Why Lead Core?

I’ve been reading some interesting posts on the use of Lead Core. Right now, I’m not sure if I want to make the investment unless it will out fish other methods(Braid and inline weights, Deeper running cranks, and so on). Down here on the lowwer pools and lakes, you just don’t see anyone using it. So my question goes out for all you lead core users and also all you non-lead core users, why do you prefer it and then also what are the cons?
Thanks in advance

This only my thought on your question-
Lead Core is an great way to fish many depths.
I have my best results when fishing deeper structure.
The lead allows you to hit the deep reel in and reset very efficiently. I think that statement is probably the key. Set-up is very efficient.
The only draw-back that I see is the expense.

For me, lead core allows me to fish baits past there traditional depths. For example, if you want a #5 shad rap to run 18 feet deep. You need some additional weight. Lead core or a snap weight. Lead core tends to be less tedious for most.

Biggest reason I run lead core is that it is the easiest and most consistent way to get a #5 shad rap down to 25 feet on Lake Pepin.

Hello Bill welcome to IDO Do you have “the feel” with core that you would with braid? I guess that would be braid with a in-line 2 oz weight

The only reason I don’t use lead core, planer boards, snap weights very often is I like to keep things between me and the fish down to a minimum. If I’m going to troll deeper I use a deeper diving lure. Now, I am not going to be able to get down to the fish with shad raps and other shallow diving baits; but when I do get fish I get them holding my tidemaster and I feel that hit and fight that fish without a lot of extra stuff. It is a trade off.

dd

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Biggest reason I run lead core is that it is the easiest and most consistent way to get a #5 shad rap down to 25 feet on Lake Pepin.

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Brad, how much core would you normally have to let out to get to 25ft?

When fishing Lake Pepin and the surounding river,Lead Core is a MUST!! Some of the trolls we do are only a few hunderd yards long and I also like using #5 Rap’s.The lead core lets us get down a little further in a shorter distance.

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Biggest reason I run lead core is that it is the easiest and most consistent way to get a #5 shad rap down to 25 feet on Lake Pepin.

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Brad, how much core would you normally have to let out to get to 25ft?

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It will depend on the speed you are trolling. I shoot for around 2-2.5 mph. At that speed about 5 colors will get down to those depths. Once you get it close I let out line till it ticks bottom then crank it up a few turns.

OK I’m just thinking out loud. Could I not get the same result using a in-line weight with braid? And if so would it cause the feel of the lure to be less? Sorry for all the questions, must be the Hawkeye in me

Yes, you can get the same result with a snap weight and braid. Too much trial and error in that method for me. Once you get dial-in with lead core you can easily repeat it. As far as the feel, most lead core trolling is done with rod holders. You can see the rod tip vibrate with the lead core, when it stops the lure is fouled up.

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For me, lead core allows me to fish baits past there traditional depths.

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Yep! Here’s a couple of other reasons why to fish leadcore:

Leadcore is very speed sensitive so it helps you move your crankbait up and down the water column which may help you locate where the fish are suspended (versus long lining braid).

Leadcore also helps you round corners more efficiently if you are trolling structure and/or contour lines.

Trolling 18 lb. leadcore @ 2.0 mph, every color (10 yards) will get you approx 5 foot of depth.

Snap weights are even more speed sensitive than leadcore which makes them inconsistent. Here are some forumulas for trolling snap weights. Keep in mind the weight to use is related to boat speed.

When placing a snapweight 50 feet up from your crankbait, if you achieve a 60 degree angle (surface to the snap weight) multiply depth wanted by 2 to get line length from rod tip to snap weight.

If you achieve a 45 degree angle, multiply by 1.41 to get line length from rod tip to snap weight.

Hope this helps!

Brad Juaire makes some good points about lead. Another nice thing is that you don’t need a linecounter reel to use it. I have em on linecounters, but look at what I have out for colors most of the time.

I was told by one of the state’s better fishermen a couple week ago, “there’s just something magical about leadcore, whether it tames the cranks’ action or what, I don’t know”. I believe him.

I used to run snap weights on shad raps to get them down to the depth I needed them. It got them down there, but it was inconsistent at best. After switching to lead core, it is much easier to repeat, I catch more fish, and it is much more versatile. I like pulling floating raps on leadcore in the spring in the WI river for post spawn fish. I never had any success with snap weights doing that.

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I was told by one of the state’s better fishermen a couple week ago, “there’s just something magical about leadcore, whether it tames the cranks’ action or what, I don’t know”. I believe him.

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I agree 100% Brian! Another thing to keep in mind – when using leadcore, it has a “S” curve to it. When trolling cranks in rougher conditions (2-3 footers), I believe this gives anglers an advantage over braid because when your boat surges in the waves, the leadcore line takes out some of the slack in your S curve but yet keeping your crankbait swimming properly (versus using braid there’s no stretch or S curve and your crankbait pulls/pauses underneath instead).

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I was told by one of the state’s better fishermen a couple week ago, “there’s just something magical about leadcore, whether it tames the cranks’ action or what, I don’t know”. I believe him.

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X2! Baits run slightly different. Some days, that’s all it takes to turn lookers into biters.

I have to say you all have a very good point on this subject and thank you very much. With that said, I do believe I’ll get a lead core setup. Would a line counter be a requirement?

I am set to get a new combo I will strictly run with lead core. The lakes up here(N MN) are generally a lot deeper than the prairie lakes I grew up with, so I feel like I can get some good use out of it. I am looking forward to digging deep into that water column with ease. Im sure down riggers would probably be my best bet but I have none so I am hoping lead core is my next best option when getting down to the lakers and rogue gators of the deep. It just seems like it will make things less complicated compared to if I were to use a braided line with weights attached. One question I have is when I get my rig all set up do I want to run a short (5′) mono leader or something like that from my lead core to my bait? By looking at the line I am thinking I probably should. Thanks

Not a requirement by any means, but I find it a lot easier to look at a number on a dial than to count colors, especially if I’m running deep and have 5 or 6 colors out. I’ve only ever run core on a sea line 47, so I never got in the habit of actually counting the colors. I would expect if you don’t have a counter, you will learn to count colors really quick.

Smackemup,

You will want some type of leader, be it braid, mono, or fluorocarbon. I typically fish stained waters, so normally run about a 10 foot leader of power pro. Clear water, I would run fluoro.

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Another thing to keep in mind – when using leadcore, it has a “S” curve to it. When trolling cranks in rougher conditions (2-3 footers), I believe this gives anglers an advantage over braid because when your boat surges in the waves, the leadcore line takes out some of the slack in your S curve but yet keeping your crankbait swimming properly (versus using braid there’s no stretch or S curve and your crankbait pulls/pauses underneath instead).

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Agreed! I forgot about that point. I do truly believe that helps catch fish.