Spodding generally isn't for me as it's a bit on the physical side and I'm a bit on the lazy side. However, someone recently gave my lad a spod rod and reel loaded with braid. Didn't know what bs the braid was, but it definitely needed a leader. So I attached a leader, and on the second outing with it, first cast, the leader knot wrapped around the butt ring and I said goodbye to my spod as it flew to the horizon. Ironically, the leader knot was still fine.

So, a couple of questions:

1. What did I do wrong, if anything. It was quite windy when it happened.
2. Recommendations for a braid to use straight through please.

TIA lads.

In reply to Post #1
What length leader and what knot did you use? I use the ESP tapered attched to the braid via a Mahin knot.

In reply to Post #1
Hi,
For braid straight through without a leader I like this

https://gardnertackle.co.uk/product/kinetic-spod-braid/

Neil.

In reply to Post #2
Same. I like the thickness of the leader when casting, and don't need to worry where the knot is on the spool. I've never cracked off because of knot. Incompetence, yes.......

In reply to Post #1
Any 30lb bs braid off eBay will do the job, all I e been using for years without a leader.

Daz

In reply to Post #2
The length of the leader is the spool going up and down twice when you wind, whatever length that is. Knot is the double uni.

In reply to Post #5
Wow, just looked and it's under £8 for 500m!!! Didn't realise it was that cheap. Begs the question why do named brands sell if for over £20?

In reply to Post #7
Because we are mugs.

In reply to Post #6
Just my opinion but that's too much, personally I only used enough to get from back to front of spool. There's enough loops on the spool that way to prevent slipping, no need for anymore, but that's my personal preference

In reply to Post #7
Have a look at the ESP tapered leaders mate. They are 9 metres long so minimal strain on the cast and the Mahin knot just slides through the rings.

In reply to Post #10
The mono leaders? I've got them for my braided mainline but not used them for spodding.

After using the korda armakord for a while and not really getting on with it I've been using the Spomb leader and its been much better.

In reply to Post #11
Spomb leader is good 👍

In reply to Post #11
Mono tapered leaders fine for spodding and easier on the arm as they have a bit of 'bounce'.
Used inconjunction with 8-10lb Daiwa Sensor they still fly - you probably lose a little distance / accuracy but gain in comfort and no wind knots / braid maintenance faff etc . . .

In reply to Post #13
I could've written that, exactly the same here. Said this on here before, Im not a fan of braid straight through after a fully tightened clutch slipped and the braid almost took the pad of my index finger off. After that I simply won't risk it, regardless, stitching your own finger is not fun.
If the fish were so far away it needed braid straight through I just wouldn't fish for them.

In reply to Post #14
100% mono with a leader

Unless you want ultra thin braid for high 30 wraps a cheap 0.30 ish braid will be plenty strong and not break on a cast. Use Aliexpress for dirt cheap decent braid.

Especially good for a deeper chirp.

Been reading this thread with interest as I've had an issue the past couple of times out spodding and using a 4oz marker lead.

I'm using Whiplash in 35lb braid with a Kryston quicksilver 45lb leader and both times out I've had the Mahin knot fail, looks like the braid just slips out of the leader when I hit the clip.

Would I be better just spodding/marking with the braid straight through rather than a braid leader or would a nylon taper leader be better?

In reply to Post #17
How long is your leader? I use the ESP that are 9 meters and never had an issue using the mahin knot.

In reply to Post #17
Whiplash is very slippy.
Add more turns, both down and back up, on the mahin knot, pull the knot really tight, if its still slipping slightly then tie an overhand knot in the tag end about an inch from the mahin knot and keep the pressure on.
The whiplash will slowly pull through until the overhand knot butt's up to the mahin knot and it won't slip any further.

In reply to Post #18
13ft + 4-5 turns on the reel

I'll try whipping more turn and an overhand on the tag and see how I get on, thanks

My braid to nylon knot has always been 2 back to back grinners. I had to look it up as I knew it'd have a another name and apparently it's a running-line knot and double uni knot.
It's slightly bigger than that albright by the looks of it but, and I used to use more than the standard turns of braid to bulk the braid knot a bit but it worked for me.

It's in the link below, if you don't like AD dont click

LINKY POO™ https://www.anglingdirect.co.uk/community/your-guide-to-fishing-knots