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The combination of braid and leader, whether fluorocarbon or nylon, is a decisive factor.
The connection between these two components is made by a node called a connection node. There are several types, the most common of which are the Peixet node and the the FG node .
The subtlety of this combination lies in the right balance between discretion, resistance and breakage safety, so that the breakage occurs at the lure, and not on the knot in the event of snagging.
Understanding leader resistance
First of all, you need to understand the meaning of the resistances indicated on the reels, expressed in pounds or kilograms. They correspond to the maximum linear pull that the wire can withstand, without taking into account the damping role of the rod.
However, the latter plays a decisive role. It's perfectly possible to catch a 3 kg fish with a line of lower resistance, provided you use the rod to absorb the rushes and distribute the tension throughout the material.
As a general rule, we recommend using a braid that is slightly stronger than the leader. This way, in the event of a snag, breakage occurs at the fluorocarbon level, preserving the connecting knot and allowing a quick return to fishing.
Diameter, an often overlooked parameter
For equivalent strength, fluorocarbon diameter can vary considerably from one brand to another.
A thinner wire has several advantages: a more discreet connection, smoother passage through the rings and better casting distance. Please note, however, that the values given on packaging are purely theoretical. It is not uncommon to find, sometimes with disappointment, that certain brands over- or underestimate the actual resistance of their leaders.
The same applies to diameter. When in doubt, the advice of an experienced angler or a competent retailer can be very helpful in making the right choice.
Managing leader abrasion
Particularly for shore anglers, rubbing against rocks puts a strain on leaders. Some anglers compensate by selecting a larger diameter, but this increases the risk of breaking the braid before the leader.
Seaguar's Neox is the benchmark in this field. Its abrasion resistance is simply outstanding.
Demonstrations online show fishermen running a cutter blade over the wire: despite this, the resistance remains impressive.
What about strong peaches?
For powerful fisheries such as tuna, trevally or large tropical predators, the usual rules no longer apply. In these situations, leader can be more resistant than braid.
For example, when luring bluefin tuna, use PE 10 braid (approx. 120 lb) with a 170 to 220 lb leader. The aim is to resist the abrasion caused by repeated rubbing in the fish's mouth. After each fight, we recommend cutting off the damaged section of the leader.
This sturdiness becomes crucial when lining, when the fish is held by hand on the edge of the boat. At this point, the leader is under considerable tension. It's easy to see the importance of high strength at this stage, when the rod no longer fulfils its role as shock absorber.
Testing different combinations
Once you've found the right settings, it's often best to stick with them. You may have to go through several trials of brands, resistances and diameters before finding the ideal combination.
The figures provided by manufacturers are not always the reality: only practice allows you to judge the reliability of the equipment. And just like braid, fluorocarbon wears out over time, so regular checks prevent unpleasant surprises.
