ok so ive got an off shore trip planed on the 27th oct and want to take my own rod and reel. Im takeing a diawa spincast DF100A reel thats mounted on a one peice 7' ande rod and its spooled with 40lb mono, im gonna buy some heaver leader line say somewhere around 60-80lb test but ive never used a leader like this befor and I really dont know how much to use on my setup. do you only use like 36"-48" or a full 3-4 yards? im not sure. My target fish will be what ever is on the surface like kingfish, dorado, dolphin, tuna, bonita and such.

For Kings or Wahoo you're going to need some 200LB Malin coffee colored single strand wire, use about 16" leader with a black 3/0 Swivel & get a deck hand to show you how to twist/ break the wire so you dont get cut.

Use Flourocarbon leaders only for Tuna, you can get by with mono leaders on the Dorado or Cobia. 2ft is plenty long use a Spro super swivel and a 5/0 black circle hook if you freeline sardines or chunk bait for tuna. 60Lb FC & Mono leader material is plenty for 40Lb main line.

Good luck and have fun!

Only thing I might disagree with Bazztex is you don't need anywhere near 200lb wire for kings. 40 lb is plenty but 90lbs or under works too. I only use 6-12 inches also. 200lb wire is a pain

I've had good luck using 4" - 6" of wire that is something like 70 - 90# for kings.

I wasnt thinking of using wire, do you use wire to toss a lure? I was thinking like a heaver mono or floracarbon leader.
im about to head up to Cabelas to get some thats why i ask.

My favorite way to catch kings is throwing bucktail jigs and yes I always use a trace of wire.

can someone show me how? post a video or something? I will try and look it up but im not sure what to look for.

Try here:

http://www.leadertec.com/tips_index2.html

Scott, for the fishing you will be doing on that trip,
I would fill (tight!) with 50# braid,connected to about a 12'
60# flourocarbon leader with an albright, bimini, uni-2uni, or whatever is a confidence connection for you. ( no swivels)
I do not expect you will see any yellowfin, but carry a heavy bait rig for groupers or AJ's (200# mono, 12/0 circle is perfect)
looking foreward to your good luck & report!

best leaders made for SW:
www.bhptackle.com

this is how you do the twist.......

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OLEtW18HAI

Thats a good video, where would I find those rings at? i do have a heaver rig that ive thought of takeing with me but its only a 6/0 penn w/120lb line would that work? I really cant afford to respool it if I dont need to.

Hey also, where can i find that wire here localy?

malin wire is available @ cabela's or BPS, along with h/d swivels & rings

I found some last night online at academy so I placed an order there, now just gotta sit back and wait.

Ok, I didnt order the right rings after all, i orderd split rings bu mistake. I took a trip up to BPS this morning and they are out of then in the store and warehouse and wont have any untill the 29th and my trip is on the 27th so im out of luck there, I cant seem to locate them elsewhere. Can some one tell me of a place I might can find them online? Also just hoe important are they? Can you do with out them or just use a split ring?