how long's your leader?

[1dozenraw]

Shock leader... conventional... if I'm throwing heavier stuff. Not usually for 2-3oz plugs.

3-4' leader (not past the tip) ... spinning.

I use 40-50lb mono on both. I never use a long (through the guides to the reel) leader for spinning, partly because I'm throwing 2-4 oz plugs and don't need it.

If I'm using conventional I may use one depending on what (how heavy a load) I'm throwing.

I just don't like the knot going through the guides on a spinning rig because of the way the load on the guides is compared to a conventional.

My knot for joining the mono leader to braid is either an overhand to uni or uni to uni.

[t.orlando]

No more shock leaders for me. Usually start with a 4ft leader, then keep cutting back as needed to about 2, then change.

[Clogston29]

3' - 5' depending on where I'm fishing and with what rod. Usually only use 5' when I know I'll need it for "handlining" fish around obstructions and guiding them to my landing spot in the rocks. I'll go down to 3' if I'm deep wading to make casting easier. 4' is most common. All my leaders are tied to a swivle, no shock leaders.

[Rockport24]

I usually go 3-4 feet tied to a swival.

[cow tamer]

I had trouble with a 9' spinning rod, going more than 34", as I'd have a tendancy to real the swivel up through the rod tip at night.

[Kierran]

Between 3 - 5 ft. of 45-60# fluoro w/ a Spro barrel & 80#Breakaway.

[chris L]

down to my belt when its wet .

[Stewie]

I start out with about 10-11 feet of heavy mono, enough to leave me three feet of hang when the mono to braid knot is just outside of my conventional reel. I like the extra length to help avoid rock cutoffs, but mostly because it makes it easier to handle the line when retrieving and releasing fish from the rockpiles.

I have seen knots cause problems with the guides on spinning rods, but never on conventional gear.