Lead core

[ChrisM]

I finally took the plunge and ordered some lead core. I think that's the key to getting results on Kensico, especially in the months when you can't get sawbellies.  I plan on loading it on an Okuma Magda 45DX which should hopefully accommodate that much line. Does anyone have any tips for a first time lead core user? I know that you need to load some backing (i'll use the 20lb braid leftovers i have) but what is the best way to connect the main line to a leader? I'm assuming you want a knot and not a swivel so it can be reeled in, right?

How much leader do you need for trolling? And is 6lb floro ok or do I need something heavier? Any and all advice would be welcome.. thanks guys.

[KenH]

Chris

>I finally took the plunge and ordered some lead core. I think that's the key to getting results on Kensico, >especially in the months when you can't get sawbellies.

What lb test LC and brand did you order?

>I plan on loading it on an Okuma Magda 45DX which should hopefully accommodate that much line.

It will with room to spare. Any reel that can handle 400 yards/20lb test can hadle a full core (10 colors)
plus backing. With some models a 300 series will be enough. Line Counter features on a LC trolling reel aren't really necessary because the line is color coded.

>Does anyone have any tips for a first time lead core user?

Yes, don't stop rowing. It sinks. 
You'll probably come up with more questions each time you go out and try it.
Tom can give you tons of advice as well.

>I know that you need to load some backing (i'll use the 20lb braid leftovers i have) but what is the best >way to connect the main line to a leader? I'm assuming you want a knot and not a swivel so it can be >reeled in, right?

Braid is the way to go with backing because of the very small diameter. You don't need much though because I've NEVER had to go into backing even with 10 colors out. Remember, that's 300 yards out excluding leader which adds up to ALOT of cranking time.You can connect the leader/backing to the LC line with knots, just peel the lead out of the line where you tie the knots. Or, you can use an SPRO swivel in size 10. It is so small that it goes through the reel's level wind guide and rod guides without snagging and is rated for 35 lb test.

>How much leader do you need for trolling? And is 6lb floro ok or do I need something heavier? Any and all >advice would be welcome.. thanks guys.

For Lakers (and anything else) you can get away with as short as 20-30 ft. For Browns as far out as 50-75ft. Forget 6 lb test it will give you a lot of lost fish. The leader takes an enormous amount of abrasion plus a fish hooked on LC will often not fight until the last minute because the weight of the LC line pulls
in a different direction. This is part of the sagging issue which we won't get into right now but explains
part of why LC trollers are always reeling in fast like mad. I've had fish break 8 lb test at the boat a few times. I currently use 12 and 15 lb test fluro, the diameter being irrelevant since it's invisible to fish.   
 
Ken

[ChrisM]

Thanks Ken.

I got Sufix Performance 17lb Lead Core. I'm now thinking I should have ordered the 27lb instead, hopefully 17lb will be ok. I plan on using one of my surf rods (9 foot, medium weight) until I can get a proper trolling rod.

Wow, that's a lot of leader... i'll probably use 50ft in the hopes of getting browns AND lakers. I'll have to invest in some heavier floro, I only have 6lb right now.

So it sounds like the technique is to keep moving constantly and keep the tension on the line when you have a fish on, which must be tough with all that weight. I'm sure it's going to be a challenge to adjust to, but I'm looking forward to being able to put my lures at precise depths now.

[KenH]

Chris;

>I got Sufix Performance 17lb Lead Core. I'm now thinking I should have ordered the 27lb instead, >hopefully 17lb will be ok. I plan on using one of my surf rods (9 foot, medium weight) until I can get a >proper trolling rod.

Suffix LC is fairly new to the market but so far seems to have good reviews. LC in 12-18 lb test have the
same amount of lead in them so their sink rate is the roughly the same. 27 lbs and more have a slighty higher sink rate as they have more lead. 17 is more than adequate, I use 12 exclusively. As for trolling rods, the key is that the tip section has a good bend. Doesn't really matter if they're salt or freshwater rods. The real reason you see alot of satwater rods is because the saltwater reels are big.
Neither LC line nor fluro stretches, and as rowers we don't develop enough speed to need rubber snubbers so the "shock absorption" of a hit is handled entirely by the flexibility of the rod tip area.  As to length, I use 8ft 6in, 7ft and even 6ft 6in rods. The longer length helps when using rod holders to spread you lines as they tend to cross less on wide turns.

>Wow, that's a lot of leader... i'll probably use 50ft in the hopes of getting browns AND lakers. I'll have to >invest in some heavier floro, I only have 6lb right now.

Yes it's alot of leader. I had a fish hit one time on the surface before all of my leader had finished running out. 50ft is a good all-around length.

>So it sounds like the technique is to keep moving constantly

Regular rowing even with little breaks is good, as it lets your lure go down then come up again.
You just can't stop and sit for 30 seconds. Rowing speed should match the lure you're using.

>and keep the tension on the line when you have a fish on, which must be tough with all that weight. I'm >sure it's going to be a challenge to adjust to, but I'm looking forward to being able to put my lures at >precise depths now. 

When you get a hit, you have to reel in as fast as you can. This is to pick up the "sagging" that the LC line does. Often you may not really feel the fish until you reel up most of that slack. Othertimes the fish will swim away from you and eliminate the slack on it's own and you feel it very quickly. The real fun begins when you reel in the LC and you're on direct to the fish with just the fluro leader.

Ken

[ChrisM]

That's good to hear, I was worried 17lb might be too light. I just ordered some 15lb Seagar leader, so I'm all set. I can't wait to try this. I have a Rapala Super Shad Rap and a Sebile Magic Swimmer that are a little big for casting and this will be a great opportunity to get them deep enough.

[KenH]

Good luck. I'm sure you'll connect with trout.

[ChrisM]

Thanks Ken. One more question- I understand that each color represents 10 yards of line- but when you factor in the movement and sagging of the line plus the 50 feet of weightless leader, how can you accurately gauge the depth of your presentation? Can you assume that 10 yards of LC, for example, and 50 feet of leader = 30 ft depth because the leader isn't sinking? Or maybe add several feet to compensate for the weight of the lure? Sorry, nerding out over here about this....

[KenH]

Chris

Check your email.

Ken

[biggamee]

Yes, don't stop rowing. It sinks. 

Atleast you can stay warm by constantly rowing..plus less gear on the boat than bait fishing??

[johnjav]

I use lead core line and its really great. 
 
I stop rowing all the time with my lead line in the water and my lure never gets caught up.  If you want to prevent your lure from getting caught up, use floating lures instead of stinking lures like countdown rapalas.   I stop rowing sometimes to spin fish if im at a location that looks good. 

 

[KenH]

"I stop rowing all the time with my lead line in the water and my lure never gets caught up.  If you want to prevent your lure from getting caught up, use floating lures instead of stinking lures like countdown rapalas.   I stop rowing sometimes to spin fish if im at a location that looks good."

That's interesting John. I use 12 lb test LC and even using a Rapala jointed J11 with 5 colors out
the line will sag and I see mud on the line, even though the lure itself may be clean.

[johnjav]

Hey ken,

I use 18 LC line (Cortland Kerplunk).  I read somewhere that the line will hit the bottom but if you use a floating lure it will never hit the bottom because of the use of 50-100" of leader material.  If you are using deep diving lures/sinking, that will hit the bottom.   

How many colors do you usually go down?  Usually in the spring i go one-two colors down, and during the summer i go two-four colors down.  Lead-core line really is where it's at with connecting with various fish.  I've gotten some of my biggest bass when i was trolling for "trout". 

I may pick up another lead-core rod setup because the cortland kerplunk gives you a double spool.  Trolling is a ton of fun and a great workout (rowing 6 hours some days). 

-john

[KenH]

John;

That's interesting. I use  50-75ft of fluro leader which sinks. Perhaps using mono
which floats might make the difference?
In the spring I do best with 3 and 5 out. Come June, 5 and 7. By Aug I'm going  below 50ft with very deep divers.
When you say the Cortland Kerplunk comes in a double spool, do you mean a double core; 200 yards continuous?

Ken

[johnjav]

I use monofilament about 40 feet and then put a 10" fluoro leader. 

The cortland kerplunk LC line, it is two 100 feet yards connected with a middle section of non-lead line. You def. could use it as a 200 yard spool if one wanted.

-john

[striperman13]

For anyone who needs to know the depth for the lead core this is the chart that came with my leadcore that is 14 lb test.Just thought this may come in handy if anyone lost theres.