Gotta ?

[Jimmy Z]

I'm fairly new to fishin and I've really taken a likin to walleye fishin. I'm still learning new techniques, etc. When trolling, does anyone recommend a leader? If so, what type of leader and what #test? I've heard walleye can be spooked by a leader. Any info would be greatly appreciated? Thanx

[Smitty]

The only time I use a leader is when there are a good # of northern/muskie in the lake and I'm fishing areas where they roam. While it may run off a few finicky walleye (I haven't noticed a great difference personally), those big toothy critters have taken too many of my $5 lures already.

[Nofish]

Hey JimmyZ,

I have to agree with Smitty. I only use leaders when there are a lot of toothy varmint's around. I prefer the light wire leaders that Bait Rigs makes. I use the 12 inch length and the wire is so fine that only in the clearest water do I think the fish have time to see it.

If you mean using a leader of mono with braided line or superlines, I don't troll with these lines often. I use Trilene XT Green for most of my trolling.

If I am using fireline, especially in clear water, I use a leader of mono and I am convinced this helps a lot. I use Fireline for all my jigging and have seen Mono leaders out fish straight tied superline time and time again.

Good luck..........R

[MarbleEye's]

With cranks i ALWAYS use a leader. Normaly i use a solid steel leader that is about 1 1/2 inches long (if you know anyone who sells them i need some, i only have one left.) This seems to prevent most of the northerns/muskies and the walleyes with some decent teeth to take my lures. It is also short enough so its not a large factor to the fish. This also prevent quite a bit of twisting in the line if something gets caught up and the crank starts to twist. Although tying directly to the crank may be better i just have a comfort level with a small leader which may be a large part of it.
If i am fishing for northerns (yes i said fishing FOR northerns) i will use a 6 or 12 inch stranded steel leader. With northerns you usualy need a 12 because they do their standard rolls which will tangle/break your line quickly w/o any protection.

Good luck, and hopefully ive helped a little bit
PS...Make sure, sure sure sure that it is a ball bearing swivel on the leader

[Gunga Din]

Vanish or any other fluorocarbon line makes freat leader material.

[drewski]

OK fellas, please help out a fairly new walleye fisherman. Nofish, when you say you use a mono leader, could you please tell me what # test you would use (let's say for using either with 8 # mono or 8/3 fireline)? How long? What knot do you use? Also, if you are drifting with jigs/minnows, would you ever use a wire leader? If so, what kind and how long? Do you ever use swivels for jigs? Thanks for your help.