TOPIC:

I’m curious as to what leader lengths and pound test people run. I have pretty much just ran 20# test in the past. Last year I had several leaders on dipsey divers break from what I assume were nice kings. Drags were set loose and snubbers were used.

What # for wire divers?
What length and test for lead core?
What length and test for copper?

Thank you in advance. Looking forward to hearing some different opinions.

I usually run 20lbs fluorocarbon if the bite is on. If it's slow or on and off I will change it up and start dropping lbs all the way down to 8lbs. But I'm not saying that's what will make the difference every time

All really matters on clarity on water and how the fish are biting

Interesting. Thank you. I’ve never changed leader weights while fishing.

We run 30 and 40 lb. fluorocarbon leaders.
40 ft 30# fluorocarbon leaders with lead core and copper.
4 - 6 ft 40# fluorocarbon leaders with Lite Bite Slide Divers.
We didn't run dipsies last year and I didn't use snubbers with the Lite Bite.
I don't trust the new style snubbers. The older style Luhr Jensen snubbers had a dacron leader back up in case the tubing broke. I found myself constantly checking the DW snubbers after having a couple break and finally did away with them.

Thank you! I’ve been basically running 75 foot leaders on both cooper and lead. I wondered if that was to long allowing my baits to ride up some.

I doubt a bait would "ride up" unless it's a plug of some sort which is way out of tune. That being said - if you are fishing for fish so smart you need a 75 foot leader, it's too smart to be caught. Personally, I think a leader of three or four feet is plenty to fool most fish and I'm talking tying a three foot leader to bright orange, yellow or green line. That being said, I like to have a leader long enough so when the fish is up behind the boat, ready to be slid into the net, the knot between the leader and the copper, leadcore, braid, or hi-vis mono is on the reel. On my boat that's 15 - 20 feet.

I've had very few breakoffs using 20 pound leaders on divers. Not dissing any knot tying skills, but I use 1) Palomar on mono as much as possible. 2) Trilene Knot 3) When using fluorocarbon, I tie the "fluorocarbon knot" - one thing in common is all of these have two wraps of line on the lure or swivel.

Thanks Brother Nature. I actually switched over to the Palomar knot last year. It’s easy to tie and I haven’t noticed any knot failures since.

All my leaders are 30-40' of 20lb fluoro.

I use 25lb Blue Label floro on copper/core leaders and when I’m using spoons on Divers. If I’m running dodgers or flashers I use 40lb mono as a leader to the attractor and 50lb floro from flasher to fly or meat rig. I have a tough time believing that a fish that hits a fly two foot from a big piece of plastic is going to be line shy.

I agree. We definitely aren’t sneaking up on these fish. Only worry would be would rather my leader break than my main line I think.