Hate to keep pounding this subject but I learned a very valuable lesson this weekend. I was out of fluorocarbone line and was fishing a lake that you could see you crankbait in 8ft of water. First day was a bust not many fish caught. Tied a 4ft leader of Big Game green line on to the braid and that helped catch a few. That night went to store and bought some Vanish (only fluro that they had) and tied it on as the leader to all our rods. The next day we tore them up! What a difference it made in our catch rate. 35lb power Pro braid 4ft leader of 14lb fluoro (which I worried about being to big in the clear water) but man what a difference it made in our catch rate! If you dont believe it try it! IT Works!

Hi Mofish,
So here's a novice question. When you tie on a 4ft leader a) what knot are you using to connect the two different lines and b)do you leave the 4ft of leader hanging and then just cast as it would seem the knot may get hung up in the eyelets?
Thanks for the info

I was just reading in the latest Bass Magazine about this... using a double uni knot will get the job done
http://www.marinews.com/Double-Uni-Knot-267.php
depending on the size of braided Line.. it may be small enough to pass through the eyelet.. but most recommend side casting with the knot out.
Hope this helps!

Bassaholic is right it is the Uni to Uni Knot! The knot is small enough that it passes through the eyes just fine. I have never had a problem casting with this knot. Like with all knots and line retie often! Hard lesson to learn but will payoff later check you line very often, if something does not look right retie!


I have a problem casting with the leader just hanging out there and then trying to make the cast. Guess its just a matter of learning to do it. I just reel the line in like always and cast. Hasn't caused any problems for me so far.

Hope that helps you?

Hey Conley,

I had a tournament last wknd, and I tie a fluoro leader to all my lines to. I was catching fish up to when I lost the leader on my jig pole, not re tying the leader thinking the water was not that clear resulted in not another fish on that pole. I agree with you it works well no matter what the water clarity is.

what all do u guys fish braid with topwater,crankbaits ?

Top water, Worms, Jigs,and Carolina Rigs for me, heck everything but crankbaits. I just like the feel I have with braid. Still like mono or flouro on the cranks.

all top water, even walking style baits, like sammie or zara spook- i got 2 try this out, what about jerk baits and the fluke or floating worm? and do u use it in clear water? just wondering/ because i love the feel of braid,but only use it at certain time, like heavy cover,or muddy water?