Should I use a leader when fishing topwater w/ braid?

[GonzoFishing]

Should I use a floro leader when fishing topwater baits on braided line? I use 20-30lb powerpro and was wondering if I needed to use a leader when fishing a topwater frog or if I could just tie my braid directly to the lure since it floats. I appreciate your input! Thanks

[roadwarrior]

You might want to use a leader for finesse presentations, some guys (like me) think line visibility is an issue. However, with "moving lures" and especially frogs over or through vegatation, visibility is not a concern.

8-)

[Sam]

Some guys do, but I don't.

I tie the braid right to the frog or rat's eye.

I also use a drop of glue if I think the Palamor Knot will slip.

Why create another "weak" spot in your line by tieing another knot?

If you want, you can use a high test (17+) mono when fishing topwater.  The higher the test the more the line will float.

But beware of having the line pull the tip of your frog or rat down.  If this happens, stick a suspend dot on the frog or rat's behind to make the head stay facing upward.

[GonzoFishing]

Some guys do, but I don't.

I tie the braid right to the frog or rat's eye.

I also use a drop of glue if I think the Palamor Knot will slip.

Why create another "weak" spot in your line by tieing another knot?

If you want, you can use a high test (17+) mono when fishing topwater. The higher the test the more the line will float.

But beware of having the line pull the tip of your frog or rat down. If this happens, stick a suspend dot on the frog or rat's behind to make the head stay facing upward.

Thanks for the info fellas! Got a couple other questions regarding this.

Do you think the fish can see the braided line floating in front of the frog? And does floro line float?? Thanks

[Stringjam]

Fluorocarbon sinks.  

Tying straight to the frog will work just fine.  

[SimonDM17]

For a frog, I run straight braid.  Heavy cover, no stretch hooksets...I don't want any weakness.

For treble hook topwaters, especially walk-the-dog baits, I tie a mono leader on to the braid because the memory in the mono line keeps it from tangling up on the hooks as much as braid will.  

[Wayne P.]

Think of it this way, most floating frogs have strands of solid material to similate the legs. Do you think adding one more solid strand of material will be a deterrant to the bass?

[GonzoFishing]

Cool, thanks for all the input.

[GitRDoneIke23]

I always use a 12# P-Line Flouro leader with topwaters for my braid. If it's open water like a Skitter Walk or a Super Spook etc. For frogs. Straight braid. Because I'm fishing around cover and I don't want any weakness at all.

-Ike