Lead Core

Vollmer

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Do most of you run 2 rods with lead core, and 2 without? 4 with? 4 with and 2 without?

I have honestly never used it. I've just never been a huge fan of cranking, but I want to become more proficient in it this year.

Running 4 rods with lead seems tough unless a guy uses boards. Correct me if I am wrong.
 


Rowdie

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I only have 2 with lead, but so does one of my buddies. We prefished with four out last year, it wasnt a problem. No boards.
 

Auggie

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I usually run 4 with lead. Every now and then I'll run 2 lead and 2 long lines/dipsy diver. Always put the shorter lengths of line forward. Running multiple lines isn't difficult. Long rods out the side. I custom built some 11 footers and shorties out the back. You just have to be careful when turning and make sure your cranks are tuned.
 

Migrator Man

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Do most of you run 2 rods with lead core, and 2 without? 4 with? 4 with and 2 without?

I have honestly never used it. I've just never been a huge fan of cranking, but I want to become more proficient in it this year.

Running 4 rods with lead seems tough unless a guy uses boards. Correct me if I am wrong.

If you run a set of longer rods on the outside and a set of shorter ones out the back you can run 4 lines without boards. You will need to run deeper diving on the inside and shallower ones on outside(more line out to achieve depth). I have ran straight braid on all rods #5 hornets on the inside 6’6” rods out the back and #4 hornets on the outside off 9’ rods. I do have a set of leadcore on shorty rods for the inside rods now.
 

shorthairsrus

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i just put leadcore on all my trolling rods. That way everything is rigged the same way.
 


H82bogey

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For me it all depends on what I'm trying to fish, depth, speed, crank size etc all come into play. I have 4 crank rods, 2 long and 2 short. My shorties have leadcore reels on them, but I have 2 extra reels spooled up with fireline. I will switch those two rounds and reels around depending on situation. For example last year, was fishing in a bay, the bite was hot and word was out. There was easily 40+ boats around and not a lot of real estate. I ran my leadcore short rods off the back and put 1oz lead clip on sinkers on my long rods off the side. I didn't have enough room to run 100+ feet of line out with all the boats around.

As water temps warm I switch all my stuff to fireline. I get funny looks in July and August when I'm cranking at 2.5-3.0 mph, but the looks stop when the rods keep slamming over.

I personally never put leadcore on my boards. I think the clips can damage the lead inside.
 

DirtyMike

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I have 4 sets of trolling rods. The 8'6" with 15lb power pro get used the most. I have two sets of shorty's, one with powperpro and one with leadcore. I typically run the 8'6" with the leadcore shorty's. I have a set of 14 footers that just collect dust.
 

Ristorapper

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Two with leadcore inside on shorties or short rods. Two with braid or mono out wide. If you want to fish with two more rods, put 4-6 ounce balls (mini downrigger balls, I call 'em) on two setups and put that guy/gal in the bow facing backwards running them right below the boat . Can put those two in the rod holders as well but that person has to be quick to pick 'em up when they bend over so they don't get into the leadcore setups. WE've done this with three guys in a boat during tournaments (Casino, '09) Works just fine!! Wade had the mini balls in Bismarck.
 
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Kngkong

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I'm not the most experienced but I regularly use 4 rods with none using leadcore. I do sometimes use snap weights though and will often use boards on 1 rod if I'm using 4 cranks that have similar dive curves, but if i have 4 or more rods out im always experimenting on a crank or 2 and usually just run something with a different dive curve. i find that easier to use than leadcore. Also remember that leadcore is very speed dependent.
 


Migrator Man

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Anyone ever used the Tuff line microlead ? Saw some at Walmart for only $10.
 

Enslow

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I usually run two lead core and when you get snagged just floor it and head to the boat ramp .
 

westwolfone

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I usually run two lead core and when you get snagged just floor it and head to the boat ramp .

No kidding there.

I have used leadcore some, but I prefer using powerpro and a 3 way with a drop sinker, or snap weights.
 

Wall-eyes

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Cranking is not for all, back when I fished a lot of tournaments, I learned a lot from some great anglers and being amature for couple years on WMC and PWT was learning experience. I run custom triple trees that can angle on side so long rod straight out next rod about 50% outside and then last rod 10% angled outside for total of 6 rods not that hard to run. Can run them out back if have 4 guys but hate too that is where nets and fighting fish out back are happening. Different baits that run different depts or lead core clip weights etc.. Run Sufix half rods lead vs other half of rods powerpro line really not hard good group taught how is key. Alot of money in all kids of different walleye tournaments has been won by many guys join in it is fun.
 
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shorthairsrus

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nuttin wrong with tuff line -micro is a bonus

all my trolling rods have it on. Versatile

The only ones not using lead are the ones that chewed on lead sinkers when they were little!!!!!
 

Enslow

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Lead core is super easy and deadly . It’s fun just don’t get snagged lol.
 

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