Why?

nabs · #1 15-12-2005, 06:39 AM

why is it that some people recomend using a 6lb leader than to an 8lb leader? whats the difference?

Nathan2003 · #2 15-12-2005, 06:46 AM

people use lighter leader, say 6lb when the fish are being more finicky,or if they are spooky.The thinner diameter of the 6lb over the 8lb makes it harder for the fish to spot, and thus stops them from getting spooked as easily.Also if there is not as much structure, this helps in using lighter leader.The lighter the leader the more sensitivity through the rod you have . HTH

Cheers,
nathan

CHUNQX · #3 15-12-2005, 08:49 PM

I use 4 pound leader if I'm fishing soft plastics in relatively friendly territory. If I'm using hardbodies, I go up to 7 pound for more security because losing a hardbody like a SX-40 usually induces a few tears...

Richo · #4 15-12-2005, 09:26 PM

8 ties a bigger knot than 6, that does it for me..... and til 6 fails i`ll always use it.

PMac · #5 15-12-2005, 09:53 PM

As CHUNQX mentioned... security in rough terrain.... having said that I use 6lb only...... sometimes question my sanity in the process but find it handles most situations..within reason of course.

Richo · #6 15-12-2005, 11:00 PM

I pull as hard as I can on my leader, lucky to hear a click out of the drag all year.. and 6 holds up as good as any I reckon.... but thats me

Tim Stynes · #7 16-12-2005, 06:31 AM

I use 6lb most of the time unless I am fishing heavy stucture.....Mind you If I am using a Jackall I use 8 or 10lb leader, at almost thirty bucks a pop there aint no way I am tying a Jackall onto 6lb leader

PMac · #8 16-12-2005, 06:55 AM

For those keen enough there is a Jackal at CB..... BYO goggles

PMac · #9 16-12-2005, 06:58 AM

Near enough to $30 a pop Tim.... Was shaking more tying it on than the shakes from a 40cm+ Bream in knock down structure. RIP Jackal.

Tim Stynes · #10 16-12-2005, 07:18 AM

I got one snagged under the Narrows last Sat nite and for a while there my heart was well and truely in my throat :P But I got it back so its all good

I wouldnt mind as much if I lost one to a fish but to lose one to a snag would hurt I reckon.....If I get one stuck and cant free it I'll be going in to get it

yellow door 1 · #11 16-12-2005, 07:37 AM

Light line will get you connected to alot more fish than heavy line.

What I mean is if you are getting connected to alot of fish on 8lb leader - you will get connected to more on 6lb. I didnt believe it myself but I've done tests and its true.

You can go through an exhaustive testing process yourself (I did).
I was hoping the articles I read were just advertorials for selling tackle but unfortunately what they say is true. The sad fact is the more you risk (within reason for the structure you are fishing) the better the returns and losses. That includes how close or deep you are willing to let your lure land when structure is involved.

That said - I fish 8lb for everything. I'm not going to chuck a $20 lure along an undercut ledge on 3lb. (you know who you are

)

Since I started with hardbodies I have lost a grand total of 5 eco gears. 4 of those were to snags and one evaporated on a gentle single handed flick in the dark. There are places I wont throw an ecogear coz I cant bare to loose them. Thats what strike pro's are for. But if I had an unlimited supply I would fish lighter than 8lb.

You've got to get to know the area you are fishing - perfect the banjo twang - and be prepared to get your hair wet for the lures you love. In the Yarra or Nong thats not really an option.

Or the alternative is to buy 50 eco gears and dont worry when you lose one. But you should know that light line hooks more fish - it might not land more but it does help them get hooked.