Lead core - What lb test?

[Dave in Mpls]

With all the lead core talk, I'm gonna have to give it a try. What lb test is typical for walleye? I was looking in the Cabela's catalog and they list 12# to 45#. I'm assuming 27, 36, and 45# is too heavy! Seems 12# may be a tad too light.

Also, what is the best knot to use for splicing in lead core?

Regards

[SLIPKNOT]

18 lb leadcore is about right. That will work for any walleye application. Good Luck!!

SLIPKNOT

[MH]

Dave, I use 18 lb. Lead Core with a 50' 12 lb. mono leader, and a nail knot to attach the Lead to Mono, Don't do to many wraps on your knot or you will have problems slipping through your guides and your reel. I was wondering last time I was out if anybody ever puts a dab of glue or epoxy on the knot? I have only been using Lead for about 3 seasons and have had good results, But I still have alot to learn about it. I live out west and personally have had much better luck on Mono and also Planer Boards, But with the right conditions Lead can be really good.
Hope this helps

[Steve W.]

There are only 2 thicknesses of the lead inside the line. Anything 18lb and above gets the heavier and below 18lb is the thinner. Most people use the 18lb test, you get the maximum weight with the least water resistance. If you use a higher test, you get the same lead, but the dacron over it is thicker. This increases the resistance to the water and negates some of the effectiveness of the lead.

As far as the knot, I tie a simple overhand knot at the end of the leadcore (I don't peel out the lead), then I tie a clinch not at the end of the mono. I slip this over the leadcore, snug it up, slide it up against the knot in the leadcore, pull it tight, and trim the tag ends. It's pretty simple and very effective, I've never had one break yet, and I catch quite a few big eyes at LBDN every fall.

[Neal/CO]

Slipknot is right. Go with the 18 or 27 lb leadcore. They all sink about the same, the lb test refers to the breaking strenght of the dacron coating. This will allow you to have enough room on your reel for 100 yards of dacron backing. You never know when a big Trout or striper might show up?

[Dave in Mpls]

18# it is! Gotta run down to Faribault this afternoon to pick up my boat, which puts me within 10 miles of Cabela's!!

Regards

[bobco]

18 lb is just fine, there was some discussion on the heavier wieghts not sinking as well because of the resistance, I have used 18lb and have not broke off even when dragging the bottom, as for a knot forget it! Pull back some of the braid 3", picnch off the lead, insert mono leader, chinese finger the braid back over the mono, add 1 drop of super glue , dry 5 minutes, nothing to snag on going thru the eyes, have been doing this for over 10 years without problems (forget the knots this is much better).

[Chad]

18lb is the most common.

The amount of lead in each is the same, the lb test is the breaking strenght of the dacron as someone already mentioned. A higher test will be thicker and therefore have more resistence in the water.

I use a uni to uni knot when splicing mono-lead.

[EyeBoy]

What Chad said!
Sic-em!
ON-PLANE!!!TOM

[SS]

Now you need someone to show you how to use that 18lb lead and get away from that 240 out mono program.

[leadman]

Try the 15 you can fit all 10 colors on a Diawa SG47LC and get the same depth as the 18.. With a fusion leader you can save alot of plugs..

[Pitts]

Dave are you going to be pulling some cranks on the mud in Millelacs or out in no mans land in the deep looking for the really bigguns. LOL
See ya out there

Pitts

[Dave in Mpls]

SS

The 240-260' program may sound crazy, but it has accounted for alot of fish the past few weekends, as the mud bites has slowed! Hard to be geared for everything....I'm getting there, though!

Regards

[Dave in Mpls]

Howdy, Pitts

It's been a combination of both thus far. The deep water within 1/4 mile of the flats have been the most productive. Kind of hard to put any kind of trolling pattern together in MN and stay legal! I've been running one crank deep and another shallower of a board, and they are both taking fish.

Regards

[Paul]

I just picked up some 15# lead core a week ago or so. Should I exchange this for 18#? Will I gain more lead in 18#, or is it just the dacron that is 3# heavier test?

[SUPERTROLLER]

As stated above, the lead is the same for 18 and above. Only the lb. test rating changes for the dacron. If you haven't opened the package yet, I'd take it back and exchange for the 18 lb. You'll gain a little extra depth with the heavier lead.