Fishing Leader Lines

Leaders make an essential part of your fishing setup that is used to connect your mainline to your terminal tackle or artificial lure. Braid and thinner mainlines aren't designed to handle the vigour of a fish's pearly whites, and when fishing around heavy structure such as sharp rocks or fallen timber a leader line will be much better equipped to take the added abuse without snapping. Its purpose is to help add abrasion resistance and stealth to your rig. With its strong and durable construction as well as its thin diameter and reduced visibility, a leader will be a great aid in getting you hooked up to a few more fish.

Leaders come in two specific types: monofilament (mono) and fluorocarbon (fluoro). Mono has been around for an age and is commonly used as both mainline or leader material depending on its intended purpose. With its supple texture making knot tying a breeze and positive buoyancy, mono is great for fishos wanting to present natural baits or working surface lures. Fluoro has been a game changer for the sport of fishing, with its rugged abrasion resistance and clear colouration which makes it almost invisible in the water. Many anglers have switched from mono to fluoro as the only type of leader material they will use. Sign up to become a BCF club member either in-store or online to receive great discounts and exclusive specials.

As with your standard fishing lines it's important to choose a leader line in the correct thickness for the fish species you are targeting and the structure you will be fishing. It plays an instrumental role in the success of your fishing adventure if you have the correct leader. Leader lines start from as light as 4lb, perfect for the wiliest of bream and trout as they find it harder to see. A breaking strain between 8-20lb is ideal for fishing most estuary and lake scenarios with a great compromise between strength and subtlety. The heaviest leaders come upwards of 200lb and are best suited when chasing marlin and deep-water monsters. It's recommended to fish as lightly as possible to help with getting those hook-ups. Having a variety of leader lines can greatly improve your odds as you can choose and change until you find what's working on the day.

There is no shortage of quality leader lines on the market all capable of helping to put a bend in your rod. With an extensive range of brands from the likes of Black Magic, Savage Gear, Sunline, and of course Shimano and Daiwa you'll have no problems in finding a leader line that fits your needs. It's the build quality and overall finish of a superior line that makes the difference. With texture and colouration being two of the main things to look for in a leader as well as whether you are chasing a monofilament or fluorocarbon option.