I am using 65 lb. braid on a couple of t-rig poles. Am trying the new Spiderwire Invis-braid which is a white color so that I can see the line better. Supposed to be almost invisible but I am not convinced. Have never used fluorocarbon before but want to use it as a leader for this application. My question(s) are:
1. How long do you suggest for the leader?
2. What lb. test for the leader? I'm thinking if you're going to rig 65 lb. braid, wouldn't it tend to defeat the purpose if you went with a light leader. If fluorocarbon is supposed to be invisible and you're only going to use a short piece of it so that it won't hamper your casting, then why not go with a 25, 30 or even a 40 lb. leader??? Help me out and make me smarter!!

I have often wondered the same questin about the flouro leader so you get a free bump. I think it may ruin the action of the lure. Anyone?

Personaly, it depends on what technique or presentation that is being used. If fishing open clear water I would not be using braid, so I am assuming you are not fishing open water. For a c-rig I would be using mono to give the bait a slower rate of fall. If it is Texas rigged I would use flourocarbon in 20-25# test. If you go with lighter fluorocarbon line for the leader make sure the drag is set correctly or there could be heartbrake.

1. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 6' for the leader length. You really only need about 2' for it to be effective, however a 6' leader will allow you to cut and retie several times without having to add a new section of leader.

2. Any pound test will work just fine for the most part. Normally I use 14- and 17-pound test.

Attach the leader to the braid with either a blood knot or a uni-to-uni knot. I always use the uni-to-uni. It's the best knot to use for lines with different diameters. Use 5 wraps on the fluoro and 7 on the braid. Both knots will go through the guides without affecting casting performance.

Hope this helps.

Ed Hackett said it best. Thats exactly what I have been doing for years. Saltwater and fresh. I only used that heavy of line when I was hunting tuna though. I like real light line. Ive never had a uni-uni come off yet, but I have had a blood knot slip. Also, I roll the uni-uni in my fingers with a drop of superglue til it dries. It makes a nice football/cigar shaped union and slides ALOT easier thru the eyes.

What knot are ya'll using to connect them?

I usually start with a 3-4ft leader then after it gets below 2ft from retying and such I replace it.I use adouble uni to connect the two lines.

I agree about the retying, and knot as well once you get under 2 feet kinda pointless really.

Casey

I have been using braid and the floro leader for some time now and used the swivel to join the two for a while. I did not like the sound or feel of the swivel going through the guides. At first I tried making the leader short enough to not go through the tip top guide and that was not practical. Next I went to a very small swivel but it was aggravating to feel going through the guides and don't think it was good for the guide inserts.
I have settled for the uni-knot suggested above by ED and no problems. Be sure to test the knot several times and don't cut the tag ends too short.

I have used the uni-knot to connect my filler line on my reel. My brother gave me a tool that does a nail knot, maybe? Can't find it. Flyfishermen use it. Have to get another one.

Big Red,

Concur with using the fly fisherman's tool to tie the flourocarbon to the braid. I used to use a very small spro swivel but that couldn't be good for the rod guides. I started using the tool...it works great. You can find the tool at Academy with the other fly fishing stuff.

I use a 20lb flouro leader when fishing around heavy cover and 10 lb when in open water.

Ranger Bill