The Only Leader Lines You'll Ever Need [Inexpensive Too!!]

For many beginning anglers, the idea of tying a different line type onto the end of your main fishing line sounds bizarre. However, it’s one of the most basic tactics that can boost your fishing success. The line you tie onto the end of your main fishing line is your leader lines.

This line is where you tie your rigs. You usually tie the two pieces of line together with a knot, but you can also tie them together using a swivel. The swivel will act as a joining mechanism between the two lines.

There are two large reasons why someone would use leader lines when they fish. First, this line provides another layer of protection against sharp rocks, teeth edges, or any shells. The second reason many people use leader lines is that they’re very visible under the water. Certain types of leader lines make it challenging for the fish to see the line connected to the lure or bait, and this boosts your chances of catching them.

The presentation and weight of the leader lines are also important. For example, a heavier leader line will add weight to the end of your pole. But, it’ll provide more protection. Lighter leader lines will reduce the drag, but it won’t be as effective for protecting your bait or lure.

For presentation, it depends on the type of fishing you’re doing and the area you want to fish in. There are different types of lines you can use to enhance how you bait presents and make it look more attractive to any fish you’re trying to catch.

Best Leader Lines for Steelhead – Seaguar STS Trout/Steelhead (8lbs)

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This line has several different weights on it up to 17 pounds that you can tailor to suit your needs. The line is strong and very resistant to abrasions, breaking, fraying, or stretching. It’s clear, and this makes it difficult for fish to see.

Pros

Available in several weights
Has a clear coloring to help bait presentation
Is a fast-sinking line

Cons

May be too thin for some fishing styles
Has a poor knot strength

Leader Line Holders for Your Fishing Vest – Maxcatch Fishing Holder

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This kit includes a tippet line, tippet holder, and a spool tender with every order. There are two sizes available, and you get 55 yards of durable nylon line. The kit comes with a full year warranty against defects or damage.

Pros

Available in two different sizes
Has a 100% satisfaction guarantee
Uses a very durable material

Cons

Not suited for veteran anglers or more heavy-duty fishing trips
Tippet may be too brittle

The Five Best Leader Lines – Reviews

1. Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon (6lbs/50yard)

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This line comes in 31 sizes. It refracts light in a way that is very similar to water, and it’s more sensitive to little bites. The line won’t absorb water, and this makes it last longer without breaking down. You can choose from other color tints instead of clear.

Pros

Has excellent abrasion resistance
Resists water absorption
Available in four colors

Cons

Can be difficult to tie due to the line’s stiffness
May not hold knots well

2. Trilene 100% Fluoro (6lbs/100yards)

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This is a 100% Fluorocarbon line, and it comes in 25 to 200 yard spools. This has a high refractive index that makes it almost invisible in the water, and it uses a 100% PVDF formula in the line construction. This formula increases the line’s sensitivity while making it more durable.

Pros

Is very resistant to abrasions
Can hold knot strength very well
Comes in a clear and green coloring

Cons

May not sink fast enough
Is a very thick and hard line

3. Sufix Invisiline 100% Fluoro (8lbs/33yards)

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This line won’t weaken due to water absorption or ultraviolet rays, and the line has a crystal-clear coloring that is difficult to see. There is a high shock absorption rating with this line that allows you to feel small and large bites with ease.

Pros

Comes with a high knot strength
Has a crystal-clear coloring
Available in two different weights

Cons

Might not come with a high enough shock absorption for some fishing styles
Line memory can be an issue

4. Seaguar Red Label 100% Fluoro (8lbs/200yards) – Editors Choice

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You’ll get 200 yards of line when you purchase it, and the line is very strong without losing it’s sensitivity. This is a slightly softer line, but it has excellent abrasion resistance. It’s high density, chemical and UV-resistant, and non-absorbent.

Pros

Able to withstand UV rays without breaking down
Get 200 yards per purchase
Has a high sensitivity rating

Cons

Seconds can abrade fairly quickly
May be too stiff

5. Maxima Fishing Line leader (10lb/25yards)

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This line comes in nine different styles with a green coloring. It works well for both freshwater and saltwater applications, and you get between 17 and 27 yards per spool. The green color is almost invisible in the water to help improve your bait presentation.

Pros

Available in several styles
Has a very green coloring
Gives you a high knot strength

Cons

Spool is slightly larger and hard to get in your vest
Has a lower yardage per spool

The Best Type of Leader Line – Fluorocarbon

Fluorocarbon is slightly more expensive than other lines, but it’s also less porous. It absorbs very little water when it sinks, and this line has a reflective index that is very close to the water. This means the sun can shine through the leader and make it more difficult for the fish to see. It has a lower level of stretch, and it is very resistant to abrasions.

If you lure fish in very clear water, this will make the lure look more appealing to the fish. It also won’t break down as quickly because it doesn’t absorb sunlight or water. The lower stretch tolerance enables you to feel much smaller bites and increases the line’s sensitivity. This ensures you can finesse your lure or fish in areas that need less abrasion resistance. It also helps you remove the leader’s visibility when you’re using diving lures.

What is the Difference Between a Fishing Line and a Leader Line?

Your fishing line is the line that you have looped around your reel, and the leader lines are the line that you attach to your main line. The fluorocarbon line is limper, softer, and thinner so that you can cast it well. However, it’s also less resistant to abrasions.

The fluorocarbon leader lines are thicker, stiffer, and more abrasion-resistant. Leader lines are manufactured and coated differently than traditional lines as well to make them more durable with different stretch capabilities.

How to Put Leader Lines on a Fishing Line

One of the easiest ways to put your leader lines onto your main fishing line is using a wedge knot. To start, tie a knot at the end of your fishing line. Pass both the knot and the fishing line through the leader loop and back around. This will form a simple knot, and you pull both ends to tighten it.

What is a Purpose of Leader Lines?

Leader lines help you get a better bait presentation that looks more attractive to the fish. Additionally, leader lines give additional layers of protection for your main fishing line against breaking and damage because it’s thicker and more rigid.