lead line choices

[RalphL]

rerigging two lead lines and wondering what the best brand might be and why?? Does brand matter??

[SuperD]

I would think deciding which lbs weight line would be a tougher choice than brand. What weight are you picking and why?

[RalphL]

I would think deciding which lbs weight line would be a tougher choice than brand. What weight are you picking and why?

I go with whats working best, and last week at navajo it was lead(27 lb test, at 160 ft out) I use lc reels on the lead for precise control My second lead rig has18 lb test and i couldnt quite match the exact depth to the heavier line (27 lb cought 3 to 1) so I want to set up two the same and its time for new line anyway--- kinks and freys and both have been reversed once already. I always just grab whatever is on the shelf or on sale, so wondering if brand matters. will probably go with the 18,

[MackPrince]

Most leadcore runs with two different core diameters (ie. Guidebrod). 12 & 15 lb use one thickness of lead, and 18,27,+stronger use the same core. The nylon density impacts the rest of the line diameter and test rating.

Heavier core = faster sink rate. Thicker line = more resistance and lower sink rate. My guess is the 18 was running deeper than the 27. 15 tends to match the 18 best for sink rate and is slightly smaller in diameter so it fits well on the reel. - Mack

[RalphL]

That is exactly the OPPOSITE of what I assumed was going on. I thought the heavier line was running deeper.. I need to take a bit to get my head around what your saying.. The lighter line runs deeper??. I troll at 1.5 mph, at 160 out, where was I (Depth) in your opinion??

[SuperD]

ralph, to put Mack's theory in your mind, he is essentially saying both weigh the same but because the heavier rated line is wider, it creates more surface tension and doesn't sink or cut the water as well as the thinner line. Assuming they do weigh the same, makes sense to me. If you were just over 5 colors out, I'd assume you were in the mid 30's deep.

[RalphL]

let me try.. 18 and 27 ,-----same core weight...27, thicker sheath for more strength,,--- thicker sheath holding higher...,--thinner(18lb,) was running deeper with both out to 160... If that's true, and I do see the theory, even if its against my logic, than that line was running under the fish a bit. Does everyone here who uses lead know this. I feel like a novice.....

[MackPrince]

let me try.. 18 and 27 ,-----same core weight...27, thicker sheath for more strength,,--- thicker sheath holding higher...,--thinner(18lb,) was running deeper with both out to 160... If that's true, and I do see the theory, even if its against my logic, than that line was running under the fish a bit. Does everyone here who uses lead know this. I feel like a novice.....

You're getting it.

Being an old timer with the lead line I won't even begin with the variances of water temp, thermoclines, and lure drag.
Hey - maybe we've got a tackle talk subject for the next KFF BBQ.
SuperD - I'm with you on the depth estimate. 27 was closer to 30 and the 18 around 35.

[RalphL]

thanks, so the world isn't flat.. And the best lead line is??.. You think the the 18 was running 7/ft per color ,and the 27 at 6/ft per color. Also missed on that score. always guessed about 5 to 5 1/2 per color. Thats why I use line counters with lead.. more precise

[SuperD]

Ralph, I personally think the dodger gives you some depth too. Especially on inside turns, you know it falls.

[RalphL]

now your really screwing with my brain..I thought dodger "drag" tended to raise the terminal end a might. Your theory,, flat wide surface, more drag in the water, less sink. Am I off base again??.. Only been at this for 30 years or so... guess we never stop learning

[SuperD]

Simple test, drop a dodger and see if it floats. LOL! I will stake my reputation on the fact that the dodger will fall when you are on an inside turn. To prove whether it sinks or rises while being trolled straight away only requires a sandy bottom and a downrigger set just off the bottom. If you don't get any dragging of the dodger, we know for sure.

[RalphL]

your right, on the turn, but i;m guessin it rises a mite on the streightaway.. Guess I will go with the Cabellas line