Braid w/Fluorocarbon Leader vs Straight Fluorocarbon

[Kurlee]

Has anyone noticed a decrease in the number of strikes when using braid with a fluorocarbon leader as opposed to using all fluorocarbon?

I've been thinking of switching over to the braid-fluoro setup for increased sensitivity.

Keven

[Wayne P.]

I haven't noticed a decrease in strikes when using just braid as opposed to just fluorocarbon. Adding a leader of fluorocarbon on braid has no affect on the number of strike either other than getting the lure deeper faster since the braid floats and I use a fluorocarbon leader with some presentations to make the braid sink .

[Kurlee]

So Wayne your saying that, from your experience, the only benefit of fluorocarbon over braid is the fact that it sinks?

Thanks for your response.

Keven

[senko_77]

It won't decrease the number of strikes. It will catch you more fish because you can feel more bites with braid.  It will also allow you to throw lighter baits farther. The only reason I use a fluoro leader is to reduce it's visibility. Make sure you check the knot that connects the braid to the fluoro frequently.

[Kurlee]

Do you always use a fluoro leader or just when in exceptionally clear water?

I use all fluoro now but would like to try braid.  The lake I fish is fairly clear and so I was wondering about the visibility of the line.

Thanks,

Keven

[senko_77]

I always use a leader.  I'm talking about spinning reels here.  If I'm fishing braid on a baitcaster, I don't use one, but with spinning, I use a leader regardless of water color.

[ww2farmer]

Maybe I am the odd man out here, but I really don't see the need or reason behind using fluorocarbon leaders anymore now that fluorocarbon line has been made more managable and is perfectly suitable for main line use. It's just one more knot to worry about. When I want to use braid, I use braid. When I want to use fluorocarbon, I use fluorocarbon.

[senko_77]

Maybe I am the odd man out here, but I really don't see the need or reason behind using fluorocarbon leaders anymore now that fluorocarbon line has been made more managable and is perfectly suitable for main line use. It's just one more knot to worry about. When I want to use braid, I use braid. When I want to use fluorocarbon, I use fluorocarbon.

Putting the 2 together gives you the advantages of both.  Yes there are more knots, but if you tie if properly then you have nothing to worry about.  

The braid allows you to have super sensitivity and allows you to cast small baits far even in wind.  The leader allows you to get those same advantages but makes it undetectable to the fish and gives the bait a more natural action.  

[jack1]

This is what I do in my situation. I fish a lot of rocks and weeds. I have all braided line on all my reels with fluoro leaders. I do not have the luxury of having multiple setups specifically for lines so when I need to fish the thick weeds I leave the fluoro leader off. When I do fish areas with rocks, sparse cover, open water, or clear water the leader goes on. Get the best of both worlds.

The only thing that bugs me about using a leader is when the jointed knot goes through the last guide on the tip of the rod and makes that little tick on the way out.

[Wayne P.]

Kurlee, for my fishing needs, yes. When I don't need the extra strength of a braid and want a fast fall rate, I will use just fluorocarbon (fishing Super Flukes deep is one). For spinning gear, no other line type beats braid for trouble free fishing. I fish weightless finesse presentations in heavy cover a lot and braid fits that application, but the braid's floatation limits the proper depth control by itself. A leader of about 4' of 20# is my weight to get that depth control. Water color has no affect on my choice of lines. The presentaton along with the amount of cover and potential catch size determines the line I use.

ww2farmer, I've never experienced any fluorocarbon line that I would classify as manageable, tolerable would be a more appropriate description.

[Wayne P.]

Kurlee, PM sent

[The_Natural]

I hated braid and swore it off, but was willing to deal with the sewing thread if it meant more sensitivity and I could keep it hidden with a fluoro leader. However; I always felt the knot when it hit the first or second guide, and it bugged me big time.  If you can deal with braid and the knot that attaches the leader; it is an advantage. I tried, and the knot was too much.

[Kurlee]

Thanks for everyone's response, been very helpful.

Keven

[eyedabassman]

I too use Braid with a Fluo.leader. If you think you are getting less strikes because of thr Braid maybe your leader was too short!  With Braid the feel is so much better!

[The Next KVD]

I like the concept and idea, and I've tried it.  I like it but I can't stand the knot going through my rod guides.  Not only is the sound annoying but I feel like I'm going to break or nick the guide ceramic, alconite, ect.

[senko_77]

I've noticed alot of people are saying they don't like the noise of the knot going through the guides.  A few ways to kill that noise a bit is to trim to tag ends right to the knot, then put a dab of superglue or mend-it   and roll it in your fingers.  That makes the knot spread out a little and get thinner.  Plus, the glue will make the knot a bit stronger.

[jimmieO]

1. When using a leader, is no one using a swivel? Why not?

2. If you're going to use a flouro leader, why not just use flouro period?

Thanks guys-

[SimonSays]

Another good thing about using a fluoro leader is that you don't have to worry about rocks or other debris cutting your line as much.  Also Braid can be kept on a spool for years, adding a leader can extend that time.  I've had braid on my spinning reel for almost 2 years now, other have kept some spooled up longer.

For the swivels, I've found that they really kill the sensitivity and fluoro can get really unmanageable depending on the brand, 100% pro is ok but tends to jump off the spool much more than mono.

I prefer the Alberto knot for leader lines!

[lubina]

If I'm using a jig or any soft plastic my line is Sufix Braid and BPS XPS fluoro leader.

[jimmieO]

Anyone have any problems using a surgeon's knot for this??? Seems simple and pretty tough......???.....???? :-/

[South FLA]

Anyone have any problems using a surgeon's knot for this??? Seems simple and pretty tough......???.....???? :-/

Uni to Uni is what I use and its easy.  

[Redhed]

I only use the braid / fluoro combo on carolina rigged rods... sometimes in more murky water ill use a thick mono as a leader to help float the bait off the bottom a tad. i think this works well imo