Question about leader line for surf fishing

[Clumsy fisherman]

I am going to try surf fishing for the first time in late June at Folly Island. I have the rod and reel and 30lb braided line. My question is what lb leader line I should use? I will be casting chunk bait on a double hook mounted on wire. I know some people use heavier main line, but 30lb was recommended to me and I already have bought it. Really, if I hook anything that can break 30lb braid, I am not sure I want to catch it anyway as it would probably be a shark or a sting ray.

[A-Jay]

Like most any braid main line to leader application,

size, type & length of the leader is usually dependent on where and what we're fishing for.

For a big spinning reel off the beach with a mostly sand bottom,

a lighter leader of 25-30 lb can often work OK,

as long as you're not targeting giant fish or using 2 pounds of lead sinker. 

As for length, I prefer a longer one of at least twice (three times is better) than rod length. 

The first time the reel bail closes (prematurely) on the cast, you'll understand why.

Especially with lighter braid main line.

Good Luck.

A-Jay

 

 

[bulldog1935]

I fish 40-lb Seaguar Gold Label leader on meat rod, 

One reason to use heavier leader than braid is the shock of casting big weight (especially at the end of a 14' rod).  Another is constant abraision in the sand.  

I use 12' leader above, 6' leaders below.  I want my leader knot off the spool before I cast. 

30-lb Seaguar Gold on lure rod - shock and abrasion from fish is the consideration.  

19-lb VGK V12 on micro-jig rod - diameter is closer to 15-lb Gold Label

[casts_by_fly]

It sounds like you're just general surf fishing for the little beach stuff like whiting, small reds, and 'whatever comes along'.  I've done a bunch of that in the outer banks just up the coast where you'll be.  Depending on the surf and tides I was throwing 1-4 oz and a two hook rig on lighter surf gear (9-10' rod, 6000 size reel, rated for up to 4 oz).

 

I fished straight mono and it doesn't have to be heavy.  My lighter rod is 12# pline CXX which is actually pretty big diameter and tests out around 18# (and is a hard/slick mono).  My bigger rod has a similar diameter.  All of my bottom rigs are on 30 lb cheap mono.  If you're fishing 30 lb braid, something like 20-25# big game would be fine for what you're doing.  Abrasion is the biggest issue when you're only throwing a couple ounces and big game is good and hard/slick.

[Largemouthbasshunter]

Not sure where you fish or what you’re targeting but here in the northeast I run 30-40lb braid with leaders anywhere from 30-80lb for striped bass and bluefish. Depends on structure I’m fishing. Most leaders are around 3’ connected with a barrel swivel