Leader size for HB's

panger · #1 29-12-2004, 01:10 AM

For those that use hardbodies what leader size do you generally use, say around light structure (nothing nasty like leases). I'm getting some ecogear sx40's and thinking it is a bit risky using my normal 6lb leader I use for softs.

Placebo · #2 09-02-2005, 10:32 PM

I normally stick with six or eight. I haven't lost a hb in a while.

Nath_18 · #3 09-02-2005, 10:41 PM

6-8lb is plenty if your not fishing structure.

Then again I would only fish 8lb when i do fish structure...

Cheers, Nathan

bubba · #4 09-02-2005, 10:55 PM

Im going to weigh into this discussion. If your not fishing around structure you are doing well to get Bream

.. Ofcourse there is the flats but how often will you do a trip when you wont fish some kind of structure?? You could move from the flats to some snags. Do you really want to re-tie your leader? Or do you have 2 or 3 HB rods rigged and ready?
From a personal ppoint of view I only use 2 size leaders. 4lb for softies and 10lb for HBs. I always use a good Flurocarbon as leader (yamatoyo atm).
Why the big difference? Well with SP's I tend to fish them alot slower therefore the fish has more of a chance to "see" the leader. With HB's you are either constantly moving them or twitching. Either way it is faster than a SP and the strikes will often be more explosive. This being the case the are alreasy on the way back to their snag or what ever when you hook them. I know I dont like throwing 10-15 bucks away cause I use 6lb leader on HB's

That 4lb doesnt make alota diff in thivkness but sure as hell makes a lota diff in strength

panger · #5 09-02-2005, 11:27 PM

Bubba,
I was definitely thinking along your lines when I posted the question. Reading some of Starlo and Bushy's articles about bream on hardbodies, they always seemed to be using 10-14lbs leaders. When I used to use hardbodies more frequently, I was using 12lbs leaders and would change over to 6lbs for softs.

swoffa · #6 10-02-2005, 12:22 AM

I usually fish 6lb or 8lb leader for HB's in the harbour, but latley I've been going down to 4lb in clearer water and getting better results. Although I popped a few fish last week and lost 6 SX40's in a session.

On the racks I fish anything from 10lb to 20lb, depending on the lure.

panger · #7 10-02-2005, 01:11 AM

Ouch!!! Six SX-40's!!!

Do you fish your Jackalls on 4lbs leaders as well?

swoffa · #8 10-02-2005, 02:01 AM

I've been using Jackells on 20lb for jews, haven't had any luck yet.

Richo · #9 10-02-2005, 02:35 AM

Heres my 2 cents,

I use 6lb for hard bodies and nothing but, and never seem to have a problem..... I personally dont like 8lb plus due to knot size etc and would probably only ever consider it if I did fish racks, but then again I would probably fish 12lb plus anyway..... As for softies Id use the same 6lb, maybe change to 4lb but that is something I dont consdier very often.,

Why you would need more than 6lb in snags Im unsure - you can turn most heads with a solid drag, and if hes got you on a barnacle or something else I think your a goner regardless especially if he dosnt need to travel to stitch you up. Ive also gone as hard as possible and it holds up more than enough to keep me happy.

6lb yamatoyo is what I stick with and works really well for a 100% flurocarbon imitation, I have compared it to the real stuff and do actually prefer yama I think - jurys still out.

Im just waffling but 6lb all the way for me, for everything.

cheers

troy-the-boy · #10 25-02-2005, 07:38 AM

I use 4-6lb on open areas ( flats ) and go any where up to 14lb but usually 8-10lb is enough around the Bommies that are in many of the Rivers I fish. For the Flats or less structured areas the Yama Razor's thin Diamater excells and around the bommies the Rock fish leader gets the nod. I know of quite a few anglers around my area loosing fish on 12 lb leaders and locked up drags ( Locked up is what they told me any way ).
Troy

Bream Addict · #11 26-02-2005, 05:10 AM

well for softs i usually use 7 lb and for hards around the melb docks(my local spot) it is 10lb minimum

Brad Y · #12 26-02-2005, 06:54 PM

Depends on the river. I'll use 8lb seaguar amongst the snags in the blackwood and 8lb for hardbodies in general otherwise i will use 6lb for placcies. I have run out atm so im using 8lb for everything.

Muzz · #13 26-02-2005, 10:30 PM

I'm with Richo, I started out using 8lb vanish, but have now gone to 6lb vanish. I do also carry 4lb nitlon which I use when Mr Breamski is very finiky. My 2 cents!

lure_muncher · #14 20-11-2005, 05:02 AM

I prefer 6lb for normal use

8lb for more snaggy areas

4lb for finicky bream

#15 20-11-2005, 05:27 AM

The beauty of the hard body is that it can be thrown right up the back of a big old Gum and walked through. In that situation, a fish can come up out of anywhere and hardly has to move to have you wrapped up. I feel 12 lb is minimum for snag crank'n.
If I do get dragged in I'll generally free spool immediatly and chase the bugger around the snag. Some you win, some you lose... It's better than kiss'n your 15 bucks a quick goodbye.

cheers