Can anybody tell me what benefits or advantages there are to using a mono leader with braided line? I know that a lot of people say that the mono is for line shy fish, but I switched to braid about a year ago, and I can’t tell any difference other than the braid is more sensitive, but I’ve never had a problem with catching large crappie on braid
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I like to tie fluorocarbon leaders to my braid so as to hide the line better
I guess if you’re in clear water, then it doesn’t matter as much.
I like using braid for the added casting distance more than anything, 20 lb braid has the diameter of 6 lb mono and casts small jigs incredibly well…that’s mainly why I do the leader thing. Plus, if I use a 6 llb fluoro leader, the leader breaks instead of the main line, which essentially lets the braid last forever since it never gets broke. I’ve used some braided line for over 4 years with this setup. I do the same thing for many of my bass spinning reels too.
Also, if you really want extreme casting distance, 10 lb braid is the same diameter as 2 lb mono, but I’ve always done well enough with the 20 lb braid.
The only other reason I can think of is to add a little “forgiving stretch” to the line. And, maybe depending on which braid you’re using, to add a little abrasion resistance :dono
I fish “true” 2# test lines. Most of the time I use an Ester monofilament…which like braid…has no stretch. I also use 2# test braid from time to time. The only time I am using an FC leader for stealth is when I am fishing for trout. The reason I use FC leader is as a shock leader…and yes you get added abrasion resistance with it also. I have about a 4 foot section…sometimes more…tied to my main line. It really helps take the pressure off of no stretch line. Today I landed a 16 inch largemouth…and 15 inch Smallmouth…using a 6 foot Super Ultra Light rod with a very fast action. If I am using a no stretch line I always have a “shock leader” tied on. Using a shock leader with these lines I land some really good Smallies…KY bass…and largemouth. It also helps when you start getting into 13-16 inch crappie using that setup. Larger crappie can pop those light lines in a microsecond if all is not right.
Regards
I use 6-8-10 lb.spiderwire and have for years. 1/8 i use 10lb., 1/16 8lb. smaller i use the 6lb. never use a leader.
I heard it first on “Wired for Crappie” Matt Xenos, it doesn’t make you pull up the brush pile when you get snagged.
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this is one of those things that for sure could be put to rest by simply running tests with a live scope .
with a leader and without to see if it effects the bite .
that said i have pulled up braid with a leader on it and a beautiful handtie with my 6 lb mono before out of a brushpile
and even had a bud break off on a strike one time
and the next fish up was a small bluegill with his jig and the braid still in it
i do know some of the really respected crappie anglers around here use leader on braid
and i even tried to for a while , but it was in the end just another complication
i will tell you it was cool to mark the line with a permanent marker at certain depths .
but if you break off thats a done deal as well .
i get frustrated when it gets complicated , i dont hit the water to get frustrated
my 23 cents if you will
I have never tied a leader to braid as far as taking up shock from a fish that is what the rod is for IMO.
One of the main reasons why I use a leader with braid is because when the braid wraps around a spinnerbait or crankbait it’s very hard to take apart because the knots are so small. A mono leader is much easier to unwrap around a lure.
This. I have a 7’6" ultralight with 6lb braid. Its like thread. Its extremely thin and it hangs up everywhere. wraps up around the tip, around the lure, everything. I use a 4 ft or so Flouro leader to reduce it. When that thread thin braid knots or wraps up, its hard to get undone or even see it.
I do it just because it adds a little more stretch, and is much easier to tie. Braid can be a pain to tie in small eyelets and stuff.
Yea small jigs and getting the wimpy braid thru the eyelet can be a pain in the arse, that is my only gripe about braid.
I have used 4# Nan o fil ever since it came out. I tie about 4 feet of 4# flouro to it with a uni to uni knot. Works great for me. With nan o fil, you don’t set the hook. You just sweep the rod tip up as you continue to reel. The flouro saves my nan o fil. And nan o fil is so slick that tying it to a jig or spinner is almost impossible.
Everyone has their own opinion and that is a good thing. You go fishing to have fun and whatever gives you the greatest confidence in achieving that goal is what you should be doing. That being said, I use 2# test Fireline with a 4# test fluorocarbon leader. Reason being, I like a little bit of stretch when the fish initially hits. And the fact that fluorocarbon has a much greater abrasion resistance than straight braid. I do not believe visibility has anything to do with it. JMO. 
I had a Striper break off my 20# braid tied directly to a spoon. I added 18# flouro leader and haven’t had another break. I had heard that braid was subject to abrasion and I figured 2 or 3 good Stripers with rough mouths could lead to a break.
Yeah, the idea of adding a leader to braid probably originated with bigame Anglers who found that braid wasn’t very resistant to abrasions.
i do this…keep some heavier line on most of the spool and just the last couple feet being vanishing line on my jigging poles
I use my walleye trolling rods to pull cranks for crappie. Shakespeare downrigger rods 8"3" are my favorite. They are soft yet have plenty of backbone. Sensitivity is not needed but these rods do show when a crank gets fouled. All of my reels are line counters spooled with PP 30/8. Also I have a small good quality roller swivel tied to the braid 6’ of 8# flouro leader tied to the swivel and ending with a cross lock snap. Sometimes I go to a heavier leader for walleye like 12-15 # because many times I’m banging bottom . Something I am consider is going to a longer leader of Trilene XL 8# just to get a little more stretch. I’ve seen a lot of hits and misses because of hooks tearing out I believe. Got to have some give if you pull braid.
^^Same. I like the small roller swivel that can pass through the rod eyelets without damaging the rod or line. The cross lock swivel makes changing lures fast and easy. When lines get tangled that snap makes clearing the tangle a snap too. The little bit of stretch fluorocarbon gives helps absorb last runs the fish might take beside the boat. I keep my drag set where a big crappie can pull some and not so snug that they can pull the hooks.
Jim
