Leaded line - ?

[arkpov56]

Hi,

I've been reading this forum for quite a long time now, it's fascinating!  So much new and useful info on waters I fish for several years now and have been moderately successful on.  Thank you!

One of the new things I learned from you, guys, was about trolling with leaded line - before this forum I didn't even know it existed.   I mostly fish with live bait and am eager to learn how to use spoons and jigs to catch a big one (trout, bass, anything that bytes and fights).
From your posts I can see that leaded line plays an important role in your success.  Is it only used to troll with artificials?   In which way is it better than, say, a small egg sinker or a couple of drop-shots placed above the long (3-4 feet) leader?  Which makes and types would you advise and what are the techniques of using them? 

A lot of questions, hah?  But I feel like this is the right place to ask them as people on this forum seem to be very nice, friendly and knowledgeable.  Looking forward to your advice and seeing you all on Kensico this weekend.

Ark.

[VinnyH]

Ark,
It was a pleasure meeting you at Wade's today. I hope you and your son came back with some big fish.

Although we didn't catch anything today I learned a lot from Tom and Bob about leaded line. Their setup was basically the leaded line with a leader of mono between 20 and 40 feet. The leaded line keeps you down at the depth you want while the leader doesn't spook the fish. Too little leader and they may spook. Too much leader and you don't have as much control on the lure's depth.

We didn't use live bait today but leaded line is also useful for keeping shiners or sawbellies at a general depth. They aren't strong enough to drag the line around so they move around on the end of the leader.

The leaded line is thick so you have to have the right reel to spool it on. I asked Wade to suggest something and he's working on a setup for me. I can't use my low profile baitcasters or spinning gear with such thick line. Once you do have a leadcore setup it's pretty easy to maintain.

Best Always,
Vinny

[newcaddy4j]

Hey Ark,

I'm new to the leadcore also.  I picked up a spool of non-leaded line from cabelas.  I spooled it on a spinning combo which everyone told me not to do.  Its worked fine for me and I can reel in and let line out with no problem.  You need a bigger reel to handle it, probably a 4000 Size.  I was able to put 50 yrds of 15lb backing then 5 colors of 12lb lead line, and 15ft of 6lb flouro leader.   With 5 colors out trolling a jointed rapala  I was able to hold about 28ft.   Usually its 6 feet for every color out depending upon speed and lure weight.   Its a learning process for me but everything I've read said it can be highly successful.

Good luck

[arkpov56]

Vinny, Newcaddy,

Thanks a lot for your info on leaded line.  I now have a pretty good picture of what I need to do to start experimenting with it.  One missing link for me, though: Newcaddy, you said “non-leaded” line from Cabela’s.  I also noticed it there, but it’s kind of hard to put together leaded line everybody is talking about and “non-leaded” line from Cabela’s.  Does it mean weighted line without actual lead in it?  If so – I’m for it; it’s good for the environment!

As promised, my report on yesterday’s fishing:
My son and I headed to Kensico in the afternoon as we were spooked by three major weather websites forecasting a rain in the morning.  Of cause there was no rain!  So we had a grate time together and on top of that three beautiful lakers – 25”, 24” and 21”.  All on shiners close to the bottom at 40 to 60 feet.  Oh, yes, a nice trout dinner thereafter.
Also there was a lot of fun to watch Wade and his friend pulling fish after fish right in front of everybody.  It seems that every boat in the area around the bridge had some luck that night and the action didn’t stop until almost full darkness.  Grate day!  Looking forward to next weekend, if the water warms up a bit we may even see some browns (I hope).

[VinnyH]

Ark,
Nice report, there's a lot of fish for everyone in these reservoirs. I'll be going out with some shiners and sawbellies at the end of the month for those lakers.

Best Always,
Vinny

[joel137]

i use a cabelas depthmaster reel on a ugly stick trolling rod with cabelas lead core line

[mojo]

Well, now you all have got me going. I had briefly looked at the depthmaster setup awhile ago, decided I'll just procrastinate since its my nature.

There are a lot of choices at cabelas, This innerflow thing looks interesting. How is it in the field, err boat?  I might expect there to be some increased friction running inside a tube like that. Is that true? 'Course, not having guides to snag on stuff could be a big plus.

Any tips on making a decision as to which model is best suited for what we might expect on these reservoirs? Things like butt style, line capacity, rod action.

Thanks

[biggamee]

OK just a general question to all the guys and gals who are using Lead Core set ups here in the lower Hudson valley..I'm looking on line and found some 15lb test and 18lb Lead core lines 100yds...is there any difference in brands or are they for the most part the same..

2ND question for the fluorocarbon leader 12lb or 15lb and how long 20 to 75 ft long??What works well??

Just looking for the general consensus..Thanks in advance

[reservoirdog]

    Hey Erik

    I typically troll 18 pound test , Kerplunk , and most recently suffix for the simple reason color contrast between colors easier to see. The major difference is the material used specifically the braided outside covering . They all sink stay current with your line meaning use the advances in coating to your advantage.Some lead line fade quick and fray quickly as well. As far as floro I use 8 pound test at least 35-50 ft because I use my leadcore for browns as well as lakers . And for lakers it does not matter much the length but browns well you know that's a different story very spooky of the lead line. 8 pound seagur invisix to be exact it keeps it stealth , and you can thread the line into the braid after you  strip 6-8 inches of  the lead out and tie 3 overhand knots for a complete stealthy sturdy leader. Hope this helps

[biggamee]

RD,
     Thanks for the tip, I had thought that you would use a higher test line to be able to absorb the impact while trolling??8 lb test is really stealthy, but have you lost any fish on the bite while trolling?? That's what I'm afraid of..losing a fish on impact of it hitting the lure..35-50ft ..I appreciate the input..

Erik

[reservoirdog]

Never, lost one to trolling the line is so heavy that when they hit the lure they pretty much set themselves on the hook , And that's when it gets fun you see the rod banging up and down when browns hit , and when lake rs hit the rod starts to double over but never lost a fish to snapping a line . The occasional loss to a poor knot on a snap swivel , or try to muscle them in without a net .

[nyc Canoeman]

wow and i thought i knew it all, and already had enough to do. Now i need a whole new setup! Seems all you constant-catchers are one step ahead of me. ...now where did i put that catalog?

[backinaction]

Good info reservoirdog !!

[lionpshark]

What happens when smaller fish hit can you tell that there on? Like perch or some smaller species

[KenH]

Manny, you will see small fish like perch if they are caught.
If you use lipped crankbaits they give a distinct "wobble" that lets you know
they're working right.You can tell when a leaf or bottom vegetation gets stuck on the lure
because the vibration stops.