Morning all,
I'm just starting to fish a new lake as my regular go-to lake. The rules are a bit strict but manageable. One of the rules is that tubing or lead core (or similar lead free) leader must be used.
Tubing not an issue as all my bottom fishing has a length of tungsten tubing to help pin it down. Lead core however is new to me as every other lake I've fished has had a leader ban.
I've been very successful recently on naked helicopter lead set ups in weed and want to keep doing that which means I need to use a leader.
Can someone recommend either a leadcore or lead free alternative that's fairly beginner friendly? Happy to learn techniques like splicing and everything but just need some help finding a start point.
Cheers
I'm just starting to fish a new lake as my regular go-to lake. The rules are a bit strict but manageable. One of the rules is that tubing or lead core (or similar lead free) leader must be used.
Tubing not an issue as all my bottom fishing has a length of tungsten tubing to help pin it down. Lead core however is new to me as every other lake I've fished has had a leader ban.
I've been very successful recently on naked helicopter lead set ups in weed and want to keep doing that which means I need to use a leader.
Can someone recommend either a leadcore or lead free alternative that's fairly beginner friendly? Happy to learn techniques like splicing and everything but just need some help finding a start point.
Cheers
In reply to Post #1
Most of the braided leader material (leaded or lead free) are pretty similar in principal
I use ESP leadcore - its been around a long time and its what I'm used to - a lot of people tend to use lead free alternatives these days as they're pretty good and more supple. There's also an argument that lead free is better for fish safety.
You have a choice- you can buy ready made leaders, or you can buy a bulk spool and make them yourself.
Splicing is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it - I think there is a step by step tutorial on here somewhere - hopefully someone can link it for you - otherwise have a look on youtube. Make sure your splice is a good length (I aim for around an inch). You can splice swivel onto the leader, but I make mine just with a loop at each end - I can then loop to loop on whatever swivel or clip I need
Buy a couple of splicing needles - first time round you're likely to break one at least while you get your head round it.
For fishing helicopter style - I recommend the Korda no trace beads - as these cant really be beaten from a fish safety POV.
Phil
Most of the braided leader material (leaded or lead free) are pretty similar in principal
I use ESP leadcore - its been around a long time and its what I'm used to - a lot of people tend to use lead free alternatives these days as they're pretty good and more supple. There's also an argument that lead free is better for fish safety.
You have a choice- you can buy ready made leaders, or you can buy a bulk spool and make them yourself.
Splicing is pretty straightforward once you get the hang of it - I think there is a step by step tutorial on here somewhere - hopefully someone can link it for you - otherwise have a look on youtube. Make sure your splice is a good length (I aim for around an inch). You can splice swivel onto the leader, but I make mine just with a loop at each end - I can then loop to loop on whatever swivel or clip I need
Buy a couple of splicing needles - first time round you're likely to break one at least while you get your head round it.
For fishing helicopter style - I recommend the Korda no trace beads - as these cant really be beaten from a fish safety POV.
Phil
In reply to Post #2
Phil has pretty much nailed it on the head
I like the avid pindown for a unleaded version.
Phil has pretty much nailed it on the head
I like the avid pindown for a unleaded version.
In reply to Post #2
Absolutely perfect! Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
Absolutely perfect! Exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!
I used leadcore for years but I find the newer lead free alternatives are better. I use Gardner Camflex which is really easy to splice and does the job. Won't ever go back to leadcore. I'm sure other versions are as good. No need for anyone to use leadcore again.
In reply to Post #1
If you are comfortable fishing tubing, stick with it, it works.
Personally if there is any weed I would avoid leadcore and leaders!
If you do want to use a leader I have found that the Solar Unleaded is good stuff, and works best (for me) with a decent needle knot.
A standard sewing needle and take the mono down through the inside of the leader material for a couple of inches, back outside then Uni-knot the mainline around the leader.
As an aside, I have gone back to inline leads in weed with no problems, both pop-ups and bottom baits (on clearer patches).
Even with tubing the weed slides over the lead, only the horrible blanket weed, like candy floss sticks to the lead.
If you are comfortable fishing tubing, stick with it, it works.
Personally if there is any weed I would avoid leadcore and leaders!
If you do want to use a leader I have found that the Solar Unleaded is good stuff, and works best (for me) with a decent needle knot.
A standard sewing needle and take the mono down through the inside of the leader material for a couple of inches, back outside then Uni-knot the mainline around the leader.
As an aside, I have gone back to inline leads in weed with no problems, both pop-ups and bottom baits (on clearer patches).
Even with tubing the weed slides over the lead, only the horrible blanket weed, like candy floss sticks to the lead.
Unfortunately, due to the rules on the lake. I don't have a choice about leadcore. There's areas of the lake that are very silty/weedy and its very difficult to present a bait (unless specifically fishing in the silt) without a helicopter style lead set up.
I've just gone out and bought some of the esp leadcore mentioned and I've made up a few leaders. Surprisingly easy to do with the help of YouTube. I've got 48hrs on the lake next weekend so fingers crossed it pays off!
I've just gone out and bought some of the esp leadcore mentioned and I've made up a few leaders. Surprisingly easy to do with the help of YouTube. I've got 48hrs on the lake next weekend so fingers crossed it pays off!
In reply to Post #1
Gardner camflex leadcore or lead free is good
I have also found the thinking anglers splicing needles to be best
Gardner camflex leadcore or lead free is good
I have also found the thinking anglers splicing needles to be best
In reply to Post #7
Do the rules on your lake demand that you use leadcore?
Do the rules on your lake demand that you use leadcore?
I have always used fox camotex lead free for a while now but recently tried some Gemini fluorocarbon leaders. They seem very well made I really like them and will be using them for a while now to give them a go
In reply to Post #7
Korda have re released their tubing helicopter beads again haven't they ?
There probably is other companies that do them as well
If you want to use a heli with tubing
Korda have re released their tubing helicopter beads again haven't they ?
There probably is other companies that do them as well
If you want to use a heli with tubing
In reply to Post #8
Cam flex lead free by Gardner,👍
Cam flex lead free by Gardner,👍