A leader is an often overlooked piece of fishing tackle, but it plays a vital role in both the success and safety of your fishing trip. In this blog post, we’ll discuss why you should use a leader when fishing, as well as some tips on how to choose the right one.
What is a Leader?
A leader is a length of monofilament or fluorocarbon line that attaches to your main fishing line. The purpose of a leader is to act as a shock absorber, protecting your main line from being cut or abraded by the fish’s teeth.
It also provides additional stiffness and buoyancy, which can be helpful when casting. Leaders are typically made from monofilament or fluorocarbon because these materials are less visible in water than other types of lines.
Why Use a Leader?
There are several reasons why you should use a leader when fishing. First, as we mentioned above, a leader will protect your main line from being cut or abraded by the fish’s teeth.
This is especially important if you’re targeting large, toothy fish like muskie or pike. Second, a leader can help you cast more accurately and with greater distance.
This is because the increased stiffness and buoyancy provided by the leader gives the lure or bait more “action” as it’s being cast. Finally, using a leader can actually help you catch more fish.
This is because fish are often put off by the sight of visible lines in the water. By using a leader, you can make your presentation stealthier and increase your chances of getting a strike.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many good reasons to use a leader when fishing. Leaders provide protection for your main line, help you cast more accurately, and can actually help you catch more fish.
So next time you head out on the water, be sure to tie on a leader!
