If you’re an avid angler, you’ve probably heard about leaders in fishing. For those unfamiliar with the term, a leader is a short section of fishing line that’s connected to the end of your mainline or directly to your lure. Leaders can be made of various materials such as monofilament, fluorocarbon, and wire. But why do you need to use a leader in fishing?
The purpose of using a leader is primarily to increase your chances of catching fish. Here’s how it works:
1. Abrasion resistance: Fish have sharp teeth and strong jaws that can easily cut through regular fishing lines. If you’re targeting species that are notorious for their sharp teeth like barracuda, sharks, or pike, you may want to consider using a wire leader. Wire leaders are highly durable and resistant to sharp teeth and abrasive surfaces.
2. Invisibility: Fish can be skittish and easily alarmed by unnatural movements or objects in the water. Using a leader that’s less visible than your mainline can help you catch more fish. Fluorocarbon leaders, for example, are virtually invisible underwater, making them ideal for targeting species that are easily spooked.
3. Sink rate: Some fishing lures float on top of the water while others sink to the bottom. If you’re using a sinking lure, you’ll need a leader that sinks at the same rate as your lure. For instance, if you’re fishing in deep water, a heavy fluorocarbon leader can help your lure sink faster, making it more visible to fish below.
4. Line twist: Sometimes, your fishing line can become twisted or tangled, especially when you’re using spinners or spoons. Using a leader can help prevent line twist or minimize its effects. Fluorocarbon leaders are particularly effective at reducing line twist.
5. Confidence: Lastly, using a leader can help boost your confidence as an angler. Knowing that you have a durable and invisible leader attached to your lure can give you peace of mind and help you focus on hooking more fish.
The purpose of using a leader in fishing is to improve your chances of catching fish by providing abrasion resistance, invisibility, the right sink rate, and reducing line twist. Additionally, using a leader can give you confidence as an angler, helping you enjoy your fishing experience even more.