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Quote:

Originally Posted by Alphahawk (Post 75613)

There is a difference in fluorocarbon leader. What you and I don't get to see is the "refractive" index that the leader is rated at. The lower the refractive index the more expensive the leader....it costs more to make. Seaguar Grand Max is 20 bucks a roll for a reason. When I trout fish Seaguar Grand Max is all I use. This was proven to me on the Little Red River. I was using leader X and the guy I was with was using Seaguar Grand Max. I switched and started catching a fish every cast just like him. I often use fluro leader at Center Hill and Dale Hollow fishing for crappie and Smallies.

Regards

Alpha what do you think about needing fluoro on the Cumberland for smallmouth? I've caught my fair share with straight braid but am wondering if I'm missing out on more while jig fishing. There is obviously more water color there than Center Hill though I've caught a few out there without leaders (but only when fishing fast for reaction bites). I don't mind tying leaders except for in the river when I get snagged all the time. I can't afford a zillion yards of fluoro per outing!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by CreekWalker (Post 75627)

My take on it is for the way I fish. I fish finesse all the time. With a 1/64 ounce jig slowly floating in the water column the Smallies get a long time to look at it. I want to start out being setup for success as much as possible. Having a fluro leader sure doesn't hinder you any. I have fished a lot with NanoFil and always use a leader with it. You will get a lot of input on whether to use a fluro leader or not but I can say without a doubt when I use it I catch more fish.

Regards

I honestly believe the leader helps. I use it in the river also, and don't lose a lot of tackle or lures. And I typically use 6-8 feet of leader line anyways so I don't use a lot of flourocarbon. And, you don't have to use flourocarbon, you can try it with mono and then decide for yourself. Also could try a fish tank or pool and see the difference for yourself.

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Quote:

Originally Posted by skillet (Post 75625)

Line depends on what I'm fishing for. Crappie, I use straight mono, 4-6#. Bass fishing I use straight flouro, 12lb daiwa line I was talking about earlier. Worm/jig is 30lb power pro braid and a 20lb seaguar leader. Same braid on top water, but I use a mono leader because it doesn't sink.

Alphahawk, I'd like to find a chart on the refractive index if one exists. I do know that ever since I started using flourocarbon line, my bite ratio has went up and catch ratio. I started earlier this year using 30# braid and a 12# leader. When I set the hook, I'd pull the knot every time. I got discouraged and started using straight braid and I didn't catch a decent fish for a long time. And I noticed I just wasn't getting the bites that I should've. And I attribute that to fish seeing the line. Changed to 20lb leader and my confidence is back and I'm catching the fish that I knew I could. Now, please don't chastise me for using such heavy line for these little green back fish I catch. 😂😂

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There is no chart. This info is put out by companies...........that are making fluro leader for different brands. I am not sure how many line makers there are in the states but there are a couple. Many lines and leader will come out of same factory with different brand names. Seaguar is the only company to manufacture leader from raw material to the finished product.....it is made in Japan. .....great stuff.

Regards

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alphahawk (Post 75637)

Every bit of research of done says Seaguar

now its down to what Seaguar line to use lol