I am stating to get into musky fishing.  My questions are leaders or not and what kind and swivels when and when not to? Are Terminator Titanium Leaders a waste of money or the way to go? Do you tie your line to the swivel or lose the swivel and tie to the leader or both depending on the lure swivel for spinner?  I have lots of questions.

 Thanks for any help!

Tony

You are asking a very good question and I am in a learning mode myself, but here goes...In 2007 I caught about 100 pike ranging 27" to 18" in length.  I did not use a leader at all for those catches.  I was using 6# florocarbon line, hooked to a jig...Never lost one to a bite-off or gill slash.  Later that year I was fishing locally for bass, using a crankbait and got cut-off by a tiger musky.  When I troll I always use a steel or titanium leader (6" - 8").  Also, when I am using crankbaits for pike (casting) I use a 6" steel or titanium leader.  I know some guys use double mono leaders and it seems to work for them.  Last year I was casting for bass and got cut-off again by a tiger musky...I am just about to the point of using a metal leader all the time except when jiging.  I hope this helps!

it is stiff, so is the 80# i use pliers to help in tightening the knot and leave about a 1/2" tag so it doesn't come undone  its not a very good pic but it might help, the pic is of an 80# leader. i like my leaders to be about 3' in length but i know many that use shorter i think its all about personal preference

Hey Turnip:

Got a picture of that 27 foot Pike?

Tom LOL

Yea, yea I made the correction!   In reference to the 80# leader, I can't imagine tying a knot with that stuff...What knot are you using?  I have extreme difficulty tying a polomer (sp) with 40# test florocarbon leader material.  I thought that perhaps you used a crimp rather than a knot...And how would you tie that or what equipment would you need out in your boat?

I haven't tried the fluor leaders yet either....but will be this year.

I am comfortable with either a 9" 45 lb leader or a 12" 60 lb leader.

The advantage with titanium is that they take a lot more abuse before getting to the point of NO RETURN (kinks etc...).

In the long run though...it's personal choice...and what you feel comfortable with / have success with.

JMHO

here is a link to a knot I'm going to be trying this spring.

http://www.thenextbite.com/node/1823

here is another knot for the heavy fluorocarbon.

http://www.thenextbitetv.com/images...r_knot.pdf

Use a titanium leader, at least 12" long. Anything shorter will allow the line into the fish's gill plate when it rolls. Tie the line directly to the leader. At the lure end there is a snap swivel.

And I'll ALWAYS tie that leader on with a Polomar knot.

Me too!