Should I Use a Leader with Braided Line?

There are many benefits of using a braided line while going fishing due to the sensitivity, flexibility, and casting distance that it offers. However, before going fishing with a braided line, many people ask themselves: should I use a leader with a braided line or not? The answer is ‘Yes’.

It’s always a good idea to attach a mono or fluorocarbon leader to your braided fishing line to improve your fishing game. Using a leader with a braided line can allow you to get the most of your fishing trip by helping you to cover more water, making you likely to catch more fish.

Let’s go and explore the benefits of using a leader while fishing!

Should I Use a Leader with Braided Line or Not

There are several reasons why using a leader is a good idea. Before discussing the question ‘should I use a leader with braided line’ you should familiarize yourself with your fishing equipment.

What is a Braided Line?

In order to understand the need, it helps to understand what a braided line is.

A braided line is a fishing line with a small diameter, made by weaving or braiding synthetic materials such as Dacron and Spectra. 

Braided lines are particularly known for the strength of their knots, their lack of elasticity, and the fact that they are strong despite their small diameter.

They are used in areas of high cover as the lines are less likely to break from snagging in the dense vegetation. Braided lines can also withstand strong pulls from the anglers to muscle fish out of the water. 

Types of Leaders to Use on Braided Lines

If you’re wondering ‘should I use a leader with braided line’ you probably should understand the different types of leaders available. Leaders vary in their lengths and weight, so make sure you choose based on the type of fishing you intend to do.

There are two main kinds of leaders for braided lines and both are known for their strength, despite having different thicknesses of diameter.

Monofilament Leaders: Nylon monofilament leaders are flexible and supple to use, with better elasticity than fluorocarbon leaders.

Fluorocarbon Leaders: These leaders have ultra-thin diameters and are often used by anglers and fishermen because they are light and nearly transparent in the water. Fluorocarbon leaders are also very sensitive and can make identifying fish bite much easier.

Advantages of Using a Leader with a Braided Line

You may be thinking, “Why use a leader line?” Keep in mind that though there are many benefits of using a braided line, there are some issues that arise because of it. These issues can generally be solved by using a leader on the braided fishing line.

• Preventing Line Abrasion: Fishing near abrasive rocks and aquatic structures can be very damaging to a braided line. Though braided lines are strong, they aren’t resistant to sharp rocks and surfaces, getting cut easily. Using a leader can help solve this issue by reducing abrasion-related wearing out of the fishing line.
• Avoiding Waste of Line: When a braided line gets stuck in a jagged rock or in the vegetation, anglers have either had to use a massive amount of force (as braided lines are strong) or cut the line. Since braided lines are expensive, cutting large amounts of tangled lines is a waste of resources.

By adding a leader to the line gives anglers a weak spot which they can cut if the line gets tangled underwater, reducing the amount of effort required to move the rod to cut the knot as well as the amount of tangled line abandoned.

• Saving the Line from Damage while Dealing with Fish with Sharp Teeth: Species of fish such as sharks, flounders, Spanish mackerels, red snappers, and even bluefish possess sharp teeth that can easily damage the line. By attaching a leader, you can protect your line against the damage caused by strong fish. 
• Help in Making Braided Lines Less Visible to the Fish: While fishing in clearer waters anglers need to judge whether their fishing lines are visible to the fish they are trying to catch. Fish tend to stay away from ‘alien’ objects thus a transparent leader helps reduce the chance of fish spotting the braided line.  
• Allow an Easier Fishing Experience for New Anglers: Those newer to fishing find using a leader supports them in their fishing endeavors.

The presence of a leader would help them maintain their hold on larger fish without tearing the hooks out or letting it escape with a long length of your line.

So, when someone asks you ‘should I use a leader with a braided line’, remember to tell them how it can make it much easier for them to make an excellent catch with little effort.

How Much Leader is Ideal to Use?

To know how much leader on braided line is necessary for your fishing trip, you should ask yourself what kind of fish you are trying to catch. Usually while fishing for whiting, blackfish or tautog, or even bream, a 1-meter-long leader suffices.

Keep in mind that while fishing for larger game-fish such as Marlin, you might need a leader that is six to seven meters long. 

Conclusion

If you’re fishing at a beginner level and wondering ‘should I use a leader with braided line’ the answer has to be ‘yes’.

Attaching a leader can help you fish with more precision and efficiency, while also protecting your line and your budget from the added expenses caused by damaged lines.

Fishing is an exciting experience and a proper understanding of the necessary equipment can make it much easier for you to make a prize catch on your next fishing trip.

Sometimes the skillful use of a good leader on a braided line can tip the scale and make you the true fishing king amongst your peers. 

Just remember to practice and have fun!