Leaders

Metal leaders are the most over-used piece of equipment in the tackle box. Some anglers never fish without one and the results are horrendous. A surface bass plug that gurgles nicely when attached to the monofilament becomes useless, a drag in the water, when it's weighted down with a metal leader. Even balsa minnows lose their action and their balance with these leaders.

If you are going to use a metal leader, first test your lures tied directly to the line and then again with a metal leader. Compare the results. If a lure seems deadened by the extra weight, don't use it. Use those lures that seem to retain an appealing action when attached to metal. Once the lure is tested, choose the longest and finest leader you think is suitable to the situation. Remember, metal is strong; it doesn't have to be thick to resist breaking or cutting. When making your own leader, use as light a material as six pound-test. All lures should be secured with a high-quality cross-lock snap with the exception of jigs that are tied directly to the wire (no snap needed).

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