flats fishing

would a leader line be neccasray on the flats cause there is not much structure for a good size bream to break you off. if so what is the best leader line for flats fishing?

[flathead_boy]

try 4LB or maybe 6LB
cheers jimmy

[Elrick.M]

I'd just go the 6lb leader;) :cool:

[Brad Y]

The leader is an invisible link between the very visible fire line and the hopefully visible lure. A wily bream will easily pick the line going to the lure and might not strike. You will catch more fish with one, especially with sp's

I use 8lb for everything- snags and flats but i just got a spool of 7lb nitlon- cross between lighter snag leader and heavier flats leader. Havent used it yet but if its okay, it will be my weapon of choice...

thanks guys

[adrian_gadaleta]

I would even make the leader a foot or three longer than normal if you're fishing quite shallow water with spooky fish.

[Richo]

I fish 6lb leader everywhere, never bother with 4lb and only go to 8 when I cant find my 6lb. Wouldnt even consider fishing without a leader, which would be 1-2m long.

cheers

[Dror]

Welcome to the site Adrian. I knew I recognised your name and then realised that you are on the cover of the new Hotbite magazine. Nice to have fish like that in your backyard (not literally).

In reply to Spinn-master, I normally go down to a 4lb Fluoro leader on the flats especially if the water is clear and also make it a bit longer as Adrian has suggested. I use a small clip to connect to the lure as I have found that the split ring on the front of some of the hard body lures will eventually cut through a thin leader. I have lost too many good fish and lures to risk it and don't find it hinders the bigger lures that I use on the flats.

Cheers, Dror

[swoffa]

I use 4lb Nitlon on flats bream most of the time for SP's, 6lb for HB's.

[Drewy]

l normally remove the split ring and run a loop knot straight the the lure.

[Dror]

On most lures you can remove the split ring but on the RMG Scorp 52 and 68's the split ring is connected to a metal bracket in the bib with sharp edges so it cannot be done.

Cheers, Dror

[Richo]

Dror,

Ive been religiously using shallow 52 scorps, I find they have a way tighter action and dive a tad deeper than the DD. And have a different tow point (without split ring). All my DD dont even get wet these days.

cheers

[Gaffer]

Brad...

I haven't seen 7lb Nitlon. I do exactly as you do (did) mate... 6lb and 8lb, and I reckon 7lb would be suuuuuuuperb.

I can only get 6 and 8 near me so I might have to get into them and see if they can get me some in.

Without a doubt Nitlon rocks. It is the best leader I have ever used and I SWEAR by its knot strength.

I do a fresh rig with a 3m length of Nitlon 6lb for most situations, and only throw the 8lb on when in snaggy country or using expensive hard bodz like SX40 etc.

If I manage to wear the leader down to 1m due to lure changes etc and haven't had any fish to cause chaffing on the leader I will generally start again. 1m is not enough when you're pulling bright pink fireline through the water.

Gaff

[Dror]

Yeh Richo, I hear ya. I try to get the standards now but sometimes they just don't seem to be available. The Laser pros still have the same problem though and you can't get them with the direct tow point.

Cheers, Dror

[Richo]

I know its a bummer, the odd shop has shallows but the percentage all have DDs, I actually prefer shallows as you can change them to Deeps but not the other way around,

Is there a simple solution......? Im not a fan of clips but then again its been a while since I tried them.

cheers

[Zac 87]

hey gaff
mine and brads local shop has 3,4,5,6,7,8,10 lb nitlon so we have quite a choice. they also have trout nitlon that is brown and goes down to 2 lb. i might give it a shot. anyone used 2l nitlon?

[vlad da''lad]

would a leader line be neccasray on the flats cause there is not much structure for a good size bream to break you off. if so what is the best leader line for flats fishing?

yes a leader is a must on you fire line or braid you will have much greater sucsess with your cacth dont forget that we cant see under water so there still may be snags around .i suggest for :

BREAM :CRYSTAL FIRE LINE 4POUND ,6 0R 8 POUND TRACE LINE
FLATHEAD :6 OR 8 POUND CR FIRE LINE AND 10 TO 20POUND TRACE LINES

I USALLY LIKE TO HAVE 2 0R 4 P0UND HEVIER TRACE LINE THAN MY FIRE LINE
EXAMPLE 2KILO FIRE LINE 4KILO FLURO CARBON LINE .
TRACE LINES ARE USED ACCORDING THE AREAS THAT YOU ARE FISHING

[stompy]

Hey,

Not sure about the blackies, but most guys East use 4lb or less over the flats.

I use 4lb if fishing a leader on braid and 3lb if fishing straight through fluro.

Regards,

[Nic c]

IF YOU are fishing braid then yes but if mono you can, but shouldnt make a difference:)

[IceManDude]

Vlad's digging up ancient threads again.....this one is 5 years old!!!!!!

[isaac.chopper]

Vlad's digging up ancient threads again.....this one is 5 years old!!!!!!

haha almost 6! i hope he has figured out the leader by now..:eek: