leader line

[Erik]

I got hold of a bad spool of line not too long ago. It was trilene XT. I use it for leader line quite a bit but every once in awhile I get a bad spool. Was it old, or was it poorly made? I don't know, all I do know is it was breaking very easily. I would tie up and check my leader and 2 out of 3 times it would break right in my hands. I had just bought it too! I'm not evan going to tell you about the new state record steelhead that I lost. (Maybe a slight exageration).
Any body else got suggestions for a quality leader line.

[msiebers]

Eric, I had the same trouble with XT so I quit using it. The new stuff from Trilene is much better. Try the stuff called "Trilene Advanced". It comes in green and gold. The green works great for steehead leaders. The only 2 problem's you may encounter are: 1, if you use the green stuff on your mainline you cant see the line to follow it through a run. 2 you will have a hard time breaking off on a snag. This suff is tuff!!!

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Mike

[Erik]

Thanks Mike, I'll give it a try!

[Huntnut]

Try Maxima chameleon line for leaders and tippets...I have pretty much tried them all and Maxima still stays in the vest. It has very little memory and is not prone to twisting. But it sucks as a main line...don't fill your spool with it!
Huntnut

[toto]

I personally like the Maxima Ultragreen, usually in 6#. this line hides very well, ties good knots, and is quite strong. I normally fill my spool with 8# ultragreen, and use the 6 for leader. the only thing aabout the 8 is seems to have more of a memory problem than the six. Has anyone tried the new flourocarbons yet as leader material?

[msiebers]

Toto, How does that Ultragreen Maxima, show up against the suface of the river. Can you follow your line thru the runs ok?

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Mike

[hypox]

yeah...I have been using the berkley vanish, it has been working very well. I think the fish have a real hard time seeing it because it seems like I have been catching a few more fish with it. The only thing you have to watch with it is when you tie your knot, be sure the line is wet for lubrication, because it will scuff up in the last second of pulling your knot tight. If it is wet, it won't do that. It seems to be pretty strong also!

[Erik]

Hey guys, I got a chance to try the maxima this last weekend. I put it to the test and it passed well! The only color I could find was ultragreen. I almost didn't buy it cause I figured it was like ultra ultra green. You know like flourescent. Its not, of course you guys probably already knew that! I think its just about the perfect color to blend with the water. Just slightly tinted green. Haven't tryed the chameleon yet. May be next time.
Flourocarbons I haven't really tryed yet. I did get some of the vanish last summer but I really didn't put it to the test. I do like the maxima though, thanks for the tip!

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Phish

[toto]

It gets difficult at times to see it, especially in 6#. That is probably the hardest part about it, but I figure if it is hard to see for me, perhaps it is for trout too. I like it a little better than chameleon due the fact it seems to hold a knot better, and isn't as stiff.

[WEEZER]

Erik, If I were you I'd leave the Chameleon line alone!!!!!! especially as your main line. cham. twists easily and has lots of memory. Although it does change colors under water it still doesn't blend in on those crytal clear waters. (It sticks out like a sore thumb!)
Maxima Ultragreen #6 main line to a ultragreen 4# leader is my favorite for steelies. Sometimes I go with a 6# leader on the big Man, I ONLY USE MAXIMA ULTRAGREEN.
BTW I have never had many problems with steelies breaking off the 4#.
(ANDES makes a good river line too, I have a couple of friends that strictly use that brand.)

[kingfisher 11]

Ditto to what toto said! I will even go to 4# leader when the fish get spooky. I tie a double clinch knot and the knots hold up real well. I have found no better!!! I have tried fireline for my main line with the leader being maxima, this works well if there are alot of snags.