I have been away from bass fishing for 20 years. I recently started back.

For those of you who fish braided line, are you using a leader? Braided line was just gaining popularity when I quit fishing. I did not use a leader back then. Just wondered if people are using one now.

I fish from a kayak and am looking for a tough line, that's why I went with braided. But I'm open to recommendations.

Flippin those docks on Gladewater, I would use 20-25lb Invisx.

Really depends on what you are fishing with. I do not use a leader for frogs or punching heavy mats but usually use a flouro leader on everything else. The size depends on the application.

I use 10-20 pound flourocarbon 90% of the time. I only use braid for spooks, frogs, and flipping/pitching/punching super heavy cover. I strictly use monofilament for topwaters. I definitely like flourocarbon the best and it's super versatile.

Sunline Model Flourocarbon

Flourocarbon isn't for everybody, and if you've never used it I suggest you try out the Sunline Model Flourocarbon. The Model Flourocarbon is a great "starter" flourocarbon and won't hurt your wallet if you decide you don't like it. This flourcarbon has everything you need in a fishing line. It's impact resistant, has great knot strength, sensitive, easy to work with, and will last for a long time. You really get everything you need from flourocarbon. It's great for flipping/pitching, cranking, finesse fishing, bottom hugging baits, reaction baits, anything! To be honest, if you use 15-25 pound test flourocarbon, you can work a topwater bait effectively. If I had to choose one line to use forever, it would be flourocarbon.

I use braid a lot. As a rule of thumb I use braid on all my combos when I am using a single hook; Jigs, t-rig, c-rig, swim jig/chatterbait, shakyhead, drop shot, frogs, etc. Everything else with treble hooks I use mono.

I will use a fluorocarbon leader if I am fishing around sharp rock as it will cut braid easier that fluoro or if I think that water is too clear. On my spinning rigs I use a leader for drop shot or shaky head.

I am not a fan of spooling up with fluorocarbon. I find it doesn't cast as well or last as long so you have to re-spool often.

When you are using braid look at the line diameter that you are using for mono/fluoro and match it to a braid. You will have better luck. For example, 50# braid is closer to 12# or 14# mono diameter. If you go with 15# or 20# you are going to backlash more and create some messy knots. Most of my bait casters are spooled with 40# or larger. A few with 30# but that more for finesse. I use 50# plus for pitching/flipping and frogs. I use 20# or less on spinning.

With the exception of topwater I will only use braid to flip and frog and that is only if vegetation is dense or matted. I will flip and pitch mostly with flouro. With spinning gear I just prefer light flouro.