Leader Building

[The Dad Fisherman]

I always use smaller test for the leader than the main line....if I get snagged I'd rather lose a couple of feet of leader than 20-30 yards of braid.

If I'm fishing 50# braid I use a 30#(Ocean front) or 40# (the Ditch) leader. If i'm using 30# braid I use 23-25# leader.

I also use the SPRO 130# swivels on everything except my schoolie setup...

but this is just what I do, there are other guys that do it different. I don't do the direct tie to the line because it pretty much takes me 10 minutes to tie one sitting in my livingroom, let alone in the dark standing on a rock.

[MikeToole]

For eel leaders I use 30# for sandy beaches and normally 50# for rocky areas. I only go to fluoro for daylight fishing and than it is only when conditions are real calm. Normally use either Ande or Big Game leader material. Usually keep eel leaders at 3' with a 130# spro on one end and a Eagle Claw L2004ELFS circle hook on the other, using polomar knots.

For plug leaders 130# spro with a coastlock snap #33 or 34 on the other end unless I'm going to tie direct. Normally use a snap when fishing nights and direct tie during the day. If it's a plug that you reel in fast or on the surface, like a pencil popper I use a snap during the day. Makes life easier. If the leader is for direct tie I start with a 5 or 6foot leader and replace it when it's down to less than 3'. For leaders with snaps either 3' or 5', depends on if I need the extra length to grab the leader when landing the fish. When I do use a shock leader on it is also when I need the extra length for controlling the fish. Don't want to be grabing enev 50# braid if you can help it.

[cheferson]

Used to use spro swivels , last 2 seasons ive been using krok. Krok are smaller, stronger and cheaper

[Clogston29]

not too heavy for eels at all. i usually use a 5' long 50# leader if using a 10' rod, and a 4' leader if using a 9'. If I could cast it, I'd use a 10' leader. I don't trust braid to mono knots so I'm sticking with the swivel.

i typically use 50# for plugging too, unless i'm using small plugs (like a 1 ounce bomber) or fishing early in the season - then I'll use 30 or 40.