leader for flatties

[mike_mad_fisho]

gday guys
i am running a shimano sahra 4000 with 8lb platypus platnium on a diwa procastor 2-8lb rod and was wondering should u use a leader or just run the lure or softie straight of the main line.
thanks michael

[Dave W]

Straight through should be fine if you're using 8lb normal line - but if you find the fish are a bit fussy, going down to a 4lb leader (or shortening the plastic) could do the trick

[mike_mad_fisho]

ok thanks for that dave
michael

[Billfish]

Not to be disagreeable Dave but this thread is "leader for flatties". I certainly wouldn't go down to a 4lb leader while targetting flathead, I'd be more inclined to up the ante to 10 or 12lb.

Going down is fine for good ole Mr Bream but not for flatties.

[Dave W]

Lol..... In my errrmmm.... amber ale affected state when I replied to this post I completely glossed over the 'Flathead' reference - Mike, listen to Bill - please don't use 4lb leader when chasing Flatties, unless you like donating lures to the sea gods.

Also, most guys use big tails to target big fish

I'll happily use around a 10lb leader for them, and haven't had any problems landing 60cm+ fish.

Cheers,

[luringbream]

Like billfish said i would use 10lb or higher.

DAN

[mike_mad_fisho]

thanks guys
i eneded up using 10lb platypus platnium and it worked a treat with even getting my first bream.
thanks michael

[LakeConjolaFish]

I regulary use 2lb vanish on the end of 4lb firewire, specifically when targeting flathead.


My hook up rate is at least double (tallys kept) with finer diameter leader.

Most of my flathead are hooked through the top of the mouth.

I used to use 12lb line using live poddies when I kept most of my fish for the table. Once the personal descision to get into catch and release was made, I have enjoyed 2lb line like nothing else in my entire fishing life.

I have lost the impetus to skull drag all flathead into the landing net as quickly as possible, so as to get the line back in the water.

Now I fight the fish and enjoy the thrill of feeling the fish on the end of my rod, the fish goes into my newly purchased environet in perfect condition and the buzz I feel when it swims off is ......well, just unbelievable.

I feel that using 2lb line and not stressing out about "loosing the fish" etc etc ...just slowing down and enjoying it all has finely honed my fishing skills.

I do replace the leader frequently though.


Hope this rambling makes sense.

Jim

[mike_mad_fisho]

gday
thats the kind fishing i like doing catch and release i hardly ever keep a fish.
michael

[LakeConjolaFish]

Hello Mike mad

My wife and I just caught 3 flatties, 50cm, 56cm, 70cm on 2lb Vanish as the leader. What a BLAST !!!!!

I wrote on another forum that if anyone is chucking their Vanish out to please post it to ME!!!!!!!!!!!!

I do a double uni knot and do 7 turns and have NEVER had a problem joining 4lb Fireline to 2lb Vanish (except the difficultyof tying small diameter line with 40 year old eyes of course .

What can I say......But it work's fine for me.

Jim