leadcore vs snap weights

[clancy]

Is there any advantages to one method over the other when trolling shallow cranks? It seems like snap weights would be a much more versatile system overall, and wouldn't require specialized/specific equipment like with leadcore, yet lots of you folks choose the leadcore. I have limited experience with crankbait trolling, but would like to do more this season. I'd like to keep gear and technique options to a minimum, so could I get by with just the snap weights? Thanks.

[Water Dog]

It is not possible to discuss leadcore vs snap weights in just a few paragraphs .

Both methods can produce fish , but they do it differently .

Core line starts dropping as soon as it hits the water . It slithers up and down thru the water . Lead core is very speed dependent ,to acheive depth . That is why it slithers up and down .

Snap weights strech back the line and then drop at the point just ahead of the snap weight to acheive depth at the end of the line .

Both methods have their benefits and negatives .

Deep diving lures work well behind lead core , deep diving lures behind snap weights are limited by the position of the snap weight .

As we use both methods with great success , I hope you too will try both to expand your fishing methods and success .

Best Regards ,
Water Dog

[CarpetBagger]

Used snap weights here in the Central basin for years now. Found them to work best by lettin out a decent amount of line before clippin on the weight...say 30-50'+ Manily we troll Power Dive Minnows, Bomber A's, or Thundersticks. In 50-80' we usually run a crank back 50' clip the weight (1 or 2oz) then let out another 100' and clip it on the planer board.

Never really tried alot of the leadcore...i know a few guys who have had success on it maybe some1 else on here could help you with that.

CB

[Gilligan]

I'm new to the lead core but one advantage of lead vs snap weights is a direct line to the bait and no slack in the line when you get hit vs the hinge you put into the line with the snap weight. Another advantage is a savings on reels, no need for a linecounter when you let out 5 colors @ 30' per you know you have 150' out. I have reels set up with lead segmented in so all I need to do is put the proper reel on and let out till I hit the mono backing.

I don't know for fact but am told that lead will follow the path of the boat rather than cutting through the water on a turn making it easy to follow a contour.

You can get by with the snaps for sure but if you have a spare level wind or 2 around give the lead a try.

[clancy]

Thanks for the replies. One other question. Seems like articles I have read and videos dealing with leadcore trolling only talk about using 3 colors of lead out, then let out a certain amount of mono or fireline to reach desired depth, yet lots of you talk about using 5,6, even 8 colors. I think the precision trolling book also talks about only 3 colors. If you're using multiple colors of lead, how do you know how deep you are running, or do you start by running on the bottom, then reel in if necessary for suspending fish. Just a lot of trial and error till you catch fish?

[clancy]

No more help on this one?

[Gilligan]

Dependant on speed you can expect to get 4-6' of depth per color. If you want to just flatline you can load all 10 colors and let out x amount of colors or if you wish to run them off planer boards start off with a leader (I run 50') then add in say 5 colors and then back it with mono. Let out the leader, lead and connect to planer board after you get to mono backing.

[Water Dog]

Fishing for multi-species and trailering all over the Great Lakes , we came up with a simple lead core rig system that never fails to produce .

We use 8.6 med lite action rods with Diawa 47lc reels . (On sale at a sporting store chain that the PC correct computer will not spell out)
(Starts with D*CKS)
90+ 10lb leader tied with a nail knot to a 18 lb lead core spool (10 colors) ,then add enough backing to fill up the reel and now you are ready to troll . (This requires you then pull it all out and respool it on correctly)

For shallow water or structure , let out 2-3 colors of lead core .
For deeper water let out more .

Simple but effective .

Any one who complains lead core does not offer a good fight is using pool cue rods and not enough mono leader .

Just my two cents worth ,

Water Dog

[clancy]

Thanks Water Dog, CarpetBagger and Gilligan for taking the time to offer advise. I'll give that leadcore a try this season.