Your complete guide to leads
Knowing what each different lead shape does will aid your angling. Here's our guide to five of the most popular shapes...
Pear
The standard pear lead is one of the most versatile leads going. The shape makes it a good all round lead for a multitude of different situations. The pear comes into its own when fishing on softer lakebeds such as silt and bottom debris because it is able to grip very well.
Flat Pear
The flat pear is very similar to the standard pear, apart from the fact it has two flat sides. This makes it better for holding the bottom on steep-sided features such as gravel plateaux, but it will suffer when casting any distance. This is available in both a pendant and an in-line version.
Square Pear
The square pear is one of the most compact lead patterns on the market. Again, similar to the pear but this time it has four flat sides so it grips lakebed surfaces well. This is one of the best leads for feeling a drop and also for hooking potential because the lead is concentrated into a smaller surface area.
Distance Lead
The distance lead has been created for the angler who wants to present a bait at range. The aerodynamic shape means it flies through the air a lot easier with less drag for increased distance. This shape of lead is available in both a swivel pendant and also an in-line style. A good all-rounder.
Zip Lead
The zip lead pattern is designed for the angler who wants to fish at extreme-range. Another bonus of this lead pattern is when they enter the water they make a minimum of disturbance. Although quite specialist, these are a very popular
lead choice amongst carp anglers today.