Due to the Florida fish-in I was wondering about what leaders to make. I generally make up 20 or 30 before hand so I don’t have to while I’m fishing. I was wondering what those of you that are more experienced chasing snook, reds, and some of the other species in the Venic, FL area would recomend?
Any and all advice is much appreciated,
Thunderthumbs.
OK, I’ll bite. I understand the “have more want not” school of thought, but what do you do with 20 or 30 leaders?
I know it sounds like a bit of overkill, but I prefer to be a bit overprepared to underprepared. I ran into a situation in Mexico on the first day of inshore fishing where I missed most of a great bite because I had to tie up my own leader (which I don’t mind doing if I know I have to do it ahead of time) because the guide didn’t have any made up. I didn’t have all the necessary line, so I had to improvise. It worked out OK, but I don’t want to have to experience that again if I can help it.
I’d also like to have several tied up for different species. I know some fish require a bite/shock leader and some don’t. If I already have some ready to go, then all I have to do is change my leader quickly, and I’m fishing.
If one breaks, gets worn, etc, I’ve got another ready to go in seconds.
Tight lines,
Thunderthumbs.
Most of the time an AirFlo 5’ clear intermediate poly leader in 24 lb or tarpon sized 40 lb with a shock tippet & a bite tippet is all that’s needed. Just change the shock from 10 to 12 to 16lb depending on whether the bite tippet is 20, 25, 30 or more lbs. Saltwater leader formulas are basically 60% 20% 20% + the shock & bite tippets. 8)
Thanks. So, what would the recomended strengths for, let’s say average snook (especially for the shock tippet), and reds be. I’ve got all the way up to 80lb test, but I’d rather go a bit lighter if I can, I just don’t know where to start. Therein lies my dilema.
Thanks again,
Thunderthumbs.
Most of the situations are fished with 18" - 24" of 25lb fluorocarbon, one could go down to 20, 15 or even 12 lb for runt reds,trout, pompano, jacks, ladyfish & whiting on the open flats or if the water is gin clear & more bites are expected. For snook, start with 25 & go down to 20 for more hook ups on the flats, but if you’re fishing the mangroves, bridges or docks & know there’s some BIG fish go up to 30, 40 or even a 60lb bite tippet so as to not get broken off by the roots, oyster bars, dock pilings or the snooks gill plates! 8)
Aaahhh. That sir, is what I needed to know.
Thank you so very much, I hope I see you at the FL fish-in.
Thunderthumbs.