fireline for tip-ups

[bluchaser]

Has anyone tried fireline as a leader when using tip-ups? if so,how does it preform?

[thump55]

The only reason I can imagine using FL for a leader would be for better protection against bite-offs.

If that is not the purpose, then I think it makes a poor leader due to it being so visible.

[JOE WALLEYE]

I have not used it for a leader, but from my experience with it jigging I have found that it does not hold up to northern teeth very well. In fact I have found I get fewer bite offs with a mono leader than I do using fire line tied direct.

On my tip ups if I am rigging for walleye I use 8# mono for a leader. For northern I use steel. A good compromise if you have a good shot at either species is 15# fluorocarbon. It will hold up to most northern and is low vis enough to still get some walleye bites.

[Jfraze10]

^
I use 15lb fluro for my leaders.


One thing to consider with the braided line. I have had a few times were I had it wrapped around a finger or anything and got in a pinch. That stuff can cut you pretty good. And every time I use a tipup the line is every were could be an accident waiting to happen. ( I realize its only a leader but..)

I also have heard people say that fighting a fish by hand can be helped with stretch of the line. You don't have a drag system to make up for that no stretch line fighting a larger fish.

Let us know how you do with it.

[Kevin23]

Originally Posted by bluchaser

Has anyone tried fireline as a leader when using tip-ups? if so,how does it preform?

I wouldn't suggest it. Its so limp that your bait is likely to swim around and tangle itself. Its visible so the fish will easily see it (not sure it makes a difference, but can't help anything). And it is no more bite-proof than fluoro, actually it's worse.

[Smoke_N_Finn]

Originally Posted by thump55

The only reason I can imagine using FL for a leader would be for better protection against bite-offs.

If that is not the purpose, then I think it makes a poor leader due to it being so visible.

Nope , Northerns can bite off fireline or braid just as easy if not easier than mono. I would get FLURO for leaders.

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[Big Coldfront]

I used 50 pound Power-pro as a leader for pike on the ice. I figured that the small diameter and limpness would give the bait more action. It is also very tough to cut. .............. Used it for about 2 trips and scrapped that idea after loosing some nice fish. It is NOT a good leader material for toothy critters. I use it on my open water stuff with a leader but that is about it. Here is way to get a handle on its weakness. Take a length of braid and pull it tight and then work it over the edge of a concrete step. It will fray and separate in short order. Same things happen when it is pulled over fish teeth. Mrt.