Heaviest leader line on a “light” dropshot?

Hello all,

What’s the heaviest leader line you’ve used on a “lightweight” dropshot (not a “bubba shot” or a “power shot”)? I need to keep it on a spinning reel because I prefer using the lightest weight (1/8 oz) possible.

Last year, I did very well using long 8 or 10 lb mono leaders, but with a 6’10” medium power, extra-fast action rod, I struggled to keep fish out of the weeds, or if I horsed them, I broke off more times than I want to remember.

I should also mention 1) I’m fishing out of a canoe 90% of the time, so I don’t have a depthfinder, which makes precise casts down a weedline more difficult, 2) I’m seated, so I don’t have the vertical leverage on fish that I would if standing in a boat, and 3) most lakes I fish don’t have a public access, so the fish are not pressured.

I did try some thicker flouro last year, but I struggled to get a good knot when paired with thin braid. Maybe I just need to learn some new knots?

Thanks!

If you fish a dropshot around thick weeds, you’re bound to break off on a few fish. Personally, i’d go to 10-12# fluoro (I’d recommend Sufix advance) as I have found it’s more abrasion resistant than mono, or straight braid if you’re willing.

A lot of people fuss about line transparency (including myself) but i used to fish straight braid on everything I did, including wacky and ned rigs, and still caught plenty of fish

On a spinning set up I’d go with a Braid to Fluro setup. I’d keep the fluro in the 8-10 Lb. range. With Fluro you could possibly go a little higher if you are getting breakoffs. I would connect the braid to Fluro using a FG knot. Its not the easiest to learn to tie but by far the best. One other thing. i would go with a Fluro that is designed for leader material. Not fluro designed as mainine. There is a big difference and the leader material is stronger and more nick resistant.

If you’re fishing around weeds you’re probably targeting largemouth. I haven’t found many green fish to be very line shy and you might get away with 12-14 fluoro… although I typically use 8 lb. I know some guys that just use straight 20 lb braid if fishing around vegetation in murkier water.

If clear water and fishing for smallmouth, I don’t think I’ve ever gone above 8 lb and usually use 7 lb Sniper. They are much more sight feeders.

I would probably use the same test strength for the leader as I would for the main line, or slightly less. Doesn’t make a whole lotta sense to use 10 pound test main line and then 20 pound leader material.

What fishthumper said about the leader material itself is true and what frydog said about largemouth compared to smallmouth is mostly true too, although in some pressured clearer water, largies can be finicky too.

Thanks for the input, guys. I should’ve mentioned I’m fishing largemouth.

I definitely thought about just going straight braid. This water is very, very clear, but the fish are not pressured at all, so I suppose I might be able to get away with it. Worth a (drop) shot, I suppose.

Thanks for the tip on the FG knot. I saw a video with Seth Feider explaining it…if it works for him, I should probably learn it. But I’m not usually breaking off at the knot — it’s usually down by the hook. I probably should retie a bit more often, but I usually do every trip or two.

I always like heavier jigs and line. I usually fish a 14 lb fc. I fish stained water most of the time. Braid main line.

carmike wrote:

But I’m not usually breaking off at the knot — it’s usually down by the hook. I probably should retie a bit more often, but I usually do every trip or two.

You’re correct in thinking you should retie more often. My usual setup is 8# fireline to 6# Seaguar floro leader on a ML-XF rod. Normally fished on a weed edge or in sparse weeds. If I’m getting into thicker weeds, I’ll sometimes use 15# braid to 10# floro leader on a M-F rod. I don’t have much problem at all with breaking off, but check the dropshot knot after every fish. I’ve pulled a number of fish that bury into the weeds with that light setup. Just have to take your time. I will say in my experience the lighter line will outfish the heavier most days.

You’d be surprised at how strong some braids really are. For example Sufix 832 in 10# braid with .20 mm line diameter has like an FG knot line join strength at 20#.