Leaders

[nick1234]

Do leaders give lures (plastics, jerkbaits, etc.) more action? And if so, what length would give it the most action?

[cassidyta]

For me, I only use a leader if my main line does not support the technique I want to throw. Most often, it is because I am using my braid rod and need to finesse. I have often used them to downsize line in very clear water. I usually don't go with a leader any longer than the length of the rod I am using. I prefer to keep the knot out of the rod when I am casting. Most often I will use a 3 foot leader. I go down to a 1 foot leader if I am attaching a c-rig.

[zooker]

no leaders don't give the lure more action..they just make the main line less vizable in most cases..

you want more action use a loop knot or a coast lock swivel..

zooker

[bassboogieman]

I kind of disagree with that Zook. For plastics, especially finesse applications (with an un-pegged sinker or weightless) a leader that it about half the test of the main line will allow the bait to move better. Some guys work finesse on lighter test lines and a leader isn't necessary, but if you're using a leader with heavier main line light baits will work a little better with a lighter leader. I think the same holds true for C-rigs, a lighter test leader allows the bait to float higher and not affect it's movement as much as a heavier leader. My impression of loop knots or a coast lock swivel is that they are more often used with hard baits rather than plastics - my own methods lean to using a leader more with soft baits than hard. That may not be true for everyone, but it's what works for me.

[Fishnngolfn]

I use 15# CFX pure flouro leader tied with a J-knot to 20# suffix orange braid. I use this for my weightless plastic setup. I use about a 3' to 6' leader length until reties or abrasion cause the leader to be around 6". I have had a 6' leader last me this entire spring and summer and I still have about 4' left on it. CFX fouro leader is very expensive but worth it if you have a setup strictly for that application so retying is kept to a minimum.

[nofearengineer]

I use a leader under the following conditions:

1 - I want less visibility to the fish. Usually fluorocarbon.

2 - I want more durability. Some fish have nasty teeth. A walleye, musky, or pike will absolutely shred low-lb test mono.

3 - Sacrificial. With a C-Rig, I will usually use braid barrel swiveled to a fluorocarbon leader of lesser lb-test. If it gets hung up and I have to break it off, I get to keep my expensive Tungsten sinker (usually).

I haven't really thought about the type of line affecting the action of the lure before, but I think Zooker is right. Of more importance is the knot you are using. But just as a sanity check, I have a simple rule I use. If the lures eye is too small to easily get a doubled line through it (as in a Palomar knot), then you are using too heavy (thick) line. Even if you're not using the Palomar, try it as a check before you tie your favorite knot. If you follow that rule, I don't think you would ever have a problem with lure action.