lead core

[shorelander1]

BOB i could really use help with lead core. How to tell if you have to much line out . What is the best speed to use for depth. A do you use mono or fireline on the end of youyr lead core.

[B Jensen]

My knowledge of lead-core line is very, very limited. I've used it just a couple of times, always on someone elses reel/rod.

Can anyone help with this?

Sorry I can't be of help.

Best Fishes,

Bob Jensen

[Speedy]

I use about a 12 ft lead with leadcore, either 14lb XT or 14lb fireline depending on the conditions. I use the following formula to start with. You can figure number of colors 2 ways: I either multiply the depth by 6 and divide by 30 or easier yet divide the depth by 5. Either of these calculation will give you the number of colors you need out. If you have a linecounter the depth times 6 will give you the feet out. I start with this amount of line out at about 2MPH and adjust from there. It depends on wind behind you or to the side etc. You just need to experiment. I would find a good sandbottom flat and fiddle with it until you get a speed and line out number for whatever depth the flat is and work from that.
This is using 18lb test leadcore. The knot used to connect the leader to the lead core is this: Strip about 4-6 inches of lead out of the dacron, tie a loose overhand knot in the dacron and run the leader up into the dacron until it butts up against the lead. You then carefully tighten the knot. It maybe hard to believe but this knot really works and you don't have a swivel jamming in your rod eyes. Sorry the post is so long but it is hard to explain any other way.

[Chad]

I just poseted this on onother page but wil add some extra comments!

One thing about lead is that there are too many variables in the equation to issue you a if/then scenario. Factors like speed, length of leader, length of leadcore out, lure dive all make it tough.

Some of my friends troll exclusively with lead as they feel that its precision depth control is a major factor in their success.

Here are some basics I have learned:

Rod & Reel.....I like to use a normal trolling/planer board rod. I have been using the 10'6" Scheels Pro Classic to spread the lines out. I have been using a Daiwa 47 Linecounter. This is the set ups most of the folks in my club use too. Some may use a regular level wind reel in lieu of a linecounter to save some cash. I like to spool with 10 colors of leadcore line. Some others that target suspending fish or use planer boards may use segmented leadcore which consists of mono backing, around 3 colors of lead and then a mono or fireline leader.

Line....Leadcore comes in different lb's of test. This has to do with the strength of the dacron sheath and not the weight of the lead. Most poeple I have encountered use 18# test.

Leader length and material....I like to use a Fireline leader in the 10' range. Some like to go 30' (10yds) which is the same length as one color. My conclusion is that it doesn't matter. Clear water conditions may call for a Vanish (flourocarbon)leader.

Lures....Well..the great thing is you live in America can use any lure you want. The neat thing leadcore will allow you to do is present shallow diving lures in deeper water. #4 & 5 shad raps, #4 Hornets, stick baits, etc...

How much line to let out....I am usually fishing the bottom structure so I let out enough to hit bottom and give er a crank until I only get a tick now & then. A rule of thumb is 5' of depth per color.

Speed..... most of the time you will see folks going at a slower speed of 1-2mph. Much faster and the resistence from the thincker leadcore will overpower the weight of the lead and you will loose depth. Less speed equals more depth and more speed equals less depth.

Leadcore trolling is not that complicated and can be over thought. It is very easy when targeting botom fish and becomes complicated when targeting a specific depth for suspended fish.

......git the lead out!

ChadM

[Gary Korsgaden]

I prefer snap weights but listen to the experts on here about lead core....used it for some Great Lakes fishing but I am a creature of habit and tend to go back to snap weights.

[whitetips (unlogged)]

experts view, The variables maybe many but thats the way it is in all fishing, the basics are this, from a Pros view, 18 LB 10 colors is normally what we buy, then we tie in a leader direct to the dacron after removing a piece of the lead out of the sheath, some tie some use a small 18 barrel swivel, its your choice, 50ft fluorocarbon leader is the choice of the top name Pros an I use 14-20lb Vanish Transition myself you can see the line when netting a fish better, also a backing of a braided line spooling 200-400ft as backing if using all ten colors, Some have seperate rods segmented, basically meaning not all ten colors, the key is what is the advantage of leadcore, plan and simple it takes shallow running baits to a targeted depth, but it also can be used with spinners, most of us just use inline weights or snap weights w/ spinners. But cranks like thundersticks, huskyjerks 12-14's and shad Raps it allow that extra depth a distance behind the boat for fish moving away from the path of the boat, You can use boards, jets, or flat line many variables, but mostly Crnking for deeper bottom fish or suspending fish.
To much is if the lures touching bottem picking up debris, Reel in a few cranks till it stops. 5-6 ft in depth per color, some of the bigger Huskys will go about 7-8 per color. Gluck on your season.