Topwater Caranx Ignobilis: Giant Trevally (GT) > Tackle & Techniques

Leader length

(1/6) > >>

Brandon Khoo:
A query I just got from one of our members here just reminded me that I was going to post this a couple of weeks ago.

The issue is on leader length. When I first started GT fishing, I used a horribly unsophisticated knot which was braid to a three foot leader by way of an double uni knot. Over time, as I learned more, I went to longer leaders using knots like FG knots and then twisted leaders and then the PR knot. The one constant for me today is that my leaders are all around three metres in length.

The advantages of the longer leader are that it is more abrasion resistent should the GT pull you through unfriendly territory. My experience is that I still get done regularly irrespective of the length of the leader.

Recently in New Caledonia, I noticed that the operators of Le Poisson Banane, use a rig that is about as sophisticated as the one I used when I first started GT fishing. Their rig consists of braid to solid ring, a 300-400lb mono leader of some four feet in length to another solid ring and that's it. I was shocked but these boys ARE the experts on big GTs and as I have previously written, if there is any operator who knows the behaviour of really big GTs as well as David and Rudy, I haven't met them.

We had some extended discussions on the merit of short versus long leaders and while it is apparent that some of their territory is more conducive to shorter leaders due to its depth, they are still firmly of the view that the benefits of the long leader are overstated. One thing is clear and that is a short leader does not result in anywhere near as many aborted casts due to the line catching on the stripper guide or tip. I suppose at the end of the day, it is all a compromise.

I've been thinking of going back to trying shorter leaders for a while and see how it goes. The only thing about it is I don't particularly like casting when my index finger is holding onto braid. Too used to feeling mono there!

What length leaders are people generally using and what is your experience with being burnt off and casting re wind knots and stripper guide/tip problems?

Aaron Strid:
I have a preference for twisties off the rocks and singles (pr knot) from a boat. I like the twisties about 12 ft long and the singles a little shorter.  I feel I cast better with the leader on my finger rather then braid. 

From the rocks there is always a better chance of knicking the line on rocks when retrieving.  It is a lot quicker to tie another bimini then to retie a pr knot.  On the rocks I like to have a couple of wraps on the reel which makes it easy to control a fish at the dying stages.  A lot can still go wrong with waves and a final surge from the fish. 

I also have collapsed strippers before but I find out that it occurs when I try to gain a few yards and over cast the lure.  If I use a strong smooth action I seem to have fewer problems.  It usually results in a better cast anyway.

What connection do they use from the braid to the ring?

Brock Arifovic:
While you are on the subject of leader lengths, what are some of the leader "systems" that people use? Connections etc.
Brandon did touch on this a little.
Just wondering what some people prefer & why?

Brandon Khoo:
I think it really comes down to a twisted leader or single strand leader. For single strand, if you want a long leader, then you need a slim connection that can be used for casting like a FG, midknot or PR knot. If on the other hand you are happy to go with a short leader that sits outside the tip, you can pretty much do anything.

I use both single strand and twisted leaders.  The only failure I've had in two years has been a twisted leader that got cut at the loop - my fault for being careless and not checking it properly

Zeck Lim:
This is a good topic. I was about to ask the same question!

Brandon, with the guys at LPB, did they experience line breakages because of  sudden takes which the short mono could not absorb? What kind of drag pressures were they pushing?

Thanks, zeck

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page