Lead core questions

[Knowledge]

1. how do you connect your leader to your lead core
2. is one brand od leadcore better than another?
3. how much do you spool on you linecounter reel?
4. leader length?
5. What do you use for backing?

[Gunga Din]

>1. how do you connect your leader to your lead core?
Some say to use a small barrel swivel that will pass through your guides. Others use another knot that has been discussed here many times. I can't remember exactly how to tie it, so look on the Pro Q&A page (unfortunately it hasn't made it to the knot page yet).

>2. is one brand od leadcore better than another?
The Precision Trolling book uses Cabela's 18 pound. Most lines use the same amount of lead, regardless of line strength. So use the smaller diameter line (18 pound or close to it).

>3. how much do you spool on you linecounter reel?
Some people fill their spool with 10 colors, then 50' of leader. Others fill with mono of their choice, splice in 3 colors of leadcore, then add the 50' leader. The latter uses less line, reaches common depths, works well with planer boards, etc. I use the former.

>4. leader length?
50'

>5. What do you use for backing?
mono or just fill with leadcore--depends on how many colors you think you'll need and reel capacity. My Penn 209's fill perfectly with 10 colors.

[Robertp]

I feel your pain, having just gone through the same exercise. You will probably get alot more intelligent responses than mine but here's what I did.
1. I used a barrel swivel to attach leader. Make it as small as possible so it fits throgh guides, yet strong enough not to break with a good fish. You don't need a swivel and, I think, many guys tie direct with a surgeons, or similar knot. I went with the swivel because I fish some snag filled waters and figure if I'm hung up and break at the swivel, retying is easier.
2. I used a 9ft leader so, I hope, the swivel does not interfere with lure action.
3. I tied the leadcore to filler using surgeon knot.
4. I spooled 4 colors. On inland lakes 3 seems to be plenty but I also fish Lake Erie and figured I might want 4 there for more depth.
5. I used Cabela's, but don't know of any difference in quality among brands.
6. I stripped off a little more than half spool of Penn 209 before tying on lead core. (It was strung with 20 lb test mono I previously used for salmon) This was about right, but if you guess wrong, simply strip the lead core back off and respool. When guessing, I suggest leaving a little more backing the first time, so if you guess wrong you can simply take off additional filler.
7. Last thing, promise, I used 18 lb leadcore.
Hope this helps.

[Robertp]

I feel your pain, having just gone through the same exercise. You will probably get alot more intelligent responses than mine but here's what I did.
1. I used a barrel swivel to attach leader. Make it as small as possible so it fits throgh guides, yet strong enough not to break with a good fish. You don't need a swivel and, I think, many guys tie direct with a surgeons, or similar knot. I went with the swivel because I fish some snag filled waters and figure if I'm hung up and break at the swivel, retying is easier.
2. I used a 9ft leader so, I hope, the swivel does not interfere with lure action.
3. I tied the leadcore to filler using surgeon knot.
4. I spooled 4 colors. On inland lakes 3 seems to be plenty but I also fish Lake Erie and figured I might want 4 there for more depth.
5. I used Cabela's, but don't know of any difference in quality among brands.
6. I stripped off a little more than half spool of Penn 209 before tying on lead core. (It was strung with 20 lb test mono I previously used for salmon) This was about right, but if you guess wrong, simply strip the lead core back off and respool. When guessing, I suggest leaving a little more backing the first time, so if you guess wrong you can simply take off additional filler.
7. Last thing, promise, I used 18 lb leadcore.
Hope this helps.

[Robertp]

Must have hit post button twice. My apology.

[REELMAN]

i use the Penn GTI 310 it holds right at 10 colors of Cabelas 18 lb. leadcore. I use a 12 foot fire line leader. I don't use a swivle to connect them.

[ChadM]

If running boards you will need to segment your leadcore. Reason is the leadcore is heavy and will drag in the water from the boat to the board. If segmented the mono wont do that as much.

If running straight back you can load reel with straight leadcore.

I heard that the only difference in the various weights of lead core is the thickness of the dacron sleeve. The lead is the same in all weights. This would lead me to think that all weights will act nearly the same. 10' per color.

[Chad M]

Tying on a leader :
1-Peel back dacron cover and strip about 6" of lead out
2-Tie an overhand knot in the dacron line(less lead)
3-form a loop in the leadcore. Treat the loop as the eye of a hook and attach the leader using a palomer knot.

[Walleye Mike]

Here is an easy solution that I have been using for 10 years +. Peel back a few inches, 2-3, of dacron off the leadcore, break off the 2-3 of exposed lead and dispose of that lead. Tie an overhand knot with the dacron, so you now have a bump of dacron on the end of the leadcore. Now tie a cinch knot with the mono on the leadcore. Wet the dacron, and gently tighten down so the cinch tightens up against the dacron bump. Done. Good Luck. Walleye Mike

[SAWGer]

For connecting leader to leadcore and leadcore to backing I have been using plastic fly line/leader connectors. There are two types, one for tapered leaders and lines, and one for level. I prefer the level variation. I can quickly change over to 1,2 or 3 "colors" of leadcore using this system. I store each of them on empty refill spools complete with leader. The plastic is tapered at both ends and is quite small. Runs easily through the rod guides. Randy H.