Braid without leader

[*Hootie]

I was just wondering, do any of you guys or gals use braid without a leader. Is a leader absolutely necessary or does it really matter.

Thanks for your reply.

[Sam]

Depends.

If you are Carolina fishing or finesse fishng you may want to add the leader so the fish will not sense or see the braid tied to your bait.

For frogs, rats and buzzbaits, I tie the braid to the topwater bait.

I usually use a leader if the bait is going underwater and not worry about using a leader for frogs, rats or buzzbaits.

But that is just me. I am sure others will give you their take on using braid and a leader. 

[Grey Wolf]

If you fish gin clear water or rocky areas , you may need a leader.

[SirSnookalot]

I always use a leader but I don't think you need one under any circumstance.  If I was worried about a fish seeing my line I would be just as concerned over  bass seeing exposed hooks on a lure.  The hook on a lure doesn't look natural and the fish seem to pay no attention.

[*Hootie]

The water I fish has a visibility of about 1 foot most

of the time. Never more than 18".

[OHIO]

You don't need a leader. I never use one and I still catch fish.

[Pa Angler]

I never ever use a leader on braid I was using green braid on Lake Ontario - St Lawrence River at Cape Vincent, NY and the Smallies or Largemouths didn't seem to care on a calm day you can see 30' to the bottom so much for fish caring about seeing a line they see the hooks and don't care so what matters heck fish would even hit a Helicopter lure that looks real....NOT!!!

Tight Lines

Pa Angler

[WanderLust]

I was just wondering, do any of you guys or gals use braid without a leader. Is a leader absolutely necessary or does it really matter.

Thanks for your reply.

Depends...

When fishing is hot I usally fish without one. But as things slow down or get more tricky I tend to use one.

100% of jigging, froggin, spinnerbaits are thrown with no leader.

99% of my softer plastics are thrown without a leader.

Jerkbaits, slower presentations and high pressure normally will use a fluro leader or straight up fluro on the reel. 

[plymouthrockbass]

ive used only braid for the past 4 years now and ive never used a leader. Ive been thinking about using a leader this summer in some of the more high pressured waters in my area. IMO it probably doesnt make any difference using a leader for bass fishing. Bass react to strikes and are digressive and predators, this basically means they'll strike at just about anything no matter what it looks like if it gets their attention or rubs them the wrong way.

[s13john]

leader if you feel like you need it, around rocks for mee.

[Catt]

The only time I use braid is when fishing matted vegetation or around Buck Brush; in both types of cover a bass can not distingue what is braided line and what is part of the cover.

So my answer is; I don't use a leader

[Alpster]

I only use leaders on a fly rod, and only because it makes a fly or bug behave. I am a non-believer that bass are line shy. I have caught too many fish with braid to think they care. Some braided lines come in bright red and yellow colors. Someone is catching fish with those also. JMHO

Ronnie

[SimonSays]

Use whatever gives you confidence. 

[Aluma-Bass]

i also use straight braid...no leader. 

[BrASSmonkey]

I use a leader primarily because most of the waters I fish have pike in them, and I am afraid of getting bit off without a leader.

[MNGeorge]

I use a leader with braid, but only because I want something between me and the bait that will break if I need it to.  30# braid is tough to break, but a 12# leader can be broken fairly easily and that way I never lose more line than the length of my leader.

[baluga]

Two scenarios where leader is a must with braid:

1. When working the topwater lure for walk the dog, to  minimizes line tangle.

2. When working on rocky structure spots. Braids snaps easily when rubbed against sharp edge rocks.

[dodgeguy]

never use a leader.never have a problem with fireline braid in rocks.the newer braids are better in rocks.you should also be fishing at least 50 lb test in rocks and check line regularly.

[baluga]

never use a leader.never have a problem with fireline braid in rocks.the newer braids are better in rocks.you should also be fishing at least 50 lb test in rocks and check line regularly.

I guess you have not seen this test on braid and  mono against the rocks.

[dodgeguy]

the only time i have an issue is if it hits a razor sharp edge it will cut it.in practicle use i really don't have that issue very much.yes,i agree flouro and mono are better in rocks.i fish cranks on braid all day in rocks and sometimes never retie.as one of the commenys states he is also not using braid of the same diameter as mono.this is why i say you have to use at least 50 lb test.

[OkobojiEagle]

never use a leader.never have a problem with fireline braid in rocks.the newer braids are better in rocks.you should also be fishing at least 50 lb test in rocks and check line regularly.

I guess you have not seen this test on braid and mono against the rocks.

A bit of difference between the 1/4 oz lead jighead I fish and the 5lb - 10lbs of force he was exerting to cut those lines.  Also I don't have to fish in granite beds, so situations differ.  When I get my bait caught in the rocks I usually have to break my line as it doesn't want to cut... and I use line in the 8lb to 20lb test range.

steve