Leader for Flathead on SP's

[Screamin Semen]

Just getting into Flathead on soft plastics recently and wondering what lb fluorocarbon leaders you are all using on your outfits? I need it to be able to handle big flathead when the time comes

Using 8lb braid on a Stradic Ci4 2500.

Thanks in advance!

SS

[castamasta]

Hi ss
12LB nitlon FC, could go heavier if you wanted
Cheers,Gav..

[Mossy247]

Majority of my fish come via either a 10lb or 12lb leader. Have got my biggest on 6lb FC leader. I go as light as I can in all applications of fishing plastics. I tend not to go over 12lb unless I am going offshore and most times I use 12lb. I would say safe to use 12lb for there teeth/getting caught up in their spikes etc I think alot more are lost when people get them to the boat allowing their head to come out of the water most times shaking loose or rolling over on themselves and the leader.
tight lines - Mossy

[Stik-ugly]

12 lb is about the maximum that I use in Sunline FC Rock

[Tailortaker]

My Flathead gear has 6 lb braid and 6lb FC leader. i have landed some half decent ones on my bream gear too which is 3lb. I like to fish as light as possible and just take it easy when in a fight with a lizard.
Cheers, TT

[Screamin Semen]

Cheers for the replies guys, also what length leader do you all use?

Cheers SS

[Mossy247]

Cheers for the replies guys, also what length leader do you all use?Cheers SS

I usually fish with about 2/2.5 meters of FC leader. I cop alot of frays and that with some fish so easy to snip off and re-tie the jig on.
Save redoing leaders every so often.

[Tailortaker]

Depends on the structure around where your fishing but i usually use just over a rod lenght so the knot is at your fingertip when casting.

[Screamin Semen]

Having the FC leader run through the guides does not affect the casting distance? Mostly be fishing the sand banks etc.

Cheers SS

[Mossy247]

As long as your knots aren't overly bulky you shouldn't have any issues with the knots hitting the leaders on the casts. I sometimes get knots for the tag of the knot but thats because I didn't trim it as well as I should of. Shouldn't loose to much in casting distance. I would start with a 8-10lb fluro leader and see how it hold up.
cheers - Mossy

[kingcray]

Hey SS i use 6lb fins with 8lb fc leader.. i have lost lots of big flatties from the first big headshake when they are hooked. So i go up to 12-15lb n dont get nearly as many hits. I just stick with the 8lb, still catch and land more than you will lose jus gotta let em swim how they want. Dont try scull em in

Cheers Deano

[Jackson 53]

I use Nitlon FC in 10 or 12 lb for Flathead - usually about a rod length. I lost a cracker Flathead on 6lb when it swallowed a 100mm Bloodworm Wriggler while I was fishing for Whiting. Its head never broke the surface - just too much abrasion across the bottom jaw with the headshakes.

[Funchy]

Hey SS
I find 6lb nano and 9lb leader a really good balance. Any heavier and you just dont get as many hit. Ensure you check your leader after every fish or bite. I use a carefully tied uni knot and it cast beautifully. Leader is length of rod. Good luck mate.

[Yellowjack]

i use 6lb nano and 6lb nitlon fc - nothing like a bit curry

[Linedropper]

6 leader and 8 braid. Hit a snag and you bust the leader just tie a new jig on.