Im new to the use of "Lead core line" and would like to know what type of backer is typically used before you spool the reel with leadcore line? And how much leadcore line is recommended (100 yrds or more)? Any other info in regards to the different weights recommended to use when trolling spinner rigs or any further guidance on the different ratios that you guys are using? Thanks guys for your help!!!!
Make sure you get a big enough reel. Try to get 6 colors of lead on the reel so you have enough to fish in the Mille Lacs basin. I'm sure there will be a million "this is how I do its," but dont short yourself on line. I dont have a backer...i use 10 pound Trilene XT to as the leader to my cranks. I use a long flimsy salmon rod because you will rip their lips off if you pull to hard! I cant remeber what size my lead core is off the top of my head right now....good luck it works great.
I forgot....I dont pull blades with lead core. If you want to try for suspended fish with blades you need to get it away from the boat. Just use planer boards, longer trolling rods, and place a snap weight, or keel sinker on your line ahead of your regular snell. I use Diawa lcg27 line counters, 8lb XT, Gary Roach trolling rods, and Off Shore planer boards......
I have an Okuma magda 30 line counter and a 8'-6" Roach rod. You dont directly tie your lead core to your reel right or do you? Then I assume you use a "Blood note" to tie together your lead core and your leader right?
I have Depthmaster 30 reels from Cabela's and put 100 yds of leadcore on them. The line is taped to the reel, so I don't lose the whole setup if I ever got spooled. My rods are 9'6" Mr. Walleye rods and 5' Depthmaster rods. For leaders I use 10 lb. xt. I put these setups together based on what I've seen while I've fished the FLW as a coangler. I haven't had a chance to troll on Mille Lacs yet this year, but its worked well on Lake of the woods and Pepin.
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Humana Insurance Representative-Brainerd and Mille Lacs Area
I do use a blood knot. As far as tying the line to the reel....peel back enough of the line to tie to the spool. Just clip off the lead after you peel it back. Like stripping wire in reverse.
I really appreciate the help and will definetly let you all know how this works out for me. It is a new technique for me but have seen it work first hand on the big pond and wow, we caught some big ones but it was a setup from another guy that we used. I guess I just have to use trial and error until I find the exact length of line to let out to get to the depths I need.
Here is a "ballpark" formula for hitting the desired depth trolling leadcore. One color of lead will get your crank down 5 feet at 2 mph. On Mille Lacs I like to run a 15-20 foot leader. Personally like P-line, but 10# mono works just fine too.
If you go slower, your crank will go a little deeper, kick up the speed and your crank will run shallower.
Good Luck.
-J.
-- Edited by Jon Jordan on Tuesday 4th of August 2009 12:32:51 PM
I'm also new to the lead core line and just bought a spool of it lastnight and was also wondering how you tie on a leader and tie to the spool. Hoping it works because I'm ready for some walleyes.
Tieing direct or adding mono backing are both options, but I took the idea from another site to tape it to the spool. In theory, if you ever got snagged and couldn't turn back in time the tape would just come off and you don't loose your rod and reel. A friend of mine had his 7 colors of lead spooled off very fast by a muskie last year out there.
Once you see a fish hit a leadcore setup or reel in a nice one, you will be hooked. Last fall I caught a 30" walleye with 5 colors of leadcore out and I felt like I was doing battle with a salmon on Lake Michigan. I grabbed the rod and swore it was snagged. I always keep my drags loose with leadcore, so the fish made a couple runs and all I could do was hang on. That same day we had a couple other big fish get off half way to the boat and my Dad landed a similar fish to mine the following day on the same setup. Leadcore is one of my favorite techniques now.
That is awesome Fifi! I cant wait to use what Ive learned and test it on the waters this weekend on Mille lacs! It should be fun and Ill definetly let you all know how it all pans out! You'll be hearing from me real soon......
Well I put the lead core on my reel this morning and taped it on like Fife said and added about 40 ft of mono to the end. The wife and I are going to go and give it a try this evening and hopefully have some success. Sounds like shad raps are the way to go? Might try rig one rod up with a spinner and see if that does any good. Any suggestions?
Well after trying the lead core for the first time I think worked great. Actually worked to well in one instance. Got snagged up and lost a shad rap because I ran it to deep. Just wished the fishing was better
