Thread: Leader Material

So planning on making (attempting?) some leaders for my July trip. I usually just have used the store bought Owner Flouro leaders previous trips. I've had recommendations on making wire leaders or using heavy flouro. Planning on targeting spanish and kings. Any advice is greatly appreciated as usual.

Thanks!

In Texas we use Malin piano wire with a haywire twist for smacks. The thinner the better. Gotcha plugs do a lot of catching. I can't personally speak for kings but would surmise that they would need a heavier diameter wire. Good luck!

Originally Posted by Nimakdm

So planning on making (attempting?) some leaders for my July trip. I usually just have used the store bought Owner Flouro leaders previous trips. I've had recommendations on making wire leaders or using heavy flouro. Planning on targeting spanish and kings. Any advice is greatly appreciated as usual.

Thanks!

I use titanium , it's more expensive but doesn't kink like wire and is way flexible , last many fish

Originally Posted by Nimakdm

So planning on making (attempting?) some leaders for my July trip. I usually just have used the store bought Owner Flouro leaders previous trips. I've had recommendations on making wire leaders or using heavy flouro. Planning on targeting spanish and kings. Any advice is greatly appreciated as usual.

Thanks!

I use 50lb mono leader (not fishng line) for spanish...and 30lb 7 stand wire for kings

Originally Posted by Nimakdm

So planning on making (attempting?) some leaders for my July trip. I usually just have used the store bought Owner Flouro leaders previous trips. I've had recommendations on making wire leaders or using heavy flouro. Planning on targeting spanish and kings. Any advice is greatly appreciated as usual.

Thanks!

I always use wire for kings and big Spanish - about #27 lb. singlestrand, coffee colored . I use about 20 inches of fluorocarbon leader for trout when I use live bait. When I use lures for trout, I just tie to the main line.

I know a lot of guys use mono or fluorocarbon leader for Spanish, but the big ones just bite-through too often for me. I'll go to it only if they're wire-leader shy and I'm just not getting any hits.

My go to for spanish is 40 or 50lb Mono Leader material like Ironman said. You just gotta check it out often. I tie it Uni to Uni with my mainline so there's no swivel. I like the 27lb tooth proof(coffee color) also, especially if they aren't picky and i'm getting cut off alot.

For the new style jigs I made the best action comes with a short piece of wire (instead of mono leader).....not sure why (knots maybe) but the wire gave the best side to side action

Originally Posted by Johntr21

I use titanium , it's more expensive but doesn't kink like wire and is way flexible , last many fish

I had tried titanium before and cut easy...trying it again since I already own some....mainly for the jigs & Spanish. ....you are right about not kinking, the main reason using it again, if I can find the other lb wire , I will make multiple leader lb's.....rather due it now then on the pier or condo after fishing all day and tired, need more king leaders too (7 strand for those)

No sense in buying leaders cheaper to make your own.
Spanish: 40# or 50” mono is all you need just, as noted above, check it often. If the sure enough axe handle size Spanish are around, use a short 6” light single strand wire. I also use a short wire leader when throwing small crank baits or a belly strip for Spanish.
Kings: I use 27# single strand with small Matt black swivel and a #4 3x treble. I like short leaders, 6-8”. Use a haywire twist for the “knots”.

Originally Posted by CarlF

No sense in buying leaders cheaper to make your own.
Spanish: 40# or 50” mono is all you need just, as noted above, check it often. If the sure enough axe handle size Spanish are around, use a short 6” light single strand wire. I also use a short wire leader when throwing small crank baits or a belly strip for Spanish.
Kings: I use 27# single strand with small Matt black swivel and a #4 3x treble. I like short leaders, 6-8”. Use a haywire twist for the “knots”.

I make most everything I use, except the lures (might try that one day)
Cheap is my middle name

Round 2 of jig making, first is done....just poured and sanded rd 2.....clean up and paint, then tying.....pouring a few more trolly anchors, and leader making for the up coming trip this end of summer/ fall