Muskie/pike leader

[swimnfish04]

I'm typically a bass fisherman, but I plan on doing some muskie fishing this summer. I'll be casting and using braid as a main line, but I just wanted to get some opinions on leader material. Can you get away with a heavy fluorocarbon leader, or do I need wire?

[headbanger421]

100# test fluoro minimum, 130# preferred. What test braid are you using?

[fishinthed]

I have yet to experience a bite-off or break-off using 50-60lb fluorocarbon, it's reasonably easy to tie knots, and doesn't spook walleyes or bass when using smaller baits.

I use a trilene knot with only one twist on the snap on the business end, and a double uni for joining line to leader when I don't want any swivels and such weighting the line down when casting with suspending and finesse baits (X-Raps, large Senkos, and such).

[headbanger421]

The reason for the heavier fluoro isn't just for bite offs, it's for abrasion resistance. I you Lee Tauchen's knot for my leaders and crimp them for extra security. I'll be trying solid wire leaders for jekbaits/ WTD topwaters this year too.

[waterfoul]

The ONE Musky I've caught in my life came on a 50 lb Big Game leader. 43 inches, guessing around 18 lbs.


http://i248.photobucket.com/albums/gg171/waterfoul24/Muskie_trip_June_2_011.jpg?t=1238862219

[hunter62]

I prefer titanium leaders for pike and muskie. They don't bend and kink like normal wire leaders do.

[swimnfish04]

I'll probably use either 65 or 80 pound braid

[fishinthed]

Braid? I hope you're referring to the main line, or wire braid.

Regular braid would be the worst leader material. Frays easily and high visibility.

Fluorocarbon is tough, and the lowest visibility. Wire leaders are the toughest, but higher visibility, though their reflective nature helps them blend in a bit. Hard mono (such as Big Game or Trilene XT) is also tough, and less visible than wire. All of those choices make sense to me. Regular braid does not.

[headbanger421]

I was asking what his main line would be.

[trwest]

what do you guys recommend in regards to the length of a flouro leader and a titanium/wire one?

[fishinthed]

Length of the leader depends upon where and how you're fishing.

Need not have a very long leader for casting. 18 inches should do. But I've got this thing about visibility, so I tie on a 6 ft flourocarbon leader with a double uni when using braid as my main line anyway.

A double uni passes through the guides pretty easily, so no problem with casting. May cut the distance a little, but not all that much.

For trolling weedy waters like Lake St. Clair, it is best to use a long (at least 6 ft) leader with a swivel chain and/or weight on the front end to catch the weeds ahead of te lure.

[PWOG]

Ive seen the 100lb fluro leaders slice like butter on muskie shows before.
Guy turns to the camera with jaw on the floor:yikes: How the heck did this happen? holding both ends...

[headbanger421]

I use shorter leaders(12-18 in.) when casting. I use swivels on my leaders so I like shorter leaders so that when I reel in to the swivel I know it's time to figure 8. When trolling 3-5 ft. leaders in 80 lb. should work fine.