Seems like a pretty basic question right?  Well it’s not – actually basic is the furthest word I’d use to describe a leader and the choices you have with respect to material and test strength.  So where do we begin… How about here – What is a leader?

A leader, as defined by IGFA, the International Game Fish Association: (The IGFA’s mandate is to establish and promote ethical and sporting angling practices, to establish uniform regulations for the compilation of world game fish records, and to provide basic angling guidelines for use in fishing tournaments and any other group angling activities.  www.igfa.org) “The use of a leader is not required. If one is used, it must meet the following specifications:

The length of the leader is the overall length including any lure, hook arrangement or devices and is measured to the bend of the last hook. The leader must be connected to the line with a snap, knot, splice, swivel or other device. Holding devices are prohibited.  The are no regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader. Freshwater species: The leader on all classes of tackle shall be limited to 6 feet,  (1.82 meters).  The combined length of the double line and leader shall not exceed 10 feet (3.04 meters)”

So basically, you can use any material for a leader, but in freshwater, it can’t be over 6 feet or 10 feet if you have a double line (shock tip)  Saltwater is a whole other world!  We won’t get into that.

Wait, this is just a LEADER isn’t it?  Simple. Easy.  A leader!?!?  Well yes, however depending on the species you choose to target, could dictate the type and size of leader you need.

For example, If I’m fishing largemouth bass with a scum frog in lily pads, I will tie my frog directly to my 65 lb (minimum) braided line.  However, If I’m fishing bright bluebird day sunshine walleye, I’ll use a leader (with braid for example) that takes the visibility WAY down in the water column.  A 6 or 8 lb Fluorocarbon leader tied to the braid mainline.  Yet if I’m trolling for pike with my kids, either I’ll use a large fluorocarbon leader or a wire leader with a snap swivel…your mainline doesn’t really need to change too much, however you should have a variety of leader materials on hand to switch it up if needed.

Here are the basics by species at Wilderness North:

Northern Pike

• Steel/Wire Leader with snap swivel
• Minimum 20 lb fluorocarbon leader material
• Titanium knotable bite wire

Walleye

• Clear monofilament 4lbs – 10lbs
• 100% Fluorocarbon 4lbs – 12lbs

Brook Trout

• 100% Fluorocarbon 2lbs – 6lbs

It’s always good to remember the lighter the material us choose to use for your leaders, the more you’ll end up playing or fighting the fish. If the water is warmer and you can get away with a larger test leader, the fish be much better off and not nearly as exhausted.  If the water is cold (spring, early summer) the fish will recover much faster and you can experiment with different leader materials of different test strengths.  So there you have it – Right there is exactly what is in a leader!