Fishing Leader Systems – An Introduction
Leaders are a favorite of many sports fisherman. Each type of leader has its’ own unique use. Whether you are a new fisherman or a seasoned fisherman, understanding that leaders (the line that attaches between bait and mainline) are an invaluable tool in some cases, you’ll be able to determine which leader is right for your needs.
Do I really need a leader?
You may one of many who doubt whether or not a leader is in fact a needed piece of equipment. Although they are not a mandatory solution in every situation, a leader can be a valuable part of keeping your main line safe and sound. Not taking advantage of a leader can give rise to a snapped line during a battle with an aggressive fish.
Utilizing Leaders
If you are fishing for a kind of fish that is somewhat line shy, a leader can be priceless. For line-shy fish a fluorocarbon leader is best since leaders can be fashioned from any kind of line. There are two main reasons for using fluorocarbon leaders. The first is that fish such as false albacore, bonito and mackerel have exceptionally good eyesight. Secondly, they have a tendency to have magnificent visual acuity. Therefore, if your bait looks unusual in the slightest these fish are going to ignore it and press on toward greener pastures so to speak.
The premise behind fluorocarbon is simple – it provides infinitesimal light refraction meaning that the fish can’t see it. Since the fish that you’d use this type of leader for tend to run less than ten pounds, a twenty pound fluorocarbon leader is ideal. For a measurement of how effective they are, consider fishing alongside someone who isn’t using one and see what happens. The proof will astound you. Since these fish tend to go after bait-fish as their main source of food, a fluorocarbon leader can be the ideal tool to increase your catch. Make sure you are using a lead that is not smaller than three feet and not larger than four feet for optimal results.
Fans of braided lines will find that monofilament leaders will be their choice. This leader has lower visibility than a braided line and flexibility that won’t be found with a braided line. Monofilament leaders also absorb the shock of a fighting fish, and are ideal for those who prefer the lighter graphite or fiberglass rods. The monofilament leader should be crafted with a minimum length of three feet and a maximum length of five feet. This will help land a large fish on a short line.
Sports fisherman especially those who enjoy pike, barracuda, bluefish and muskellunge are fully aware of the oversized teeth these breeds sport. Combine these teeth with their love of a fishing line and chances are that you’re preference would be a steel leader. Steel leaders are crafted from twenty or thirty pound weight – and are highly visible. For more aggressive fish like bluefish you’re safer with a forty to sixty pound weight and if barracuda is your preference you’re better of with something even heavier as a barracuda is likely to snap through a single strand of eighty pound leader as if it were regular line. The lighter weight is ideal of pike and muskies (they have needle like teeth) and the heavier the better is ideal for bluefish and barracudas.
Don’t make the mistake of using the wrong leader for the fishing that you’re attempting. The right leader will always make the difference between a successful fishing trip and an unsuccessful trip. It never hurts to carry a variety of leaders in case the opportunity arises to use them. Remember, the wrong leader can result in a missed catch.
Fishing can be a very exciting and relaxing sport. Making sure you have proper equipment such as Penn Fishing Reels, Daiwa Fishing Reel, and Shimano Reel can be extremely helpful.
