I make mine 18-24" long... 10# seaguar abraz x ice. Just started using it this year and have been very impressed. I tie a small crane or ball bearing swivel on the end of the leader and attach that to the main line. Then on the end of the leader I put either a small mustad snap hook or a sz 1 duo lock, depending on if it will be a dead rod or jigging rod, perch rod or walleye rod. That way if I want to change a lure I don't have to cut and retie. Also, some of the jigging lures will have better action using a snap compared to tying directly to the jig. Good luck!