How heavy?

[fishin fool]

I have been having a prblem with getting bit off when catching good sized pickerel on tip-ups.  I would switch to a steel leader but the last time I did, the number flags I got went down quite a bit.  I also am catching alot of bass when I'm not getting the pickerel so I don't want to spook them off of the bait.  I have had them(pickerel) bite right through 15 pound test.  If I go to say 25 or 30 # do you think that I will discourage any bass from hitting the bait?

[TJC]

If you dont want to go to a steel leader why dont you try a spider wire or spider blend. They seem to be more abrasion resitant.

[Ice Troll]

Fishinfool,

Go to this site and check this out. This stuff is awesome and will solve both problems of leader strength and diameter of leader.

www.tackledirect.com/malinboanokink.html

[Bob_D]

Fishin fool,
I think 30# floro would be just fine. I use 50# for pike, but I have used 30# on some and it worked fine. I have a question for you. Are you playing the fish? Or just yanking them in? With lighter line, you need to play the fish. If the fish wants to run, then let it. Let the line slip through you fingers and hold a slight tension. When the fish stops, gently pull it back to the hole. The most difficult part for folks is getting the fish out of the hole. Once they get the fish at the hole, they start to yank. That is the wrong thing to do. Slowly work the fishes head up the hole and you will be fine. If it wants to run again, then let it....and work back to the hole.

[fishin fool]

Esox, most of the bite offs came on or shortly after the hook set.  I know that two of them were user error as far as knots go, but the other ones were just plain chewed thorugh.  I'll give the flouro a try and see what happens.
Thanks
Jeff

[Bob_D]

Jeff,
Like I said 30# should be plenty strong for what you are doing. Floro also has a higher abrasion resistence then mono. I've caught several bass on my 50# leaders, so 30# should fine for that as well. Make sure you have some cutters with you for deeply hooked fish....heavy line does a number on you teeth. Don't be like me.

[Russellman]

Esox - I'm LMAO at that photo !  It reminds me of a day in Maine several years back when I had to release an undersized landlocked salmon in the hole (couldn't bring it above the ice for some reason I can't remember now).  I couldn't find my nippers, so I knelt down over the hole and bit him off.  
I must have looked goofy as all he!!, but it definitely made an impression on the guy I was fishing with that day.  

Long live the improvisers and those that folow the rules !

[Bob_D]

Huh? I thought that's how you precticed CPR?   Oh!...I guess that means catch, photo and release.. My bad  

[PIKEGUY]

Looks like a french kiss lol. I have never been bit off using Berkley Fireline. I also use a steel leader and not had flag decreases...I am fishing darker backwaters though. Hope it helps. Good Luck

[grumpymoe]

i know i'm taking alot of chances this year using light gear and hooks with light mono, but i inspect and change frequently. the way i look at it, is if the fish is big or lucky enough to cut the line, then it deserves its self-release. if i specifically target large fish, then my tactics will change to heavier gear; (18-24" steel leaders) and nothing less. grumpymoe

[HIMO]

hey Esox. judging by that picture , you have the whole concept of CPR all wrong. HAHAHA