Leader for top water

Post by **Redbelly** » September 9th, 2006, 7:51 pm

Do you use one , or tie straight on the lure?

Post by **birddog** » September 9th, 2006, 7:52 pm

I use 17lb. on my topwater reel. so no leader. If I used anything smaller I would use a Flourocarbon leader.

Post by **Chalk** » September 9th, 2006, 7:56 pm

Straight to the lure....17 lb

you pulling down trees

Post by **birddog** » September 9th, 2006, 8:13 pm

Them reds will root you down in the bottom. Listen to the Juggernaut. He'll teach you something.

Post by **Redbelly** » September 9th, 2006, 8:18 pm

I have 12lb Cajun high abrasion resistant line and have been tieing straight-up.

Haven't hooked a red one yet, but soon grasshopper...soon...

Post by **Charles** » September 9th, 2006, 8:32 pm

I like 12 lb test Ande Premium with no leader.

It's true that a hooked red will root in the bottom, often big trout will too, but you can put a lot of pressure on a fish with 12 lb test in good condition.

Salt Life · Post by **Salt Life** » September 9th, 2006, 9:04 pm

Charles has got it right .. line that " is in good condition "

Post by **Atticus** » September 9th, 2006, 9:50 pm

I agree. If your mono is that big. Don't even screw around with a leader. I have some hybrid 17 and I tie it right to a topwater on my Abu Garcia.

Post by **Chalk** » September 9th, 2006, 10:14 pm

birddog wrote:Them reds will root you down in the bottom. Listen to the Juggernaut. He'll teach you something.

Okay Paul Bunyan

Salt Life · Post by **Salt Life** » September 9th, 2006, 11:58 pm

Paul Bunyan

Post by **tin can** » September 10th, 2006, 6:24 am

Straight to the bait. A good 14# test is sufficient.

Post by **birddog** » September 10th, 2006, 12:23 pm

6 lb. line is sufficent to land nearly any fish. But when fighting a red around a oyster shell bottom, I'll take 17-20 lb line any day.

Also, I hate to give away all my secrets, but if you'll try a heavier line for topwater baits, you'll find that a heavier line actually helps create the "walk the dog" action in topwater baits, due to higher floatation than the lighter line.