flats fishing

#1 15-03-2005, 07:45 AM

would a leader line be neccasray on the flats cause there is not much structure for a good size bream to break you off. if so what is the best leader line for flats fishing?

flathead_boy · #2 15-03-2005, 07:56 AM

try 4LB or maybe 6LB
cheers jimmy

Elrick.M · #3 15-03-2005, 07:57 AM

I'd just go the 6lb leader

Brad Y · #4 15-03-2005, 08:33 AM

The leader is an invisible link between the very visible fire line and the hopefully visible lure. A wily bream will easily pick the line going to the lure and might not strike. You will catch more fish with one, especially with sp's

I use 8lb for everything- snags and flats but i just got a spool of 7lb nitlon- cross between lighter snag leader and heavier flats leader. Havent used it yet but if its okay, it will be my weapon of choice...

#5 15-03-2005, 08:43 AM

thanks guys

adrian_gadaleta · #6 05-04-2005, 10:12 PM

I would even make the leader a foot or three longer than normal if you're fishing quite shallow water with spooky fish.

Richo · #7 05-04-2005, 11:13 PM

I fish 6lb leader everywhere, never bother with 4lb and only go to 8 when I cant find my 6lb. Wouldnt even consider fishing without a leader, which would be 1-2m long.

cheers

Dror · #8 05-04-2005, 11:16 PM

Welcome to the site Adrian. I knew I recognised your name and then realised that you are on the cover of the new Hotbite magazine. Nice to have fish like that in your backyard (not literally).

In reply to Spinn-master, I normally go down to a 4lb Fluoro leader on the flats especially if the water is clear and also make it a bit longer as Adrian has suggested. I use a small clip to connect to the lure as I have found that the split ring on the front of some of the hard body lures will eventually cut through a thin leader. I have lost too many good fish and lures to risk it and don't find it hinders the bigger lures that I use on the flats.

Cheers, Dror

swoffa · #9 05-04-2005, 11:29 PM

I use 4lb Nitlon on flats bream most of the time for SP's, 6lb for HB's.

Drewy · #10 05-04-2005, 11:49 PM

l normally remove the split ring and run a loop knot straight the the lure.

Dror · #11 05-04-2005, 11:51 PM

On most lures you can remove the split ring but on the RMG Scorp 52 and 68's the split ring is connected to a metal bracket in the bib with sharp edges so it cannot be done.

Cheers, Dror

Richo · #12 06-04-2005, 12:11 AM

Dror,

Ive been religiously using shallow 52 scorps, I find they have a way tighter action and dive a tad deeper than the DD. And have a different tow point (without split ring). All my DD dont even get wet these days.

cheers

Gaffer · #13 06-04-2005, 12:34 AM

Brad...

I haven't seen 7lb Nitlon. I do exactly as you do (did) mate... 6lb and 8lb, and I reckon 7lb would be suuuuuuuperb.

I can only get 6 and 8 near me so I might have to get into them and see if they can get me some in.

Without a doubt Nitlon rocks. It is the best leader I have ever used and I SWEAR by its knot strength.

I do a fresh rig with a 3m length of Nitlon 6lb for most situations, and only throw the 8lb on when in snaggy country or using expensive hard bodz like SX40 etc.

If I manage to wear the leader down to 1m due to lure changes etc and haven't had any fish to cause chaffing on the leader I will generally start again. 1m is not enough when you're pulling bright pink fireline through the water.

Gaff

Dror · #14 06-04-2005, 01:23 AM

Yeh Richo, I hear ya. I try to get the standards now but sometimes they just don't seem to be available. The Laser pros still have the same problem though and you can't get them with the direct tow point.

Cheers, Dror

Richo · #15 06-04-2005, 03:20 AM

I know its a bummer, the odd shop has shallows but the percentage all have DDs, I actually prefer shallows as you can change them to Deeps but not the other way around,

Is there a simple solution......? Im not a fan of clips but then again its been a while since I tried them.

cheers