Not sure where best to put this question, since it applies to a few fish types. For Bass I use baitcasters mostly, but for crappie and sunfish a few of our rods have spinning reels. The wife (and I) hate the line twist when the line picks up a memory, so I’m changing those spinning reels to braid (8#), to see how that works out. The question is: when crappie and sunfish fishing, is it really important to have a leader? Will using braid with no leader have a negative impact on catching fish?

This has probably been discussed a zillion times, so forgive me for asking. I’d rather have the answer from real fishermen like you guys, rather than some internet guy selling line.

You will not have a unanimous consensus. I don’t use leaders. Some do. You will get a lot of reasons for and against.

I am anti leader, and I don’t think that will change.

He`s CORRECT!

I do use leaders but if the fish are biting good not sure it matters. I find the fluorocarbon is easier to thread into the eyes of jigs though.

Try it both ways and decide for yourself.

Well, I have two identical rigs, so I’ll do one with leader and one without. Next time out I’ll experiment. Ought to be an interesting test.

Crappie are not line shy and leaders are not needed.

Don’t be afraid to up that braid to 20lb. The fish won’t care and it’s much quicker to straighten out a bent hook than re-tying.

I agree, no leader is necessary most of the time.

I agree, no leader is necessary, until it is,....

^^ This

I would recommend going with 20lb braid (8lb diam.) It doesn't dig as bad.

I use 20# power pro, no leader.

It took some experimenting but this is the solution.

I should have asked you guys before I bought the braid. I went back and forth over ordering 8# or 10#, and I can’t remember what I decided on. It’s in the barn workshop, so I’ll go look later.

But, I am off to town soon, so I can pick up some 20#. Give me some guidance on what make I need, or I’ll have to wing it.

And, what color for crappie and sunfish?

PowerPro Super8Slick is the best and quietest that I know of. I have three different kinds of braid spooled on different reels. PowerPro is extremely smooth and makes no noise or vibration when reeling in. The other two you can hear and feel as they are being reeled in. I’m sure there are others that are smooth, but I haven’t found them yet. Maybe someone else will chime in.

20lb braid w/ fluorocarbon leader for me. Winter can be a slow, finicky bite so I guess I feel like using the leader helps a little. I use a knot that is easy and fast to tie for the leader. I don't know, to each his own?