Fluorocarbon Leaders

[Lungdeflator]

Anybody run a fluoro leader on their ice rigs?

I started doing it 3 years ago. Using a braid and then 18-24" of fluoro leader. I like it, seems to help on the more finicky fish. I've been using trilene 10lb fluoro the last couple years and it seems like it breaks too easy. Mostly at the knots though, so maybe that is my fault.

What kind of fluoro do you use? What is the best knot(s) for tying to a swivel? Or direct tying to the braid?

 

[LBrandt]

Palomar Knot is what works for me. Simple enough to do even on a windy day in the boat.

 

[deleted_account]

almost always run a flouro leader ice fishing or open water. usually 6 to 10 lb ice fishing and 10-20 lb open water depending on how pike infested the waters are. I like Pline flouro. Usually tie to a small swivel ice fishing then a small snap to my lure. open water i tie flouro direct to main line with a uni knot and a small snap swivel, mostly because that small uni knot goes through the guides easy when pitching jigs or cranks

 

[Captain Ahab]

Seguar Red Label and never look back. I don't like Trilene flouro either.

 

[deleted_account]

seaguar red label probably the best leader line out there

 

[LiebelsGuide]

Anybody run a fluoro leader on their ice rigs?

I started doing it 3 years ago. Using a braid and then 18-24" of fluoro leader. I like it, seems to help on the more finicky fish. I've been using trilene 10lb fluoro the last couple years and it seems like it breaks too easy. Mostly at the knots though, so maybe that is my fault.

What kind of fluoro do you use? What is the best knot(s) for tying to a swivel? Or direct tying to the braid?

Are you using the Berkley Vanish Flouro or 100% Professional Grade Flouro? I did not like the Vanish, it seemed very weak, but have had no issue with the 100% professional grade. I like to use a leader that is a little bit longer than the ice thickness then you know when you are approaching the hole(really nice to know on Winnipeg when you can't see the bottom of the ice). I have been using 8lb test for ice fishing.

 

[Lungdeflator]

I have been using the Trilene Fluoro...I think it comes in a yellow or gold label/box?

I have been considering the Vanish, but not any more after reading these comments. I'll give the Red Label stuff a try.

Are you using the Berkley Vanish Flouro or 100% Professional Grade Flouro? I did not like the Vanish, it seemed very weak, but have had no issue with the 100% professional grade. I like to use a leader that is a little bit longer than the ice thickness then you know when you are approaching the hole(really nice to know on Winnipeg when you can't see the bottom of the ice). I have been using 8lb test for ice fishing.

 

[Riverbottoms]

I run vanish 6lb flouro, seems fine to me. Just remember is only 6lb test! But I only run this during the spring on the river, and in cold water applications. Vertical jig mostly.

 

[Achucker]

I was going to try fluorocarbon leader this spring. Here is a you tube videos of a knot I was going to try. It seems like it takes a long time to tie but he also does another video to show you how quick it can be.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=pjzUb5QRKuk

 

[guywhofishes]

neato!

 

[Davy Crockett]

Why just a leader instead of spooling up with it ?

 

[KDM]

I use straight mono during the winter and 10 lb PP with a small black swivel to 10 lb vanish floro leader during summer. No issues.

 

[Kickemup]

Why just a leader instead of spooling up with it ?

I dont like like jigging with mono. It has to much stretch for my liking.

 

[raider]

i've used 8# spider wire stealth to snap swivel to 14# vanish for last several years for spinner rigs, and bobber rigs the last 2... have been very happy with this combo, and actually bought some vanish in 8# to try for slip bobber rigs this year...

maybe to light???

fwiw, i believe a good drag properly set will disguise most line strength issues...

 

[Migrator Man]

I use a uni knot with 10# power pro to 10# berkley flouro. I don't like messing with swivels that's may mess with a guide. Never have had one issue even with snags.

Flouro doesn't stretch like mono but I can't stand kinks with spinning reels

 

[Hookin8easy]

Why just a leader instead of spooling up with it ?

I'm a polymer blend guy, 8# sensation and 12# on my tailrace rods. I tried spooling my ice rods w flouro and have never been so pissed at line while ice fishing ever, less memory and absolutely NO memory are two different things, if there was no tension it just flails off the spool, didn't work at all on deadsticks with a bail open

 

[Lungdeflator]

Achucker thanks for the video. That knot looks better that the one I have been using, I think it is the Uni knot.

 

[MuskyManiac]

Uni to uni knot is nice for tying superline to fluoro direct, but I like using a swivel, particularly for ice fishing when a spinning bait while vertically jigging can be detrimental to getting a bite.

Another reason for using the stuff just for the leader is getting snagged. This is more of a summer application, but if you're fishing somewhere with a lot of snags it's nice to have heavier superline and a lighter fluoro leader. If you get snagged you simply break the leader line below the swivel and it makes retying much easier IMO.

 

[Achucker]

Achucker thanks for the video. That knot looks better that the one I have been using, I think it is the Uni knot.

I haven't used this knot yet. But these salt water guys swear by it. Just make sure you pull it tight before cutting tag ends. Check out there other videos.