Searching for a new fluoro leader line

[SWVA]

I’m probably way behind on what’s new/good/popular, but I’ve been using PowerPro main line and Maxima Ultragreen leader forever now and haven’t found a reason to switch.

[islandbass]

5 hours ago, Darnold335 said:

I set my drags so that if I set the hook into a rock it slips. I also used 10lb sniper as a leader and it snapped wayyyyyyyy easier then the vanish. It was 7lbs lighter though.  

Wow, I find that surprising given how many posts I’ve read about how good sniper is.

That suggests to me that when we buy line we risk buying a bad batch. ?

[GetFishorDieTryin]

I used to use Blue label for everything, but TBH its not necessary the vast majority of the time.  The only time I use it anymore in FW is to get a bait down in the water column on lightest weight possible or if Im using really light/small baits.  I get by with Red Label or InvizX fine, and I think I actually prefer the Red Label.  You just have to be mindful tying knots and check the line for abrasion after every fish.  

[Susky River Rat]

12 hours ago, islandbass said:

Wow, I find that surprising given how many posts I’ve read about how good sniper is.

That suggests to me that when we buy line we risk buying a bad batch. ?

I don’t think it’s bad line. Just not right for my applications. As I stated before I wasn’t comparing the same test line either. Hook sets are free so I set my drag to slip. I also don’t snap hook set. I slam it home and load the whole rod to set the hook.

[Ski]

22 hours ago, A-Jay said:

My leaders are long 20-25 ft and I change them often.

May I ask why so long? Seems like anything under that is just reel filler.

 

[TnRiver46]

I don’t use leaders often………

 

but when I do, I use seaguar invisix or basix 

 

[A-Jay]

1 hour ago, Ski said:

May I ask why so long? Seems like anything under that is just reel filler.

 

Good Question.

I've played around with this one a lot.

Started back during my years of surf casting and carried on the present times. 

There's a few reasons.

One revolves around not having to retie as often as I change baits or cut back the leader.

The other two have to do with casting and the connection knot.

That longer leader length seems to allow the connection knot to pass smoothly through the guides on the cast. Where when I fish a much shorted one, seems I'm hearing & feeling the knot rattling through the guides the entire length of the blank. So I'm expecting the knot to experience less 'damage': if that's even a thing. But if you've ever made a cast & the connection knot failed, sending your $25 jerkbait into orbit, I think you can smell what I'm cooking.

Finally, and this is the main reason, when fighting a trophy fish close to the boat, there is inevitably going to be at least one or two last ditch effort runs that pull drag.  A longer leader puts that knot on the reel and I get to fight that toad totally on the FC or mono WITHOUT that knot

(which is often under a decent about of pressure at this point)

banging through the guides several times before the fish is in the net.

Longer Leaders Rule. 

But only on spinning gear.

Don't use them on casting gear. 

So there ya go.

A-Jay

[islandbass]

3 hours ago, Ski said:

May I ask why so long? Seems like anything under that is just reel filler.

 

So you don’t have to replace it so often when changing lures. If you have a 2’ leader and change the lure or have to retie, one, your leader is now shorter and you might have to make a new leader. If you you a 20’ leader, you can replace lures multiple times. This is my reasoning for using a much longer leader. It’s just a matter of practicality. 
 

I don’t use leader often, but when I do, I also make them long. I will admit there is one small downside. If the rod has tiny guides, the joining knot can get caught on a guide and affect the cast. Nothing is perfect, lol.