What a saltwater leader does
A leader is a length of line placed between your main line and the hook, lure or rig. In saltwater it is usually stronger, less visible or more abrasion-resistant than the main line. It protects against teeth, rough structure such as oysters and rocks, and fish that are wary of line. Typical lengths vary, but many inshore leaders are roughly 1 to 3 feet.
What you need
- Main line (braid or mono)
- Leader material: monofilament, fluorocarbon or wire
- Hooks, lures, swivels or snaps
- Sharp line cutters or scissors
- For heavy leaders or wire: crimp sleeves and a crimping tool
- Water or saliva to lubricate knots
Choosing leader material
| Material | Good for | Trade-off |
|---|---|---|
| Monofilament | General use, fish that are not leader-shy, added stretch | More visible than fluorocarbon |
| Fluorocarbon | Clear water, wary fish, abrasion | Stiffer, costs more |
| Wire (single strand or cable) | Toothy fish such as bluefish and mackerel | Visible, can kink |
For more on how mono and fluorocarbon compare, see fluorocarbon vs mono.
Step 1: Connect the leader to your main line
Choose a knot suited to what you are joining.
- Braid to leader: The FG knot is popular because it is slim and strong when tied well, but the double uni knot is easier to learn and widely used.
- Mono to mono: A uni, double uni or surgeon’s knot works. Double surgeon’s is simple when the two lines differ in diameter.
Moisten the knot, pull the turns snug gradually, then trim the tag ends close. Tie a few at home before you try on the water.
Step 2: Pick a leader length
Typical guidance is that there is no fixed minimum or maximum. Many inshore anglers (see saltwater fishing basics) use roughly 1 to 3 feet, longer when fish are very wary or structure is abrasive, and shorter for ease of casting. In surf fishing or when casting heavy weights, a much longer, heavier leader is used for a different reason; see what a shock leader is. For fly rods, a leader of about 7 to 8 feet is often easier to cast than 9 to 12 feet; see saltwater fly fishing techniques.
Step 3: Attach your hook, lure or swivel
Use a loop knot, such as a non-slip loop, when you want a lure to move freely, and a snug knot such as the improved clinch or Palomar for hooks and swivels. Make sure the knot fits the hook eye and the line diameter. Moisten, cinch and test.
Making a crimped or wire leader
For heavy mono, fluorocarbon or coated wire, crimp sleeves are often used instead of knots.
- Slide a crimp sleeve onto the leader, then the swivel or hook eye.
- Loop the leader back through the sleeve (with wire, usually twice through).
- Pull the loop to the right size, leaving a short tag.
- Crimp the sleeve with a crimping tool, working along its length.
- Tug the connection firmly to test it.
Match sleeve size to line diameter, and follow the sleeve maker’s instructions. Wear eye protection and take care with wire ends.
Choosing leader strength
Leader strength depends on the species, structure and your main line; abrasive fish such as snook are a good example. A leader roughly equal to or heavier than the main line is a common starting point; some freshwater and inshore anglers use 20 to 40 lb for many inshore species, and heavier line for bigger fish. Always consider your rod’s and reel’s ratings, and the regulations for the fishery you are targeting.
Fly fishing saltwater leaders
For fly rods, a tapered leader from three sections can be tied from a heavier butt section down to a lighter tippet. One example is about 3 to 4 feet of 40 lb, 2 feet of 20 lb and 2 feet of 15 lb, for about 8 feet in total. Treat this as one angler’s formula rather than a standard.
Test before you fish
Pull each knot firmly, inspect for coils or nicks, and redo any that look uneven. Replace the leader after it gets frayed or nicked.
Related reading
For bass-specific line choices, see our best line for bass guide. For cold-weather knots with tiny hooks, see best knots for ice fishing.