Best all around leader length?
Bigbucks1985
Posted 3/4/2018 3:16 PM (#894980)
Subject: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 200


So I only have two setups and would like to use an all around leader on both if possible. I will be throwing crankbaits, bucktails and a few swimbaits. And occasionally a jerk/glide bait. Is there an all around length that would cover my needs well? I will be getting some stealth tackle pre made flouro leaders.
muskie! nut
Posted 3/4/2018 5:03 PM (#894990 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?





Posts: 2894


Location: Yahara River Chain
Single strand wire 10 inches
21 strand wire 12 inches
Fluorocarbon throw them out
DonPursch
Posted 3/4/2018 5:07 PM (#894991 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: RE: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 540


Location: Leech Lake, Walker MN
Single strand wire 11” no longer !
JakeStCroixSkis
Posted 3/4/2018 5:58 PM (#894996 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?





Posts: 1425


Location: St. Lawrence River
130lb fluoro 12-16"
Bigbucks1985
Posted 3/4/2018 6:04 PM (#894997 - in reply to #894996)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 200


I have some 18” stealth leaders, would those work ok? Or should I get some a little shorter?
fishhawk50
Posted 3/4/2018 6:11 PM (#894999 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 1416


Location: oconomowoc, wi
18" 130# flouro..
JakeStCroixSkis
Posted 3/4/2018 7:17 PM (#895007 - in reply to #894997)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?





Posts: 1425


Location: St. Lawrence River
Bigbucks1985 - 3/4/2018 7:04 PM

I have some 18” stealth leaders, would those work ok? Or should I get some a little shorter?


They will work just fine
Sidejack
Posted 3/4/2018 9:35 PM (#895018 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 1084


Location: Aurora
My opinion --> They'll werk good fer tails, swimbaits, and cranks but yewl need shorter fer jerks & gliders if you want um ta werk to the best of their ability.
Another one of my opinions --> Save yerself the heartbreak and use the flouro for hangin pictures.
tkuntz
Posted 3/5/2018 8:30 AM (#895035 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 815


Location: Waukee, IA
I don't like anything longer than 12" for casting. Up to 4' for trolling.
jvlast15
Posted 3/5/2018 8:33 AM (#895036 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 304


Have any of you actually ever had flourocarbon over 100lbs break? I havent.
pigeontroller
Posted 3/5/2018 11:25 AM (#895059 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 225


Location: Ontario, Canada
Nothing wrong with HEAVY flourocarbon, as long as your not contacting hard bottom. I use 175#, I see no reason to go lighter. I like 12'' for casting. 3-6 feet for trolling. If your hitting bottom, especially rock, steel is the only way to go.
monsterlures
Posted 3/5/2018 11:36 AM (#895062 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 256


for me, i dont use fluro because it kinda seems illogcal to me
if fluro was tooth proof, you wouldn't need to use really heavy stuff to begin with.


now back to the original question, i feel like 16-18 inches gives you a safe margin in case a fish inhales a lure or hits too far in front of it


JakeStCroixSkis
Posted 3/5/2018 12:27 PM (#895065 - in reply to #895062)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?





Posts: 1425


Location: St. Lawrence River
monsterlures - 3/5/2018 12:36 PM

for me, i dont use fluro because it kinda seems illogcal to me
if fluro was tooth proof, you wouldn't need to use really heavy stuff to begin with.


now back to the original question, i feel like 16-18 inches gives you a safe margin in case a fish inhales a lure or hits too far in front of it




So by your logic, since steel is "tooth proof," you can go really light with it?
monsterlures
Posted 3/5/2018 12:46 PM (#895069 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 256


well yes

thats what a lot of perch guys in europe do when they fish places where they are likely to encounter a pike.
JakeStCroixSkis
Posted 3/5/2018 12:56 PM (#895071 - in reply to #895069)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?





Posts: 1425


Location: St. Lawrence River
monsterlures - 3/5/2018 1:46 PM

well yes

thats what a lot of perch guys in europe do when they fish places where they are likely to encounter a pike.


This is a little different..
BNelson
Posted 3/5/2018 1:41 PM (#895075 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?





Location: Contrarian Island
12" of 180 fluoro.. been using that for 10 yrs or more. no issues..
for gliders I go with 10" of 180 fluoro solid ring on both ends.
Guitarbite
Posted 3/5/2018 2:25 PM (#895081 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 21


I cast for them most of the time, and I use 18" of 130# fluorocarbon. Muskie are not line-shy...... at all.
Landry
Posted 3/5/2018 5:12 PM (#895097 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 1023


I find 18" too long for figure righting well.
pigeontroller
Posted 3/5/2018 5:39 PM (#895100 - in reply to #895097)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 225


Location: Ontario, Canada
Landry - 3/5/2018 6:12 PM

I find 18" too long for figure righting well.


Agreed! 12'' works nicely.
Tommis
Posted 3/5/2018 8:03 PM (#895123 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?





Posts: 841


Location: Southwest PA
Another vote for 12" 130lb flouro

Although, as stated before, it definitely depends on what lure I'm working.
Reelwise
Posted 3/5/2018 9:29 PM (#895137 - in reply to #895036)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 1636


jvlast15 - 3/5/2018 9:33 AM Have any of you actually ever had flourocarbon over 100lbs break? I havent.


Personally... no. Never had a fish bite through it, either... but, witnessed a fish inhale a Bulldawg and bite through 130 pound fluorocarbon.
true tiger tamer
Posted 3/5/2018 9:52 PM (#895140 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 343


I had a mid 40's muskie cut a brand new 100lb flouro leader. 12 inches is what I prefer for casting and I'm a fan of well made titanium, not the cheaply made Bass Pro, Terminator is my first choice. Soild wire works better for jerkbaits.
greyghost
Posted 3/5/2018 11:39 PM (#895149 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: RE: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 36


Location: Honor, MI
Several years ago i was using stranded wire and hooked a mid 40. Some how the fish
rolled and the wire got behind the gill plate. When I brought the fish in I was shocked to see that the wire took out one eyeball and half-way cut the head off! Since then nothing but #130 fluro: 18" casting, 36" trolling. No problemo.
Ciscokid82
Posted 3/6/2018 6:13 AM (#895155 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?





Posts: 333


Location: SE Wisc
Never had a problem with fluorocarbon, I make my own and cut them about 12”. I use 80# for small bucks/cranks/dawgs and 130# for larger lures. For gliders/jerks I use solid wire.
supertrollr
Posted 3/6/2018 8:23 AM (#895167 - in reply to #895036)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?


jvlast15 - 3/5/2018 8:33 AM

Have any of you actually ever had flourocarbon over 100lbs break? I havent.

100 lbs yes
pigeontroller
Posted 3/6/2018 9:51 AM (#895172 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 225


Location: Ontario, Canada
I see no advantage to using 80-130 # Fluorocarbon. Why not err on the heavy side? Use 175 or even 200 #
supertrollr
Posted 3/6/2018 10:10 AM (#895174 - in reply to #895172)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?


small cranks shallow cranks will move better.other than that there is no advantage at all
tkuntz
Posted 3/6/2018 12:28 PM (#895192 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 815


Location: Waukee, IA
Fluoro isn't bite proof, steel kinks and breaks, titanium frays and breaks. No leader material is perfect. This debate is stupid, especially when the original topic was leader length.
JakeStCroixSkis
Posted 3/6/2018 12:39 PM (#895193 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: RE: Best all around leader length?





Posts: 1425


Location: St. Lawrence River
..


Zoom - | Zoom 100% | Zoom + | Expand / Contract | Open New window
Click to expand / contract the width of this image
(you-tellem-sister.jpg)



Attachments
----------------
Attachments you-tellem-sister.jpg (48KB - 350 downloads)
pigeontroller
Posted 3/6/2018 1:14 PM (#895195 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 225


Location: Ontario, Canada
Actually debate is seldom stupid. Its a good way to learn, unless you know everything..?
supertrollr
Posted 3/6/2018 4:36 PM (#895224 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?


omg nightmare for sure with that pict
muskie! nut
Posted 3/6/2018 6:18 PM (#895234 - in reply to #895192)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?





Posts: 2894


Location: Yahara River Chain
tkuntz - 3/6/2018 12:28 PM

steel kinks and breaks, No leader material is perfect.


Not perfect but actually I've been using stranded steel leaders from Leaders and Lures. Gene makes stainless steel 19 and 21 strand wire like whats used on small air plane rudder cable that may kink (more like twisted), but are still good. I personally got over 5 muskies (to 46 inches) on one leader and still was in good shape. I know Frank Walsh of Bay Store Resort and legendary Dick Pearson have gotten over 50 muskies (plus numerous pike) on one Leader and Lures leader. And best of all, they cant bite through it. These leader are rated for the hardware thats on them as the crimps rarely fail.
Dan111
Posted 3/7/2018 6:05 PM (#895420 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Location: ontario
16”
Andy Myers Lodge
Posted 3/8/2018 8:03 AM (#895486 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: RE: Best all around leader length?





Location: Eagle Lake Vermilion Bay, Ontario
variances in "ideal" casting leader length depends on how tall ,how long your arms, how long rod, how high off water deck is, bait/presentation, and of course expereince level with boat side maneuvers.
i use leaders from 9" to 22" for casting and leader material from solid wire,braided wire and floro from 80-180#. mine avg. 18-22" for guest rods 12-16".
crankn,rippn,jerkn bouncing rocks all day i use the longest leader i can comfortably get away with OR a standard sized leader and a 24-30" of double line to the leader.its not only the leader but the line 1-24" ABOVE the leader that is the issue with abrasion .
to be honest if visablity is a personal issue i think floro 180#+ is as or more visable in clear water than most wire. Under most "ideal" conditions with wind ,lowlight,heavy cover, or dirty water or when fish are really rockn it dont make a diff...but in clear water under a tough bite i have seen it make a diff ... enough times to make note and rig accordingly.
for most baits except some side to side topwaters and gliders i like floro 100-150,130# mostly and tie, no crimps, i can see/feel when its time to change . i've used a 3-4" solid wire trace for years on the end of floro leaders when using baits under 6" and rubber baits like tubes, jigs, dawgs,etc that get head hunted or sucked in alot regardless of how heavy # and have never been cut off.

leaders avg 14-18" , i've gottn away from the real long tied floro leaders i used for so many years as rod guides keep getting smaller and smaller.
steve herbeck
gregk9
Posted 3/11/2018 9:15 PM (#896128 - in reply to #895234)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?





Posts: 791


Location: North Central IL USA
muskie! nut - 3/6/2018 6:18 PM



Not perfect but actually I've been using stranded steel leaders from Leaders and Lures. Gene makes stainless steel 19 and 21 strand wire like whats used on small air plane rudder cable that may kink (more like twisted), but are still good.


What pound test do you mainly use?
Ciscokid82
Posted 3/12/2018 6:41 AM (#896149 - in reply to #895486)
Subject: RE: Best all around leader length?





Posts: 333


Location: SE Wisc
Andy Myers Lodge - 3/8/2018 8:03 AM

variances in "ideal" casting leader length depends on how tall ,how long your arms, how long rod, how high off water deck is, bait/presentation, and of course expereince level with boat side maneuvers.
i use leaders from 9" to 22" for casting and leader material from solid wire,braided wire and floro from 80-180#. mine avg. 18-22" for guest rods 12-16".
crankn,rippn,jerkn bouncing rocks all day i use the longest leader i can comfortably get away with OR a standard sized leader and a 24-30" of double line to the leader.its not only the leader but the line 1-24" ABOVE the leader that is the issue with abrasion .
to be honest if visablity is a personal issue i think floro 180#+ is as or more visable in clear water than most wire. Under most "ideal" conditions with wind ,lowlight,heavy cover, or dirty water or when fish are really rockn it dont make a diff...but in clear water under a tough bite i have seen it make a diff ... enough times to make note and rig accordingly.
for most baits except some side to side topwaters and gliders i like floro 100-150,130# mostly and tie, no crimps, i can see/feel when its time to change . i've used a 3-4" solid wire trace for years on the end of floro leaders when using baits under 6" and rubber baits like tubes, jigs, dawgs,etc that get head hunted or sucked in alot regardless of how heavy # and have never been cut off.

leaders avg 14-18" , i've gottn away from the real long tied floro leaders i used for so many years as rod guides keep getting smaller and smaller.
steve herbeck


Why don’t you like crimps Steve? I used to tie but started crimping last season and it sure is a cleaner presentation and easier on my hands! Never lost a fish due to any leader issues before but like I said I just started crimping.
tkuntz
Posted 3/12/2018 9:28 AM (#896178 - in reply to #895234)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 815


Location: Waukee, IA
muskie! nut - 3/6/2018 6:18 PM

tkuntz - 3/6/2018 12:28 PM

steel kinks and breaks, No leader material is perfect.


Not perfect but actually I've been using stranded steel leaders from Leaders and Lures. Gene makes stainless steel 19 and 21 strand wire like whats used on small air plane rudder cable that may kink (more like twisted), but are still good. I personally got over 5 muskies (to 46 inches) on one leader and still was in good shape. I know Frank Walsh of Bay Store Resort and legendary Dick Pearson have gotten over 50 muskies (plus numerous pike) on one Leader and Lures leader. And best of all, they cant bite through it. These leader are rated for the hardware thats on them as the crimps rarely fail.


I've personally caught more than 5 muskie on the same fluoro leader, the only difference is that it in no way felt like a big enough achievement to brag about like your steel leader anecdote. Point is, they all work, each has strengths and weaknesses.
muskie! nut
Posted 3/12/2018 10:38 AM (#896193 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?





Posts: 2894


Location: Yahara River Chain
Last Sept I witness a muskie bit off a 80 pound floro leader like it was kite string. The angler then told me that he's going to use wire from now on.

With over 30 yrs of muskie fishing under my belt, take my advise for what its worth.
Andy Myers Lodge
Posted 3/12/2018 12:19 PM (#896216 - in reply to #896149)
Subject: RE: Best all around leader length?





Location: Eagle Lake Vermilion Bay, Ontario
cisco,
on knots vs crimps...personal preference really ..and a bit of paranoia .
i have confidence in my knots whether its floro or braided wire and can tie a pretty clean knot up to and including 130# floro and 180# braided wire with no failures, most failures i've seen or expereinced over the years on crimped leaders whether steel or floro have been because of a bad crimp job or over enthusiasm crushed the wire slightly ,damaged the floro or because of the very edge of the crimp which is a natural flex point eventually weakened the integrity of the leader material after lots of use.
it's just anyone personal preference and if you are careful,got the proper tools nothing wrong with crimps and with coated wire, real heavy floro or wire its really the only choice but you also got alot of leeway once you get to those dia. and heavy #.
steve herbeck
tkuntz
Posted 3/12/2018 2:22 PM (#896243 - in reply to #896193)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 815


Location: Waukee, IA
muskie! nut - 3/12/2018 10:38 AM

Last Sept I witness a muskie bit off a 80 pound floro leader like it was kite string. The angler then told me that he's going to use wire from now on.

With over 30 yrs of muskie fishing under my belt, take my advise for what its worth.


I've watched titanium fray and snap, steel break at the crimps or a kink, but never fluoro bite offs. Do I think fluoro can be bitten through? Yes, absolutely, but it's rare enough (like the titanium and steel failures) that I don't let it affect my choice of material. I've also seen a pike hit a lure from the front and bite through the line above the leader. Nothing is certain in this sport except for failure I use both steel and fluoro, if you don't, wunderbar!
supertrollr
Posted 3/13/2018 11:42 AM (#896409 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?


titanium is the worst ,because you will get no visual sing of a near failure.steel is the safest
RLSea
Posted 3/16/2018 10:08 PM (#899103 - in reply to #894980)
Subject: Re: Best all around leader length?




Posts: 492


Location: Northern Illinois
I've had 130# floro bitten off. Fish basically missed the lure.