/ 
To make a leader for carp fishing, it is sometimes difficult to choose between braid and fluorocarbon. However, it is possible to use both on the same leader and thus combine the main advantages of these two materials.
Both make the leader
Following the image of the sheathed braid combination leader presented in a previous article, we are going to make a fluorocarbon leader combined with soft braid. To do this, we will use the knotless knot to fix the braid in the lower part (about 5 cm) to which we will connect the fluorocarbon to form the upper part of the leader (20 to 25 cm). Thus, we combine the rigidity and the discretion of the fluorocarbon with the great flexibility/mobility of the braid. It is a way to combine the advantages of both materials while reducing their disadvantages.
Fans of a bait and hook set with great mobility appreciate this two-in-one leader. Indeed, the hair (bait) is flexible, the front part of the hook also (mobility) but the upper part in fluorocarbon presents a great rigidity with all the advantages that we know. Note that you can adapt the length of the top and bottom parts according to your needs.
Advantages of fluorocarbon and braid
We have seen it in a previous article, fluorocarbon has a high rigidity . This last one presents several advantages to fight against the entanglements at the time of the throws and the deposits, but also during attacks of undesirable.
It offers a certain discretion thanks to a refractive index close to water. This does not mean that it is 100% invisible. Also, it does not let penetrate liquids or scents which is a plus. The braid, as for it, presents a great flexibility which is an advantage to realize knots or hair. Moreover, this flexibility leads to a more natural movement of the bait and hook assembly during water movements or when the fish is sucked in.
To join the two materials without difficulty and as cleanly as possible, we will make a "mushroom" with the fluorocarbon on which we will slide the braid thanks to a knot of head of line (mushroom as for the fluorocarbon trick).
The necessary material
- Starbaits Shadow 40 Carbon Fluoro
- Soft-X 25 lbs braid
- Starbaits Curved Shank #6 hook
- Silicone sheath 1 mm
- Heat shrinkable tubing 2.4 mm
- A SB Bait Stopper
- A pair of scissors
- A knot puller
- A needle
- A lighter
The steps of realization
1- Cut 20 cm of flexible braid.
2- Make a small loop. It will be the terminal part of your hair and will receive the bait stop. Remember to tighten it with the knot puller.
3- Start by baiting the chosen bait. Insert your bait stop in the loop and push your bait to the stop. This way, you will not be surprised when you are at the water's edge. The hair will be the right size.
4- Put the braid in silicone sheath (2 mm). The silicone sheath will keep your hair on the hook.
5- Pass the silicone sheath over the shank by the tip of the hook. The point must be directed towards the hair. Be careful not to prick in the braid.
6- Adjust the length of the hair while placing the sheath in the curve facing the tip.
7- Make a knot without a knot. We always go through the outside of the eyelet. You will then have a mini braided leader.
8- Cut out 30 cm of fluorocarbon.
9- Make a mushroom at one end.
10- Make the knot at the head of the line (with the braid) which will slide on the mushroom. Be sure to adjust the desired length of braid (bottom part) and make sure to tighten your knot.
11- Cut and pass 1.5 to 2 cm of heat shrink tubing to protect the knot and extend the axis of the eyelet. Shrink with boiling water.
12- Pinch a buckshot lead on the braid (at the level of the mushroom) and fix some leaded paste on it. This mass will allow the use of floating baits, but will also fulfill a pre-baiting role.
13- Insert your anti-tangle sleeve then make a loop at the other end with the fluorocarbon tip.
This leader combined braid and fluoro carbon allows to combine flexibility and rigidity. It is designed to lure dense, balanced or floating baits. This type of leader allows you to take a step forward towards a more technicality that facilitates the adaptation to different conditions.
