Leader strength

[WalkOnWater]

Finally signed up. I started ice fishing last year and I am as crazy as the rest of you now. Can't wait to get out there. Anyways, what is the rule of thumb for leader strength compared to the biggest fish that you may catch in a body of water. If the biggest fish weighs 20 lbs would you use a 20 lb leader? Is the rule pound for pound or something else. I would not want to lose the big one however getting by with a smaller leader would be stealthier. I was all mono last year and will be fluoro this coming year.  Thanks

[Bluefinforme]

to the biggest fish that you may catch in a body of water. If the biggest fish weighs 20 lbs would you use a 20 lb leader? Is the rule pound for pound or something else.

I catch 150-300 lb fish on 80 LB test mono.................. .it's all in the drag baby  8)

ice fishing though.....I go pound for pound......figuring you have to hoist em a little more..........HOWEVER on the jiggin traps/rods I use braid....and an appropriate leader for where I'm fishing....usually a 30 LB steel leader gits' er done for me 

"game fishing" I use 8 or 12 LB flourocarbon leaders

good luck and welcome.........
ps. stay away from FrozenNutts 

[jacksmelt71]

like the cap. said if you play them out you can get them on lighter line. i got about a doz. muskie this summer on 10lb test and a mh rod w/ 13lb. steel leader. the biggest was 19lbs.. just wear them down.