Leader configuration for Grinder

[Lord Litho]

During this shitty lockdown period, and for an introduction to land-based spinning, I have refurbished an 8ft rod for my young (11) son to use with an Exceler 4000E to throw 2 oz surface plugs. I don't use grinders, so I had to learn about all sorts of things for the guide layout. Nevertheless, rod is now done.

Doff question, but how do I configure his leader? Braid to flouro FG knot to be positioned just off the spool? or can the leader have a few turns with the knot lying on the spool?

Just don't want to cause unnecessary line problems for him (and me)!

 

[Stefan001]

Hi LL
For me I just connect a short 50cm piece of fluro onto the braid with a Bob Sands Knot. This does not go into the eyes of the rod and Ive had no problem with this configuration.

 

[Dr halibut hoffman]

Litho that should work, I prefer as long a leader as possible, if a fish longer than 50cm swipes his tail on the braid, he's gone..But as long as one can cast without windknot issues.

If he is going to be spinning off the cliffs where there is just kelp to worry about and he is not going to stick the bottom, a casting leader of a heavier braid to step up to the mono will help with wind knots and also help if a decent fish grabs his plug. Short 50cm leader tho and windknots are old news so you going to have to see what works for you. You can stitch braid at home for casting leader or apparently FG knot works..

 

[Lord Litho]

Thanks for the replies!
Yes, I think the longer casting leader is the way to go in this case - sorry, should have given context.
Leader to mainline knot to sit on or off the spool?
Thanks again.

 

[Stefan001]

If you go with the longer leader option, have two winds on the reel. It takes the shock off the knot.
For cape point and high places i would definitely go for the longer leader option.
Struisbaai A short leader works for me. We mainly get shad, leeries and cob while spinning here.

 

[Lord Litho]

Cool - thanks

 

[Tackle-holic]

I would keep the mono outside the rod tip:

Mono/FC stretch significantly more than braid.

Load up the rod and it stretches, as the knot comes off spool the difference in stretch creates a rubberband effect that can lead to issues at the 1st guide as the line blows past the guide and has to come back around to get through the ring

Granted, it is only an 8' stick and he is probably not capable yetof casting really hard, but save yourself the headache.
I would use a heavy braid casting / shock leader with the knot on the spool with about 3-4 turns of the leader on the spool and then out to just past the tip top and then FG'd to a shortish length of mono.

 

[Lord Litho]

Perfecto! Thanks for the perspective, guys.

 

[Dr halibut hoffman]

Ja shorter mono leader is better for casting but longer is better for rocks and preventing the fishes body or tail hitting the braid under tension where it will fail.
The intermediate braid leader works around the different properties and diameter of the mono leader but it is a mission! When i use braid I just have a mono leader where the knot is around my second eye or just shorter a bit..

Windknots are just part of it like overwinds in multipliers LOL.. You can get it tuned and just right, and your technique spot on so it almost never happens, but then once in a while, typically when the fish are swimming infront of you or boiling, and bang windknot. LOL. I've been spinning with 0.40 mono and a little magged multiplier this season on the light rig, and having an absolute blast! My best fish being a 4kg skippie and a 6-7kg leerie..I lost a tail or two and a ginormo leerie on the rig but that's light tackle fishing LOL. I caught such good fish on it including a good run of skipjacks from the side..on the 0.40 in among the bricks, a light stick and little penn reel, a 3-4kg tuna.. what a blast!!! I'm sold! Get the kiddo a baitcaster too and get him into the bass to learn the ropes of a proper reel..

Get a lipice tube and take it with you and when the windknots do occur, lipice the knot and 99% of the time it pulls through when you try..As opposed to 20% of the time unlubed.

 

[Lord Litho]

check out the pearls of wisdom being dropped now! Thanks man!

 

[Guest]

Braid leader around double the breaking strain of the mainline braid followed by a piece of mono leader that does not go into the guides. Maybe a meter given the 8ft rod.

The braid leader for and 8ft rod probably best around 5m. You can use three methods to join braid to braid.
- Braid Stitch being the best but not really possible when main line under 30lbs
- FG Knot - if you have time and are at home in a controlled environment
- Bob Sands - I do this in the fishing environment and when mainline is 30lbs or less which makes for a very small knot. Be careful with having a leader that is too long with this one.

The braid leader also helps when casting as the thicker line puts a lot less pressure on ones finger. I dont even need a glove or bionic finger for lures under 4 ounces.

Good Luck
Anton