Fishing Leader Line: Why Length Is So Critical

What is the ideal length for a leader for inshore saltwater fishing?
What happens if it’s too short?
Or if it’s too long?
Why do you even need a leader?
In this video, I’ll answer all of these questions and more!
And check out this article for more information about leaders, such as the best knots, leader material, and leader strength:
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P.S. Want access to the best fishing spots, tips, and exclusive gear and discounts? Click here to join us and +10,000 other anglers in the Insider Club:
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[@InshoreChaos]

Personal preference is most important. My #1 tip is fish with confidence. And I'm most confident with longer leaders, 2-4 feet. I strayed away from the FG knot because it broke after going through my guides too much, but I also didnt want to shorten my leader. So I just started using uni knots for braid to floro, which dont break for me.

[@Saltstrong]

Yes, confidence plays a HUGE role in fishing.

[@mo-zy]

This is brilliant advice! Thank you very much. Now I know what is wrong. Always i have the knot going through the last guide of the rod. That's how lengthy i keep my leader. When it's that long, i tend to have less catches. When i trim it short, i tend to get much more catches! Never knew the fish can sense foreign unusual presence! Absolutely brilliant!

[@SALTxTHExWOUND]

I usually tie an FG knot from my braid to 24-32” of leader line. I used to use shorter leader (18”) but I like to able to retie quite a few times given the leader doesn’t get chewed up. I feel like with the FG knot being so thin that going through the guides doesn’t seem to bother the knot, I’ve only had the knot slip on me once and that was due to catching a big snook and not checking my set up. 🤦🏻‍♂️🤪😂 Loving the tips guys, keep it up 👍🏻

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for making time to leave the helpful comment!

[@Mr._L30.]

I’ll usually run a leader the length from tip of rod to reel so I have enough leader for the day on re-tying or cut offs. I also use the double uni knot with no problems on leaders under 20lb test, anything over 20lb test leaders I’ll use an fg knot.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for making time to leave the helpful comment Manuel!

[@andymetternich3428]

I do that too(leader from the tip of the rod to reel). Works out well.

[@davidbrymer1230]

Great tips. Thanks for all of the quality vids you guys post. BTW...your FG knot tutorial is the best one on the interweb.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment David!

[@saul78oldrite]

Great video and awesome advises! Thank you for sharing!

[@markhopkins76]

Excellent examples of use! Well done sir!

[@joeyjoe8892]

Well Luke I like to use a long leader if I'm snook fishing because like you said they like to fray and then you have to cut and retie

[@termite122]

a longer leader also has quite a bit more stretch..short leaders provide feel and better hooksets

[@bendave01]

Do you use the leader at all as a shock absorber as braid has no stretch. I generally fish dropper style rigs in 30m to 120m. Using 30 - 80 lb braid ( depending on the target species). I have been told that I should have about 2 - 3 meters of leader to use as a shock absorber should you hook into a heavier, stronger fish. Thoughts? And as always thanks for the great advice.

[@CoastalGX]

Thank you for explaining and rationalizing. It makes a lot of sense. 🎥🎬👌🏽

[@Saltstrong]

My pleasure! Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment.

[@williamknight7040]

Thanks for the videos. Did I see some where that you built a new garvey?

[@BloodSweatnBass]

Does any of this leader info depend on water clarity? Is the length of the leader relative to the clarity of the water I’m fishing?

[@davidstokes925]

Just clicked on that link. It took me to a page that pretty much said if you’re not a member, you’re outta luck!

[@pjc0324]

I use the FG knot to Mono and always go with a short leader around 16 inches, works for me.

[@davidsicard2651]

Good info, Thanks

[@mikecurrin6710]

As far as leader test lb. How does that compare to your main line test lb?

[@40s9s3]

I use as long as I feel can get away with when using braid just to have a little stretch in the system. When using mono main line dont feel it has to be very long

[@toimixtv3651]

Thank you for the info. Now i know

[@iluvpugstoo]

Always learn a lot watching your videos, If i'm tying a spinner, blade or spoon type lure to leader, should I be using a clip swivel to avoid line twist ? Thank you.

[@Saltstrong]

The general consensus is to use swivels when using spoons or any other lure that is prone to spin. I'll be doing an experiment to see how helpful they actually are though soon.

[@iluvpugstoo]

@@Saltstrong Thank you so much, look forward to it.

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@gavinpascale8910]

Hey saltstrong thanks for all the tips they really help

[@Saltstrong]

Our pleasure! Thanks for making time to leave the nice comment.

[@pakde8002]

Yes! Really enjoy the channel especially Lucas's tutorials. I'm a slow learner and hard headed (don't believe in stuff just because it's trending) so the slower visuals are easy to follow and the more in depth technical reasons to back it up gives me confidence to try something new.

[@gavinpascale8910]

Pak De this video just taught me a lot about the lateral line

[@Saltstrong]

@@pakde8002 Thanks for the kind words Pak De!

[@LeskoBrandon2x]

Do you ever have problems with the knots marring up your eyelets? I’ve heard that the small tag ends where you clip it will wear down eyelets

[@mickmouse92]

So.. yesterday I caught a 30" striper on a 6" rubber swim bait. The reel broke (with 20lb mono) but we landed the fish. I continued the fish with my nice rod with braid directly tied to my lure. I did not catch another fish. I wonder if no leader played a roll in that??

[@-ShootTheGlass-]

That explanation makes sense, I’ll try the shorter leader and see what difference it makes.

[@Saltstrong]

Glad to see that you enjoyed this video. Hope you enjoy the shorter leaders. Tight Lines!

[@novaday8813]

Oh nice, just spooled up my tranx and was debating what leader length to use lol

[@Saltstrong]

Perfect timing:)

[@Jacob-kj1lj]

For length I’m leader what I do is I get the spool put it on the center of my chest and get the end and pull it out till my arm is fully extended and that’s about 2 or 3 feet Idk it’s just a good length for me lol

[@markhasleton6403]

Im in SE Asia , and the water is super clear. Longer leaders work better. Having the knot go through the guides eventually weakens it , but it's a risk I take . Offshore I fish 20lb mono ( you wait till you try the Aussie 'platypus 100' mono ) with 20 feet of supple mono or fluoro running to about 8 inches of 44lb wire (albright knot) .if the water is more turbid I skip the mono or fluoro altogether but keep the wire , troll slowly and hope I dont lose my $70 Zacatac lure.....like last month

[@cuttingedj2011]

Great video!

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks EJ!

[@pakde8002]

I watch a lot of guys from Australia using big poppers and stick baits and most of these guys use an FG knot with a double wingspan (10') length leader on a 8-9 foot rod. Also, guys using level wind or conventional reels casting big baits even do a wind on leader. I personally don't like to hear my leader knot racking against the guides and back before I switched to braid (very recently...long time braid skeptic LoL) I usually just used a heavier mono if I was fishing around jetties and oyster beds because I didn't really need the extra distance in the coastal waters and rivers of North Carolina but now in Bali it's a totally different ball game. I need the distance of braid and a tough leader for clear water over coral and rock bottom, which is more similar to the conditions in Australia. Sorry, long setup for a short question, basically I want your opinion are there conditions where it's necessary for such a long leader that it has to be well inside the rod guides, say half the length of the rod or even a couple wraps on the reel in a braid to fluorocarbon/monofilament leader configuration?

[@Saltstrong]

I haven't personally experienced a time when a long leader like that is needed for inshore fishing, but that of course doesn't mean there's not a place for it.

[@FYRSTWAFFEN]

THANKS FOR SHARING YOUR EXPERTISE. I HAVE NEVER USED A LEADER BEFORE. I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO GIVING THIS A TRY!

[@Saltstrong]

Glad it was helpful!

[@CurtEdwards86]

I had a failure today with my leader that was about 32”. It was tied with a double uni knot. The knot held but it broke on the mono side right at the knot. It caught an eye on my rod. I’m going to shorten up my leader from now on.

[@Saltstrong]

Good call... it's generally best to minimize the number of times you cast knots through the guides to make sure the knots don't get compromised.

[@CurtEdwards86]

Salt Strong what are the rules for using a shock leader when casting 2-4oz pyramids for surf fishing? I’m worried the same thing will happen with my surf rod with my hi/low rig.

[@jimsomerville3924]

I generally use a snap swivel on end of main line. Then ahead of time tie up lures or hooks with 2-4' of leader and a loop knot on upper end. It makes swapping out lures easier with no tying. Only issue is the snap swivels and line loops are more prone to getting tangled.

[@Saltstrong]

Yep, if you can avoid swivels go with a Uni or FG Knot. Swivels tangle and increase chances of something failing on your line

[@jimsomerville3924]

@@Saltstrong Well, they help keep some of the twist out of line. And snap swivels make switching hooks/lures much easier, particularly in cold weather where numb fingers can make knot-tying difficult.

[@cindylougranada8375]

What if I use bait and wait how length is it

[@joshuaswanson3068]

Iv been watching a lot of videos and can someone explain to me what seems like nonsense. They switch to braid for sensitivity and longer casting etc. but then you have to have. Mono backing and then a floro or mono leader because you can see the braid and it’s not As cut resistant etc. but the whole point was to eliminate the stretch problem and whatever else? I don’t get it sounds like it’s simply to eliminate memory and arguably cast longer can someone explain this because it seems like a lot of trouble and lot more money spent for minimal increase in performance?

[@dirtyharry7616]

i like longer if your throwin artificals your retying alot you can get fra's bottom line if your getting action that leader will get short fast

[@ballzybaits4414]

Tournament-wise, entire spool is floro,mono or braid. Fun-wise, depends on setup. I've fished 6" leader and caught as much fish as a 8' leader.

[@jelly_fishing]

Nice tip

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks Pablo!

[@salvatoregagliardi48]

I always tie a leader the length of my rod, always tie an FG knot never have an accuracy problem with casting. When I have a bout a foot of leader left I retie a new leader.

[@JRH9294]

What lb test is the leader line? I use 30lb. The knot doesn't go through the eyelets very smooth.

[@salvatoregagliardi48]

@@JRH9294 30lb braid with 30lb fluorocarbon leader

[@dross1492]

In clear water, like Pensacola flats, redfish see braided line, no matter leader length. Was with guide, fishing with Ande mono and hooked up 5 times more than buddy with exact same Johnson gold spoon using PP braid. Do doubt the schools could see braid!

[@mikewubben2844]

It was 4 times in your other post a few months back. Like every good fisherman your stories get better with age.

[@nirmalable1]

Useful video with tons of information 🙂👌

[@akshayketty3774]

I have been wanting to get into artificials but some can get a little pricey and i was hoping you could give me like a top 5 lures that i could use to get started.

[@k_werx]

Akshay Ketty zman diezel/minnowz on a jighead/weighted hook/unweighted hook and a spoon are the simplest things you can throw

[@Saltstrong]

The easiest solution is to go with a 3" paddletail soft plastic because all fish that feed on smaller fish will eat them. And then get some jig heads of different weights to control the depth that the lure runs. Here's the best soft plastic paddletail that we've found so far: shop.saltstrong.com/products/slam-shady-paddletails. So the only other thing you need are some jig heads... a 1/4th oz is a great weight that can cover depths of 2 to 6 ft of water which is where we fish most, so perhaps just start with that.

[@akshayketty3774]

@@Saltstrong Thanks for the tip and I was wondering how should I retrieve these paddletails

[@akshayketty3774]

@@k_werx Thanks for the tip any specific spoon you use

[@Saltstrong]

@@akshayketty3774 Here's a lesson on retrieving paddletails: www.saltstrong.com/articles/how-to-use-rig-retrieve-slam-shady-paddletails/ And here's a lesson on retrieving spoons: www.saltstrong.com/articles/weedless-spoon-fishing/

[@joecarreiro7847]

Is it better to do a knot from braid to flurocarbon or is a swivel between the 2 better? Thx

[@buddahmayne9273]

Knot is better. Keeps the action on the lure

[@buddahmayne9273]

Practice tying knots before you go fish it to be sure you got it right

[@KayakhacksFishing]

What's your opinion on leader length with live or dead bait?

[@Saltstrong]

If the live bait needs to be able to swim around naturally, then there is an advantage to using a shorter leader because it enables the bait to move around more freely. But I'll otherwise use leaders with live/cut bait that are a bit longer than my ones with lures because I don't cast them as frequently.

[@dross1492]

Once I hired a guide in Pensacola to site cast redfish with a golden spoon. I used the guides rod and reel which was spoiled with mono, my buddy took his own rig which was spoiled with braid and a Floro 36 inch leader. With the exact same lure and throwing in the exact same spots, I caught four fish to his 1. I’m convinced the fish could see the braid and couldn’t see my mono line?

[@saul78oldrite]

Great solusion is 0.3 mm guitar string leader... Might be a few bites less, but 100% sure about the rig.

[@brandonlynch3722]

😂😂😂 can you post a link where I could order this rig you speak of?

[@vic_0315]

Does everything also apply to freshwater fishing? Or is it a whole different story?

[@kookiethebear]

If you use braid, same story. You can use mono vs flouro for most freshwater species...except maybe gar or other infrequent toothy freshwater creatures.

[@andymetternich3428]

Yes. The only specific thing I do in either salt/fresh, is to use a barrel swivel before tying on the leader, for any lures that may cause twist in the line.

[@anthonysciacca3383]

6

[@jimking2299]

I like a leader about the length of my rod blank, long enough for stealth and short enough to keep the fluoro stretched out and not wound around my spool developing kinks. I've never worried about a tiny knot slipping through the guides. I think it's insignificant.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for making time to leave the comment Jim!

[@markjohnson9009]

Jim King I agree Jim. I don’t have any problems with the fg knot going through the guides during a day of fishing.

[@jimking2299]

@@markjohnson9009 If I'm casting and retrieving a lot, I'm not that concerned about subtlety and I might use a short leader or none at all, so no need to run a knot through the guides. Applications where I do use a longer leader typically don't involve as much casting.

[@kevinwynne9]

Do you still recommend the TFO Professional Series 7'6" M spinning? I want to get it soon. It's in my price range and I'm not sure I can find a better rod for soft plastic for the price

[@Saltstrong]

Yes, it's a solid rod for the $$. And it's one of many products that all of our Insider Club members get group discounts for.

[@xavierfernandes3884]

I am an Indian, living in GOA, GOA is made of 3 islands, so u see it is fully surrounded by water. Fishing is my hobby. I want to know from you. Is there any a special leader line besides the normal 3 fishing lines? (Mono, flouro & braid)

[@Saltstrong]

Not that we're familiar with! There's steel leader that is used for toothy fish so they don't cut your line.

[@Cayden_pb04]

Says 17 mins ago but people commented 3 days ago

[@chrisgarcia5462]

For me its 30in on any set up with no accuracy problems, and i would never recommend casting a knot regardless the type it is through the guild's.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for sharing!

[@miguelgoizueta7103]

How about 10 Ft. leader lg?

[@Saltstrong]

That's longer than I ever use when casting our lures or bait. The only time I go that long is when bottom fishing in areas with a lot of structure.

[@tomazh757]

It depends what you are targeting and where you are fishing. Fishing in NJ,MA for striped bass we used 10FT leaders for casting and didnt effect fishing or casting distance (depending what guides you had on rod) but fishing here in FL it does make somewhat difference the length of the leader while fishing for snook. So best method is to try and learn to find what works best for you.

[@ontariofisherman9660]

Short leaders are a better for the fishery and birds as there will be less line in the water if you break off

[@Saltstrong]

Good point. I actually purposely tie a slightly weaker knot to my hook/lure so that it's the weakest point in the connection just in case there's a breakoff... no wasted line.

[@myadventureoutdoors]

That's what she said...(sorry I couldn't help myself)

[@John-yt5zr]

Wish I could buy your merch without joining the insiders club.

[@Saltstrong]

I'm pleased to report that you can... we recently teamed up with AFTCO for some awesome gear that is available to anyone. Here's a link to the new shop: saltstronggear.com/

[@tarekabdelfatah7159]

If so isnt better to have a snap between the braid and leader and avoid knots issues

[@matthewlyness8161]

I'm down here in Florida and down here for 15 years and I have never used leader. I always tied straight braid to lures always caught big snook Tarpon, redfish, seatrout, Pompano, and permit over the last two years. I started using leaders my leaders are 16 and 1/2 in a professional guide by the name of Bo Johnson told me anywhere from 15 to 20 in is perfect!!!!

[@nozrep]

i like a long leader but I stopped because my fat fingers can’t figure out how to tie a knot that won’t gum up in my guides and cause a back lash.

[@Saltstrong]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@fonduemotz]

Blah blah.