I usually use a three to four foot leader when starting and if I tie a palomar knot if the lure is a single hook lure like a jig, spoon or bare hook. But if its a treble hook lure or a lure that is real long then I use the trilene knot because its easier to tie on a boat with bulky lures, and it uses less of the line because the palomar knot requires a larger loop to get over the lures. But the palomar is best for fluorocarbon which I use the most for leader material, so if possible that is what I use. And for small lures I can tie either knot about as quick as the other. I find that a four foot leader is usually long enough that if I have to retie a 3-5 times I will still have plenty of leader left, and for me I am satisfied with a foot of leader for the fishing I do. If you retie more often then use a longer leader or you probably should try and invest in some more combos.
Now for using cajun thunders I try to have multiple leader already rigged and ready. I will pre rig some jigs in different weights to a four foot leader of fluorocarbon or heavy mono. I usually use 20 lb fluoro for normal leaders and I will also have some 50 lb mono leaders with jigs in case the toothier critters (spanish mackerel, bluefish, etc.) start cutting me off. I will also have some leaders with bare hooks for live or cut bait fishing ready too. That way if I want to change the leader on the Cajun Thunder I just grab the pre-rigged leader and tie it to the Cajun thunder quickly. You could have them rigged with snap swivels on the leaders to snap them to the CTs but, I like to have the freedom of changing the length of the leader depending on how deep I am fishing. I usually rap the leaders around a piece of styrofoam board (approx. 7" X 12" X 1"). That way the leader raps around the foam board and you can jab the hook into the foam to secure it. And if floats.
changing lures quick
Moderators: bman, Chalk, Tom Keels
Try this:
My resolution was the J-knot. It's intended as an easy braid to leader knot but I've also started using it as my main terminal knot. It's basically an extra step surgeons knot so it's quick. Another plus is that it's easy to pull up the tag end before cutting which saves leader -and the time to change to new leader...
http://www.saltwatersportsman.com/saltw ... 07,00.html
My resolution was the J-knot. It's intended as an easy braid to leader knot but I've also started using it as my main terminal knot. It's basically an extra step surgeons knot so it's quick. Another plus is that it's easy to pull up the tag end before cutting which saves leader -and the time to change to new leader...
http://www.saltwatersportsman.com/saltw ... 07,00.html
- Chalk
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Well here's my take...I only use a leader for three things, when using braid, offshore fishing and when fishing lures that twists your line...
That said unless your using braid or a line twisting lure I don't use a leader....Normal monofilament is translucent, it's not an invisible connection to your lure, but close enough...I use a J knot to tie a leader to braid, leader length only 2 foot....Line twisting lure, I use a number 10 or smaller swivel and 1 foot or less of leader....
I try not to complicate things, keep it simple and go fishing
That said unless your using braid or a line twisting lure I don't use a leader....Normal monofilament is translucent, it's not an invisible connection to your lure, but close enough...I use a J knot to tie a leader to braid, leader length only 2 foot....Line twisting lure, I use a number 10 or smaller swivel and 1 foot or less of leader....
I try not to complicate things, keep it simple and go fishing
- gatortrout
- Posts: 24
- Joined: August 4th, 2005, 11:47 am
- Location: Tallahassee
knot tying
Thank you for sending in your posts. They will help. I have also heard that I can use the knot that one gets after screwing up casting a baitcaster. In fact I believe Butch Taylor is due an award for untangling a healthy knot during the tournement.
There is a fine line between fishing and sitting in a boat looking like an idiot. My line is a bit thicker.