More Trolling ??

[Jmorfish]

I just bought some new P-Line fluorocarbon to replace on my 4 trolling reels...doing the job as usual, then I thought to myself...do I really need to put on that 5 or 6' leader line after I get the new main line installed?? been doing this ever since I started trolling, like the leader line for fly fishing...but is it really a benefit on trolling rigs? I'd been using a swivel to connect, so that would be 1 or 2 less knots to keep checking..in your opinion/experience, is that leader line necessary?

[wiperhunter2]

I just bought some new P-Line fluorocarbon to replace on my 4 trolling reels...doing the job as usual, then I thought to myself...do I really need to put on that 5 or 6' leader line after I get the new main line installed?? been doing this ever since I started trolling, like the leader line for fly fishing...but is it really a benefit on trolling rigs? I'd been using a swivel to connect, so that would be 1 or 2 less knots to keep checking..in your opinion/experience, is that leader line necessary?

IMO, the answer is no. The only time I use a leader like you are talking about is lead core line, other than that I just use a swivel, connected directly to the lure or dodger. I do use short leaders, 12 to 18", when I use fligs but that is connected to the weight I use that is connected directly to my main line.

[oldguy]

I just bought some new P-Line fluorocarbon to replace on my 4 trolling reels...doing the job as usual, then I thought to myself...do I really need to put on that 5 or 6' leader line after I get the new main line installed?? been doing this ever since I started trolling, like the leader line for fly fishing...but is it really a benefit on trolling rigs? I'd been using a swivel to connect, so that would be 1 or 2 less knots to keep checking..in your opinion/experience, is that leader line necessary?

IMO, the answer is no. The only time I use a leader like you are talking about is lead core line, other than that I just use a swivel, connected directly to the lure or dodger. I do use short leaders, 12 to 18", when I use fligs but that is connected to the weight I use that is connected directly to my main line.

+1on that curt

[BoatBallast]

I don't use a leader with the fluroclear line. I tie straight to the dodger or the lure. Never had a problem.

[obifishkenobi]

I just bought some new P-Line fluorocarbon to replace on my 4 trolling reels...doing the job as usual, then I thought to myself...do I really need to put on that 5 or 6' leader line after I get the new main line installed?? been doing this ever since I started trolling, like the leader line for fly fishing...but is it really a benefit on trolling rigs? I'd been using a swivel to connect, so that would be 1 or 2 less knots to keep checking..in your opinion/experience, is that leader line necessary?

No leader for me on my Kokanee/trout rods, in fact I use high visibility green mono line with a snap at the end that I connect to my dodger or lure. I like the high visibility line especially when I’m flat lining, so I can better see if my lines get crossed behind the boat a trick I learned from a stealhead guide. The fish are not line shy when trolling. Same as Curt, I do run a short leader when fligging to keep my weight from sliding up the line past a  barrel swivel.

[Jmorfish]

Thanks all...don't know what i was thinking all these years..maybe from my prior fly fishing years..don't know, but finally it didn't quite make sense while putting on this new line..so thanks for your thoughts and making it a little simpler..hope to see you on the soft water soon..

[Bduck]

No leader here except for wife. 

[dubob]

I spool all my trolling rigs with colored mono so I can see the line while trolling.  I do attach a 6 to 8 foot fluorocarbon leader to the mono.  I also use fluorocarbon leaders behind my dodgers. I have no clue or evidence that suggests fish aren't line shy of trolled lures.  I just know for sure that I catch my share of wanted fish using my line setup.  Old adage - if it ain't broke; don't fix it.  

[lovetofish]

No leader for me and no problems. I tie directly to a swivel and snap on a lure/dodger etc.

[liketrolling]

I spool all my trolling rigs with colored mono so I can see the line while trolling.  I do attach a 6 to 8 foot fluorocarbon leader to the mono.  I also use fluorocarbon leaders behind my dodgers. I have no clue or evidence that suggests fish aren't line shy of trolled lures.  I just know for sure that I catch my share of wanted fish using my line setup.  Old adage - if it ain't broke; don't fix it.  

This is what I do fishing for kokanee, I don't  like using fluorocarbon for my main line, more give in Mono .
the line I use for my main line is 10 lb. P-line moss green CXX. and the leader between the dodger and squid 15 lb. P-line fluorocarbon it gives the squid more kick.

CXX is a  line that gets the job done and that you can count on regardless the species, situation, or technique. I'm not saying its the best at any one thing but there's nothing it sucks at

[BYUHunter]

I spool my trolling rods with a couple hundred yards of Power Pro 50lb braid, with about a 25' fluoro leader.

Braid has no memory, is fairly wear resistant, rarely needs to be changed, and is obviously super strong. I love it.

[oldguy]

I spool all my trolling rigs with colored mono so I can see the line while trolling.  I do attach a 6 to 8 foot fluorocarbon leader to the mono.  I also use fluorocarbon leaders behind my dodgers. I have no clue or evidence that suggests fish aren't line shy of trolled lures.  I just know for sure that I catch my share of wanted fish using my line setup.  Old adage - if it ain't broke; don't fix it.  

This is what I do fishing for kokanee, I don't  like using fluorocarbon for my main line, more give in Mono .
the line I use for my main line is 10 lb. P-line moss green CXX. and the leader between the dodger and squid 15 lb. P-line fluorocarbon it gives the squid more kick.

CXX is a  line that gets the job done and that you can count on regardless the species, situation, or technique. I'm not saying its the best at any one thing but there's nothing it sucks at

I am with you I have fished all over this country and mono has been my choice for all species and all waters.

[dubob]

Why is the give in mono a bad thing?  We go to extreme lengths to get fast action tip rods for kokanee.  I certainly do.  They have very soft mouths, and you want some give in the system.  And for fly fishing trout in Utah, most folks use very limber rods to better play the fish.  I use the same rod/reel combo's for trout that I do for kokanee when trolling with good success.

Now bass, wiper, catfish, walleye are a different story.  Stiff rods and braided line to be able to set hooks properly.  I don't want any give in those situations. 

[liketrolling]

The give in mono is a good thing

[Paddler]

I use 10# Trilene XT for trolling cranks behind planer boards because that's what the authors of "Precision Trolling" used when they developed the dive charts. Makes sense to me.

I use my ocean salmon rigs for kokanee, Shimano Convergence 10'6" mooching rods and Islander MR3 reels spooled with 25# Trilene XT. A bit of overkill, perhaps, but plenty of give to land well-hooked kokes.