20# test leader for walleye

[Swampfox]

OK I know this sounds crazy but some old timers swear that its a waste of time using 8,10# leaders for walleyes and that 20# is the the only way to go cause your chances of losing the big ones is to great! so being a icefisherman for only a couple of years now , this makes me more confused than ever ! Ive been using 8# test and treble and a split shot and have yet to pull out a walleye . I believe I've been following all the rules 6-8 inches from bottom blah blah blah, but do I switch or what ,anyone one else use that heavy of a leader  let me know , and how its helped or failed!. thanks ahead of time

 LOST IN THE HOLE

[SDFlagChaser]

my biggest walleye caught through the ice came on 20 lb big game with a huge treble.  I was fishing for pike.  My walleye leaders are 8 lb fluoro with a single hook.  I've yet to have one break me off, but i'm only catching 18-21 inchers.  I'd stick with the 8 if I were you

[bighof]

I use 12# fluoro leader material for the walleye and 30# fluoro for the gators.

[esox_magnum]

I use no leaders for eyes summer or winter. Buddy iced one right around 11 pounds couple years ago on 4# test. Heaviest I use is 8# on my jigging rod in the summer.

[dcso3009]

I run 6# fluoro leaders for eyes.  Have not broke one off in years, unless the pike come in.  Even land 2/3 of them.  No need for heavy line.

[bighof]

just on tipups.... no leader on jiggin rods

[icefishman]

4 to 6 pound test, dont set the hook to hard and take your time, your not in a race to get them on the ice.

[jopes]

I just run 10lb mono on my tipups, for perch and walleyes.  on my jiggin rid for cats and walleyes I use some 4lb fireline. 

[mattg]

i have landed lots of big walleye using 4 and 6lb floro leaders as well as many using 6 or 8lb mainline with no leader.  If you use your drag and fight the fish properly a big walleye will not break you off when using light line.

[filetandrelease]

 where i am eyes are up to 23" with the occasional 25" i use 4lb fireline some with leader 6 lb trans optic , some without depends if they are a little hawky

[Double-L]

   

    Fox, my guess is that you are more apt to get bit on lighter line. Personally I  think you're on the right tract; Have faith.    Tight line, LL

[GCD]

OK I know this sounds crazy but some old timers swear that its a waste of time using 8,10# leaders for walleyes and that 20# is the the only way to go cause your chances of losing the big ones is to great! so being a icefisherman for only a couple of years now , this makes me more confused than ever ! Ive been using 8# test and treble and a split shot and have yet to pull out a walleye . I believe I've been following all the rules 6-8 inches from bottom blah blah blah, but do I switch or what ,anyone one else use that heavy of a leader  let me know , and how its helped or failed!. thanks ahead of time

 LOST IN THE HOLE

Downsize to 4 or 6 lb. test and see what happens. Would you rather catch some fish and break off one or two, or not catch anything at all???

Walleye a more cylindrical tooth than the triangular toothed Pike and are less likely to cut your line with their teeth.

Like others have said, take your time and play the fish. That's what fishing is all about! Catching the biggest fish possible on the lightest line and tackle possible.

[SkeeterJeff]

We use Trilene XT 6# in the summer when fishing both home and in Canada.  My Wife put a 32" 12# 'eye in the boat two years ago on 6# test in Canada.

I'm using 4# Trilene Micro Ice on my ice gear.

-Jeff

[kdu12]

I use 6 or 8 pound test fluorocarbon and my biggest walleye is 7lbs.  I have never lost a walleye from biting the leader.

[TheDL]

No leader for 'eyes..10lb mono, never broke one off - others have said too, set your drag and take your time...

SkeeterJeff - 4lb?  Really?  Your brave

[Rebelfisher]

6lb yo zuri for my tipups and 12-14 vmc treble...you may experience some breakoffs, but you'll get more strikes...salmon fishing lake ontario, we only use 12lb leaders....for 30lb freshwater sharks...light line is key..im a firm believer in that

[TheDL]

6lb yo zuri for my tipups and 12-14 vmc treble...you may experience some breakoffs, but you'll get more strikes...salmon fishing lake ontario, we only use 12lb leaders....for 30lb freshwater sharks...light line is key..im a firm believer in that

your ice fishing lake ontario??

[GCD]

your ice fishing lake ontario??

Isn't the BOQ part of lake O?

[Rebelfisher]

sorry guys....Im from PA, but I ice fish Irondiquoit bay Lk Ontario, but when I refered to salmon fishing I meant in the summer and fall downrigging. sorry for the confusion!

[campfindit2]

As heavy as you can. I take every advantage I can get. With that said I use 8# fcarbon. Never noticed anyone around me getting more flags than myself.

[Swampfox]

Thanks for the info guys ,I should of been more clear ,but was talking about using tipups, but all info is usefull , I think for now ill keep the 20# leaders  on one and put 8#  on the other two and just pray for a walleye 

[wedkarz]

I had a 20 lb fluorocarbon leader when i caught a 13 lb walleye a few weeks back and i would have been worried pullin it up with anything lighter.

[killitandgrillit]

I use 12 pound floro for walleyes, and toothy critter for gators. If you've never used toothy critter, your missing out on a great product...super limber, easy to use, blends in nicely, thinner than a regular steel leader.

http://www.flyfishusa.com/leaders/cortland-toothy-critter.htm

[Wyofarmer]

I have had a lot of people tell me that there's no way my set up will work, but ive pulled in lots of 27-29in 8-9lb wallys with them. i use 50lb nylon line then a barrell swivel with 2oz weight and then an 18 in 30lb steel leader and a trebel. i have never had a problem.