Leader

[Steamer]

Scuse the somewhat stupid questions!
When using a lure, spinner etc. Does one use a leader with a swivel? if so what sort of size line & length?
Thanks,

[webbrent]

I don't personally make use of swivels at all...when fishing for bass that is.

Tie directly to to the line, less points of failure.

[Rory]

Hey Steamer, no such thing as stupid questions bru....I'm no expert but I use a 17 pound ( 7.7kg ) fluro line as a leader on my reels that have braid. Length is about a meter or so. You can attach it with a leader knot ( maybe someone could explain this further ) or alternatively us a small swivel ( pic below ) I prefer the knot as the swivel can damage the eyes of the rod.

[Rory]

Something like this....

[Roy]

Line to line knots

Use the modified Albreight knot its a superb knot learn to tie it search it on the web.

[smurf]

That modified albreight knot is great for leader to braid knotting...it is strong and is very compact.When using an in line spinner,put a swivel at the spinner with a split ring...this will reduce line twist,but for all other lures,tie the leader directly to the lure.

[Cannonball84]

Line to Line,

You could also look at using a Yucaton knot, which is very strong and is quite usefull where main line(braid) to Leader(Fluoro) diameters are different. It makes a very small knot that slides easily through the eyes.

Also check Netknots.com, they have some good illustration on various types of knots for fishing exclusively.

[Cannonball84]

Also I am not sure what peoples opinions are on Clip on Swivels for Bass Fishing, If you are fishing Braid with a Leader, I would maybe advise using the following:

1. Braid - Leader - Use Line Knot of Choice
2. Leader - Attach a Clip on Swivel with a very solid knot, maybe a six turn uni or improved blood knot, whatever you are comfortable with.

This way you wont go through your leader so quickly when changing lures.

However I am still inexperienced in Bass Fishing so I dont know if the swivel might actually affect the action of these specific lures in any way or if they might put off the Bass visually somehow.

It has however worked for me when fishing Dropshot in Estuaries where you need to swop your jig out quite a lot.

Hope you find something that works.

Cheers

[Riprap]

All the knots mentioned are good but so is a uni to uni splice for braid and nylon. Joined 80lb braid to 70lb mono leader for yellowtail on the weekend and the mono snapped before the knot which means a good knot......

IMO a snap clip is a weak link and for Cranks I rather use a rapala knot which doesn't impede the action of the lure.

[Cannonball84]

All the knots mentioned are good but so is a uni to uni splice for braid and nylon. Joined 80lb braid to 70lb mono leader for yellowtail on the weekend and the mono snapped before the knot which means a good knot......

IMO a snap clip is a weak link and for Cranks I rather use a rapala knot which doesn't impede the action of the lure.

Hi Riprap

Quick question, have you found the knots to hold on lighter breaking strains Braid and Nylon also. I use uni to uni exclusively when tying leaders for Flyfishing and would use it on Braid to leader also, I've just always had this idea that the braid would cut the nylon(In finer Diameters). Cant remember but believe I read it somewhere?

Cheers

[Riprap]

Hi CB84, I have never used leader for bass fishing or other fishing for that matter with much thinner braids but if I had to, logic says the allbright and that type would be better due to the doubling of the main line which in this case would be braid.

Somewhere in my archives I have the "French knot" & "improved 7 turn uni knot" which are supposedly the best leader / braid knots, will see if I can find them if they are not on the net - have a look for ESA (now defunct) knot links on SA sites. The French knot is very good.

[Cannonball84]

Thanks Riprap.

[Riprap]

here you go, found them:

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[ATTACHMENT NOT FOUND]

[plasticman]

I personally use the Albright knot,

IMO,the best braid to flouro knot,when tying this knot,the loop side must be your leader. :blue-biggrin:

The knot shoots through micro guides :blue-biggrin:

[Cannonball84]

Hey PM,

I have also used the allbright in past with leader folded double and it was effective.

Just trying variants because I am a bit OCD when it comes to knots so I trie as much as possible.

Thanks Riprap for the diagram and apologies to Streamer, think we hijacked the thread a bit