Ok...much has been debated recently about how long to make the mono leaders at the end of leadcore rigs. When all this started, I would read that guys were using as long as 100'....but now I'm reading that using such a length may actually counter-act the effectiveness of the core dynamics on the lure.
How long are your leaders, and do you vary them depending on which type of lure you are using....spoon, crank, J-plug, etc.???
Thanks,
BFG
Official Ohio Delegate to Team Heavy Super-Sized Fishing Specialists bfg@educatedangler.com
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When I sent up a leadcore rig, I start with about 50' of leader. As I am continually retying the setup, that leader will get progressively get shorter and shorter until I get to about 10'-15' at which point I will completely replace that section of monofilament with a fresh 50' length.
I have not noted any difference in fish catching characteristics in that range of leaders, but as a personal preference I do like the longer leaders better as I tell the person reeling in the fish to let me know when then get to mono at which point I will grab the net.
When I'm fishing tournaments, I replace the entire section of leader after each day. In preparation for Saturday morning, I will tie a new 50' section of mono on each of my 12 core setups (actually I do this on all my rods in tournaments) so I am 100% confident that we have no nicks etc. I will repeat that same process in prep for sunday, replacing all my leaders with new material.
Hope this helps.
Tim
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I used to use the longer leaders until a couple of days of getting shorter after reties it seemed like I was catching fish faster. I now start out with 15-20' leaders and let them get to about 3'. I also retie them frequently like Verdict. I agree the longer it gets the more it negates the rise and fall of the line. Some days that may help, others it may hurt, but I am sure a short leader doesnt scare them off like some people preach. Like Verdict stated, it may be a niceity to have a certain length for other reasons.
www.salmonheadcharters.com
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I'd say that my leaders start at roughly 30' and shorten as they get worn or new plugs are direct tied.
Verdict makes a good point about tournament fishing. You should check all you gear everyday, strip line and re-tie all terminal gear and replace any leaders. This is also why we strip all of our reels over the winter, while it may not be necessary, a lost fish in a tournament and you'll be kicking yourself wondering why you didn't.
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With all that re-tying, how long before your last color of leadcore is shortened significantly, assuming you are putting 6" of mono up the sheath every time??
Thanks for the replies guys.
BFG
Official Ohio Delegate to Team Heavy Super-Sized Fishing Specialists bfg@educatedangler.com
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even with 6 reties, you are only loosig 3' of line. each color is 30' and then if its a full core, that little amount won't make much difference. If you are worried about it, you could add a half color after 30 reties.
www.salmonheadcharters.com
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I started with 50' leaders and found over time with reties that 10 to 20'lenghths got more hits.. I also had one get as short as 4' and it still worked.
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My original thoughts were that longer is better. Like most of the replies however I found that I had more success with shorter leaders. Now I start out with approx. 30' and don't retie another leader on until I get below 6-10' or so.
Jim...I Fish Therefore I Am
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