What lead should you use when feature finding?

Calum Kletta

“For my feature finding I normally use a Gardner Bolt Bomb in 4oz weight. These leads are brilliant for finding areas by feeling for the drop as the flat bottom helps to really exaggerate the “donk” when the lead hits the bottom. The flat sides of the lead mean that it is stable on the bottom and the ridge on the back will help it not slide too easily over areas and catch the pieces of gravel etc. a more smooth lead may miss.”

Lewis Read

“Just a distance style lead for me please! Why? It’s easier to shake any weed off the narrower shoulder of the lead. More often than not, that narrow shoulder means a good flick with braid normally dislodges the weed. I know people say that they “can feel more dragging back a big nobbly lead”, and whilst I fully understand the mechanics of this, I don’t feel that the benefits outway the disadvantages of them clogging with weed as soon as they come within a mile of the green stuff!”

Craig Mortimer

“This is a very good question, and it really does just depend on the scenario I am up against. I always try to use the lightest leads I can get away with, and my leads will range from 1.5 through to 4oz depending on distances, weed etc. I have two types of leads I love to use and they are Gardner’s Grapplers and the Bolt Bomb, both of which have a large surface areas
enabling me to feel more of the lakebed.”

George Benos

“I tend to like using bomb type leads, mainly in a 4oz weight, as I find you get a better drop and I also get a better feeling for the bottom with this shape lead. However, if I’m fishing weedy areas I tend to go for a distance type lead, in a smaller weight – i.e. 2-3oz, as I find these pull through the weed better and don’t collect too much debris.”