Steel leader questions

[Cool Hand Hodge]

What type of leaders do you use for casting? For trolling? I keep hearing all this talk about single strand leaders, yet the only ones i can find are the braided type. They are a bit heavy and im wondering if im hurting myself by using them. Any ideas or opinions?

[Kingfisher]

Cool Hand, I build all the leaders Michelle and I use. Many types for different applications. I am experimenting with some softer braided Shark leader 49 strand that is almost like string its so supple but very tough. I use a lot of 60 and 90 lb 7 strand uncoated made by Mason. The fine diameter 7 strand does not last very long though as it gets kinked easy so we have to replace them quite often. You can get all of the components to build your own leaders at Stamina components. 800-546-8922 have them send you a catalog . Kingfisher

[Will Schultz]

I build all my leaders for casting and have for as long as I can remember. I use Mason single strand 105# wire, it is more flexible than most single strand leaders which are usually 170# but it's stiff enough for baits that like stiff leaders. It is also easy to straighten all but the worst kinks out of the 105#, yet it's very durable.

Reasons why I make my own:
- If it's going to fail I want to be the one responsible for any mistakes.
- I can make them longer than the standard 12" leader, usually 15-18".
- Cost! I go through 20-25 leaders a year. If I bought them it would be $75, if I build them it's about $3.


For trolling leaders I use 80# flouro mostly unless banging rocks then its 130# flouro or wire.

[Duke]

Ditto- if you are going to fish anything more than 1-2 times per month then go ahead and make your own. VERY easy, and as said, cheap to do. You can keep re-using your swivels for many different leaders you tie too. For the most part, using a heavy leader is not going make a noticeable difference in strike ratio, in my opinion. Others disagree though. And the braided/multi-strand types will limit the action you can get from gliding jerkbaits, as a prime example. They perform much better with stiff single strand.

[Kingfisher]

I am also going to start using the 105 # single strand for large jerk baits and lures which need that stiff leader to perform right. Kingfisher

[Cool Hand Hodge]

Im definitly going to start making my own! Where is the best place to buy the materials? Should i use a barrel swivel on all of them, on both ends or one end, or only on certin leaders? Sorry for the list of questions.

Thanks in advance.

[Kingfisher]

Cool Hand, scroll back up the posts and you will see the number I left for you. Call them and ask for a catalog. They have everything but the mason single strand wire. They can however get that for you as they deal direct with Mason wire products. I would recomend getting your snaps from Cabelas though as the Snaps carried by Stamina are not as good quality as the ones carried by Cabelas. You could also use a #7 or #8 stainless steel splitring instead of a snap. Many Musky fishers choose this over using a snap. Dont buy any brass swivels or brass rings/snaps. Only stainless will last and hold up. Kingfisher

[Cool Hand Hodge]

thanks again!