Fishing Line

[Amish Bill]

I looked around the archives a little and couldn't find anything, so sorry if this has already been discussed. Can I keep my 10lb. test on and use a 4lb. leader instead of trading spools all the time? Thanks in advance.

[FRENZEL]

you could yes... If you are bait fishing just use a swivel.

[Wayne SW/MO]

When I use a leader to downsize my line I like a blood knot. I make the leader long enough to reach the reel. This way I don't have to add on very often and there is nothing to change the cast.

[Greg]

I used to do that all the time and it works fine. Like someone else suggested I always used a swivel. You will get more strikes using 2 lb test than 4 lb especially if the water is off.

Greg

[troutgnat]

Like the others I would have to recommend the swivel. Personally, I do not like joining two lines that are more than 4lbs apart using any knot. The larger the diameter difference between your lines the more your luck diminishes. Especially when your dealing with very small diameter lines. Just me here but I solved this delimna by having my own trout rod/reel rigs so their always spooled with 2 and 4 lb. test.

[BredMan]

you could yes... If you are bait fishing just use a swivel.

Bait fishing as mentioned by FRENZEL. Regardless of the leader size you need enough weight (lure size or add on) to get that 10lb test line off the reel effectively and for casting distance. I have used 6lb line with 4lb or 2lb line leaders OK but normally change spools with the line size I want to use. What type of fishing are you doing?

[Gatorjet]

As others have said, for bait fishing it would be OK. I have 6# on my bait rod, a snap swivel, and use 2# to make my "Taney Rigs". That way if I get hung up I can break off the rig, and just put a new one on. The 10# with a leader might be OK for heaver lures like Little Jakes and Cleos, but you couldn't throw a 1/8 oz jig very well. I really don't see a problem with changing spools unless you are using a closed faced or bait casting reel. Also, if you are using a rig spooled up with 10# line, your rod is probably way to heavy of an action to feel the bite. It also won't have enough give to help keep from breaking off 2# or 4# leaders.

[perchjerker]

After 2 years of trying everones & every kind of line I use Trilene XL 6# clear(to old to see the green)with a swivel no larger than a #14.My rigs are tied with low vis green Xl.Here's a hint, don't tie a wieght on till you are on the water.3-4 generators use a 3/8 . 1-2 gens use a 3/16 oz. and 1/4 is the standard.2nd hint, I was down the weekend of 9/26 and caught alot of nice rainbow on Walmart cooked & deveined shrimp.

[Gatorjet]

After 2 years of trying everones & every kind of line I use Trilene XL 6# clear(to old to see the green)with a swivel no larger than a #14.My rigs are tied with low vis green Xl.Here's a hint, don't tie a wieght on till you are on the water.3-4 generators use a 3/8 . 1-2 gens use a 3/16 oz. and 1/4 is the standard.2nd hint, I was down the weekend of 9/26 and caught alot of nice rainbow on Walmart cooked & deveined shrimp.

Another trick I use on my rigs is use a 3/16 oz bullet weight with a small split shot squeezed on just below it to keep it on. If the weight gets hung up, it will slide off leaving the rest of the rig on my line. Also, if more weight is needed, I just squeeze on a larger split shot or two

[Amish Bill]

Bait fishing as mentioned by FRENZEL. Regardless of the leader size you need enough weight (lure size or add on) to get that 10lb test line off the reel effectively and for casting distance. I have used 6lb line with 4lb or 2lb line leaders OK but normally change spools with the line size I want to use. What type of fishing are you doing?

Mostly baitfishing