Lead Core, What Pound Test?

I am going to expand my arsenal next year and get set up to troll leadcore. However, I see it comes in different pound test starting at 12# at Cabelas. I will be using it primarily in open water and maybe a few river situations. Is 12 the best all around, what is your recomendation.

Thanks

We use 18#.

Juls

We also use 18 lb

Good Luck
Ed Fiore

[Ristorapper]

I use 18# also. I heard it has the smallest line diameter to weight ratio therefore cutting through the water the best.

[Gilligan]

Not sure why so many people use the 18# rather than the heavier as the diameters are the same as the heavier # test. (they are all .030 diameter)

18# seems to be the general consensus on line. Any suggestions on rods. Length, action etc.

Thanks Again.

27#

#27 lose fewer cranks

We switched to 27lb after struggling with a season of 18lb line mystery failures, I would be hard pressed to use the 18lb again.
In two years we have zero line breaks with the 28lb stuff.
Maybe we got some bad 18lb or maybe we are now just better at using it.
Our lead core rigs are also used for Salmon, Browns, and Steelhead.
It is a rare trip we don't use core and somedays it is (the hot set up)!
Good luck with your core choice!

[pwrfshn]

Out here I run 27# to reduce the number of lost cranks.

Daiwa Heartland S is the best rod I have found for core, but would consider some of the graphites if I was not running Power Pro. You want to make sure you get soemthing soft that will still telegraph the bait. Running 6"6", 8', and 9'6" currently.

Loomis makes a super nice (940 series I think) rod for core, but I can't justify the price with the possibility of a client sanpping it. The Heeartland X series are graphite and have a very nice taper.

Good luck,