Line Or Leader?

[Toby from MO]

I’ve read several reports on here referring to “spin fishermen” using a leader..

I’m looking for a better understanding of the leader itself and when is it practical for a spin fisherman to use a leader. Considering everything you do is in the name of “natural presentation” is the choice to use a leader more so related to water clarity/current conditions, fishing method/technique, personal preference or maybe even cost?

Generally speaking my line of choice is P Line CX Premium in 4lb. It’s a thin fluoro coated monofilament. The 4lb is approximately .006” in diameter…or roughly 5-6X. That said I’ve been thinking of trying a fluorocarbon and/or a fluoro leader for jig fishing or jig/float if it makes a practical difference.

I recognize one consideration must be cost. Obviously there a big difference between filling your spool with $20 of fluorocarbon vs. filling with $3 of mono then using a 3’of fluorocarbon as your leader.

The knot - What is the preferred knot used to connect leader to line? If I am correct in understanding a line will generally break at the knot is this knot trustworthy and/or why would I want to add another knot between myself and the fish? Is it still a comparison of cost vs. reliability?

Leader Materials – I see leaders or tippet material is sold in a variety of materials. Say I’m looking at fluorocarbon tippet material, is there a difference between using the actual “tippet” material vs. a “regular” fluorocarbon filler line? I’ve studied a few different “X” sizing charts thus believe to understand the 5X, 6X or 7X to identify diameter. That said, there are several choices of thin diameter fluorocarbons and/or fluoro coated monofilament lines in the 5X – 7X (2 – 4lb) range.

Thanks for the help.

Toby

[Gavin]

I hate flouro on spin rigs. I usually fish braid with a leader, straight mono, or mono with a leader for spooky fish.

A triple surgeons knot makes for a quick connection if you dont have a lure tied on. Uni to Uni if you already have a lure on one end of the leader and you dont want to retie both. Both knots will break at the knot when snagged, but I've never had an issue with a fish on.

Fly rod tippet is usually more consistent and truer to the actual diameter on the package (but more expensive). Just depends on what your fishing...Jerkbaits & Jigs 8-12lb spooled flouro most of the time, Maybe some 0-3x flouro tippet if I'm not getting any love. Jig or fly under a float (or cheese bait when kiddo fishing)..the fish run small so 5-7x fly rod tippet is adequate. Use a reel with decent drag and adjust it properly. Have fun.