How to choose the perfect leader for each situation
Follow this quick guide to leaders to pick the perfect one for each situation you face
From left to right: leadcore, rig tubing, fluorocarbon, braid, nylon leaders
Leadcore
Leadcore is an extremely effective leader material for fast sinking properties and also very good abrasion resistance. When used incorrectly it can stop a fish from ejecting the lead but when used correctly, it’s as safe as any other leader material. Leadcore features a heavy lead inner-core with a woven fibre outer sheath, this makes it very hardwearing and well camouflaged. You can attach it to your main line in several ways, either by splicing a loop or using a Needle Knot.
Rig tubing
Rig tubing is a very popular leader material in modern-day angling. With so many quality and fast-sinking tubing types on the market, it is definitely a contender for one of the best materials going. The thick diameter tubing that threads over your main line stops the thin diameter line from damaging the fish’s flanks during the fight. The fast sinking properties also ensure that your end tackle is pinned to the lakebed once on your chosen spot. A good, safe, fishery-friendly product.
Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon leaders and main line fished straight through to your rig is proving more popular and effective of late. The very thin diameter of the line coupled with its clear colour means it is very difficult for the carp to see. The line is very dense which means it sinks a lot better than a monofilament main line material, making it harder for the fish to detect in your swim. One rig that has been very effective in recent times is the ‘Naked Chod’, which is fished on fluorocarbon instead of leadcore.
Braid
Braid is often used as a leader when you are fishing in extremely snaggy and weedy conditions and you need something with ultimate abrasion resistance. The braided material offers unmatched toughness and strength and the low diameter means that the leader is still good for casting at distance and the fast sinking properties of the braid allows it to hug the contours of the lakebed you’re fishing over, well out of the way of feeding fish.
Nylon leaders
Nylon leaders are probably the easiest and quickest to set-up with many of the leaders coming complete with lead clips and the relevant beads to simply clip on a lead and hooklink and cast out. The translucent material that sinks (some come with fused tungsten sections onto the leader) well makes it very difficult for the carp to locate.
