Leader line question

Hey guys. I like to pull spinner rigs and was wondering what you’ve used/liked for leader line. I picked up some Berkley Vanish 10 lb fluorocarbon, but saw reviews all over the map on it.

I really like Vanish… but what matters is how it works for you? Have you tried it?

Shawn Flemming, owner of Jolly Roger Tackle, did a bunch of testing of lines and found that Seaguar Red Label flurocarbon offered the best combination of durability, abrasion resistance and resistance to kinking.

Seaguar Red Label @ Cabelas

Here’s a video from Shawn where he talks about the components (hooks, like, spinners, etc.) he researched and recommends for building the best spinner rigs.

PS – don’t hesitate to go heavier on the leader material either. I would look at 12 – 14# line if it was me… and the fish won’t care in the least.

Thanks, James. I haven’t tried it yet, though hope to soon. I started tying my own rigs to save some bucks (in theory), so picked up some of the Vanish line. I figured 10 lb was strong enough, but almost got 12 lb. Hmmmm. Will give it a try and see.

I’ve been using Vanish for leaders for the last 5 years or so and love it. I generally do 6-8 lb on my leaders. Only thing I’ve had break off was an occasional pike. I’ve pulled big sturgeon and cats in on it and seen paddle fish pulled in on it as well.

14# Berkly 100% floro, always been great for me. I really like avoiding netting fish if possible, I like the ability to just grab my leader and hoist in eaters or stear big fish into position.

Whew. Glad to hear you’ve had good luck. As a related question, I’ve noticed some of the pre-done leaders in the store are now tied to a swivel which I assume you then clip on to a bouncer etc. I’ve always just used a loop knot which attaches to the bouncer clip and never had any issues. But do you guys use the swivel at the end of the leader (where it attaches to the bouncer/weight) and noticed that that helps any?

I always tie to a swivel but I beleive this is a peer preferance deal

I generally save the swivel on the spinner and just use a surgeons knot.

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I always tie to a swivel but I beleive this is a peer preferance deal

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x2 but I also feel like you get a stronger hold with a swivel vs the loop. Although I have no proof that is true or not.

Any of you think going to a higher #Lb. Flouro reduces the action of bait presentation? I’ve been using Sufix #8 Flouro leader with good results but was wondering if the heavier stuff affects the presentation.

Not a big fan of vanish myself. Used it for leaders on a Lindy rigs on the Mississippi and it would get cuts that would break off way too easy. Just my own experience in zebra muscle waters. Good luck.
Geoff

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I always tie to a swivel but I beleive this is a peer preferance deal

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x2 but I also feel like you get a stronger hold with a swivel vs the loop. Although I have no proof that is true or not.

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I agree it makes me feel better to use the swivel. I tie my own and don’t have much faith in my loop knots. My palomar on the other hand

I have used several line tests and brands. Can’t say that I like it for anything. I have better luck with plain mono. Might just be me.

I have used Vanish in 8#, and 12# on my’Lindy Rig’ leaders and spinner rigs. If I feel the bite is ‘lite’ I’ll make sure I use the 8#. If I’m feeling it and connecting on the 12#, I’ll stay with it. I also go with the 12# if I’m moving along the weed line as the Northern’s make quick work in separating me from them on the 8’s…always using the fluro…I also use the quick change clevises when building my spinner rigs. I usually make my rigs in 3, 5, and 8 to 10 foot lengths…longer lengths get a ‘floater’ on the leader too. I usually use #4 & #6 blades. Have a variety, Colorado, Indiana, willow, and I even have some of the ‘ol ‘hatchet’ blades…
OK, now you can see how carried away with this one can get.

(I don’t actually use the blades in the picture, just ‘borrowed it from Cabela’s to show the clevises)

That’s some great info. Looks like I’ll be “compromising” by using 10 pound if you use 8 and 12. When you say you use the quick change clevis…you mean you add a swivel clevis to one end of the leader and attach that to the clevis swivel of a bottom bouncer? Or just put the loop of your knot onto the quick change clevis of the bouncer? I’ve never used leaders longer than about 5 feet. Just got back from a week of fishing Sakakawea in N.D. and was using about 3 foot ones there. On the river I’ve generally used 3 to 4 feet ones. I use both colorado and indiana blades; can’t seem to tell much difference really. But it sure is fun to experiment. Thanks for all the great info. This is helpful.

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When you say you use the quick change clevis…you mean you add a swivel clevis to one end of the leader and attach that to the clevis swivel of a bottom bouncer? Or just put the loop of your knot onto the quick change clevis of the bouncer?

The clevis he was referancing was the clevis that hold the blade on the leader line and allows it to spin freely, the quik change clevis allows the changing of blade color in seconds(if you have small fingers. fat fingers it make take a minutes

Ah. I see. Sorry for my confusion. That’s what I use, too – the plastic quick change for the blades. Pain to change, though, as you say.