Which Lead Set-Up Should You Use?
Unsure where to start when it comes to picking the right lead for the right situation? Save time and get it right every time with our at-a-glance guide to the key lead set-ups you need to be using (and when).
RUNNING IN-LINE LEAD
LAKE BOTTOM
In-line leads are generally fished over a firmer lakebed such as gravel and clay. They can also be used on firmer silt where the nose of the lead won’t bury into the bottom.
ANGLING PRESSURE
If everybody on your lake is fishing with the conventional semi-fixed in-line set-up, then by using it running can give you a real edge. This means the fish feels no resistance when picking up your hookbait.
EQUIPMENT
In-line lead, sinking rig tubing or leadcore and buffer bead. You can convert this into the ‘Shocker ’ arrangement by adding a backstop (this is usually a 5mm bead which fits snuggly onto the tubing).
SEMI-FIXED IN-LINE
LAKE BOTTOM
As with the running version of this lead set-up, this is best suited for a harder lakebed. However, if fished in a solid PVA bags they can also be cast confidently into low-lying weed.
ANGLING PRESSURE
If presenting in low-lying weed, casting small PVA bags at showing fish can be deadly. It means you can present a hookbait stealthily without causing unneeded commotion of finding a clear area with a marker float.
EQUIPMENT
Sinking rig tubing or leadcore, in-line lead and tail rubber to make everything streamline. However, if you want to fish this drop-off style, use something like Avid’s QC Drop-Off Stems.
RUNNING PENDENT
LAKE BOTTOM
This can be fished from hard gravel features to silty areas. It shouldn’t be fished into weed though, because the lead is unable to discharge from the line should the fish become snagged.
ANGLING PRESSURE
This lead set-up is being seen less and less in modern-day angling with more people using other lead systems. If anglers on your lake are continually using semi-fixed lead set-ups, then a running pendant could be an edge.
EQUIPMENT
Sinking rig tubing or leadcore, pendant lead and a buffer bead. Again, like the running in-line running lead arrangement, you can add a back stop bead to create a ‘shocker’ style set-up.
SEMI-FIXED PENDENT
LAKE BOTTOM
Semi-fixed pendants can be fished in and around weed because the lead is able to discharge during the fight. They can be used in most other fishing situations.
ANGLING PRESSURE
Look at what other anglers on your lake are using and use a different set-up. For example, if people are using heavy semi-fixed leads then use a light one. This is giving the fish something different to deal with.
EQUIPMENT
If leadcore/leaders are banned on your lake, try Avid’s Thread and Go Tubing Kits for easy. The size and shape of lead you pick will depend on the angling situation in front of you.
HELICOPTER SET-UP
LAKE BOTTOM
Generally fished over soft areas like silt which is often covered in debris. You can then set the top bead to the depth of the silt to make sure your hooklink is always presented correctly.
ANGLING PRESSURE
The same applies here as it does with a semi-fixed pendent set-up: if everyone else is using 3oz leads, then either go really light (1oz) or really heavy (5oz) - it’s all about being different to the norm.
EQUIPMENT
You can set-up helicopters in two ways: naked or with leadcore/lead-free leader. There are various products available to construct a very safe
