braid with flouro leader and you happen to hate it you can always cut the leader off and tie directly to the braid.  If condition changes and you want a leader again.....tie one on.

 

I tried straight flouro once and did not like it at all.  Biggest problem is probably operator error and my preferences in the condition and type of fish I like to catch.  No biggie, I took it off and have been using the flouro as leader on my braid flouro leader.  I like this for 80% of my fishing.  The other 20% is straight mono.

 

As with any internet opinions take it with a grain of salt.  Only way to know if you'll like straight flour......is to try it.  Reading that someone else loves straight flouro will do nothing for you.  Try different techniques with your own gear, in the condition that you fish in, on the water and fish you like to catch, base on your own experiences, means and abilities.  Above all have fun trying and experimenting.

[ATA]

It depends on your other set ups and also what you going to use it for, I have MH spooled with straight 12lb tatsu, I use for crankbait and jerkbait and I have another MH I have 40lb test Maxquatro and leader 16lb test that I use for Trig and etc...

 

[OldManLure]

If you like braid with a flouro leader, and it works for you, and Dawai doesn’t discourage it, why change?

[Big Rick]

I use braid to leader often. I don't fish a rocky river, so no input there. However, if you DO decide to try braid to leader on any Daiwa TW reel take the T-wing line guide width into consideration. I have a dozen T-wing reels of varying models and like them all. Just understand the T-wing groove is very narrow so your braid to leader knot has to be slim. I use 30# Power Pro to 25# Shock Leader with an FG knot with no issues. I do seal the knot with Knot Sense UV glue by Loom. It makes the knot smooth as butter since this glue doesn't harden to the stiffness of super glue. Hope this helps. YMMV. 

[cyclops2]

Just use a length of Floro that DOES NOT go into the top guide hole when you are ready to cast. Most of us have 6 1/2 to 7 1/2 foot rods. That length of Floro will relax the eyeballs of the fish  enough.    

[softwateronly]

12 hours ago, Big Rick said:

I use braid to leader often. I don't fish a rocky river, so no input there. However, if you DO decide to try braid to leader on any Daiwa TW reel take the T-wing line guide width into consideration. I have a dozen T-wing reels of varying models and like them all. Just understand the T-wing groove is very narrow so your braid to leader knot has to be slim. I use 30# Power Pro to 25# Shock Leader with an FG knot with no issues. I do seal the knot with Knot Sense UV glue by Loom. It makes the knot smooth as butter since this glue doesn't harden to the stiffness of super glue. Hope this helps. YMMV. 

 

I appreciate the info on the line combo you're using.  Are you using sunline FC100 shock leader?  I basically lean toward Shimano because of the tws.  Currently, I have a tat200 w/65lb braid, and fish it straight most of the time.  If I want a leader, the 65lb does not work with the t-wing system and just keep the fg out of the reel.  I had mixed success w/ original power pro in 40lb and sunline FC100 in 20lb.  I had hiccups every now and then and didn't feel confident.  Now the tat300, in my experience, any fg knot will pass through that t wing and it is by far my favorite big bait reel. 

 

scott

[newapti5]

Similar fishing scenario here, and I use both. I use braid+leader when I want to maximize sensitivity, like in the winter days when the bites are very gentle; fluoro when I want stretchability, like most moving baits and other lures with light wire hooks. 

[Lead Head]

Dedicated cranking rod = straight FC (14lb sniper) 

Multi purpose moving baits rods = 30lb suffix 832

   6' mono leader for most topwater 

   6' FC leader for spinnerbaits, cranks, ect... (14 or 16lb sniper)

Jig rods = 40lb suffix 832 with a 6' FC leader (25lb sniper) 

T-rig rod = 30lb suffix 832 with a 6' FC leader (16lb sniper) 

Frog rod = straight 50lb 832

 

I was straight braid for years, but sharp rocks forced me to start using FC leaders. Success led to confidence in leaders and I started using them anytime I feel they give me an advantage (most of my waters are dirty, the advantages I get from leaders rarely involve visibility). 

 

This system has also been very budget friendly for me, I buy 14lb FC 1, sometimes 2 times a year. I buy 16-25lb FC every 2 years, and braid about every 3 years. 

[Big Rick]

11 hours ago, softwateronly said:

Are you using sunline FC100 shock leader? 

I am. I've had great success using it for jigs, Jackhammers, and most soft plastic applications. 

[cyclops2]

Since I have fly fished for trout many decades. I am used to tapered leaders with 4 pound rated tips to the lure / bait. So I STILL will put on a 6' fly leader with a 4# tip in shallow clear springtime water. That does increase the number of hooked fish. Cold wet overcast just before or after lunch allows a quicker C & R time.

Seaweeds & Plankton hazes ? No leader is needed on 60# braid anywhere. Clouded water.

[the reel ess]

I dislike fluoro and don't really need it. It's braid to mono or straight braid for me.

[softwateronly]

11 hours ago, Big Rick said:

I am. I've had great success using it for jigs, Jackhammers, and most soft plastic applications. 

Me too, really like it.  Thanks

 

scott