Best Leader Line For Topwater Lures (Mono vs. Fluoro)
- By: Luke Simonds
- on
In this post, you’ll learn how to select the best leader line for topwater lures.
It’s tough to beat the thrill of a big fish striking a topwater plug!
Now that we’re approaching the first day of fall, we’re about to be in the best season for catching big fish with topwater lures.
The topwater bite has been great the past couple weeks, and a question that has been asked many times lately is what leader line to use.
So I made this new video to explain the following:
- What type of line I’ve found to work best (mono vs. fluoro vs. braid)
- What strength line to used based on the fish you’re targeting
Check it out below.
The Best Leader Line For Topwater Lures
Click here to join the Insider Club
See the mono vs. fluoro abrasion test details
Get the leader line shown in this video
Lure Details:
Here are the details on the topwater lure shown in this video… it has outperformed that others that I’ve tested it against so far:
Why Single Hooks?
I started testing single replacement hooks last year thinking that I was going to prove that they missed a lot of fish.
But I was shocked to see that the strike to catch ratio was not different except for when really small fish are trying to strike the lure.
Plus, they are much better in areas with seagrass because they snag much less grass that’s floating on the surface.
Here are the ones that I like best along with some size selection charts:
https://fishstrong.com/products/owner-single-replacement-hooks
Conclusion
Fishing with topwater plugs is one of my favorite things to do in the fall given how effective they are and how thrilling it is when a fish strikes a lure at the surface.
And the bonus for fall is that there are many big fish that will aggressively strike a topwater lure making for some amazing moments out on the water.
The worst thing that can possibly happen when fishing with topwater lures is the fish breaking off, so it’s very smart to make sure the line you’re using is strong enough to handle the abrasion it could get from a big fish that eats the lure.
And based on the abrasion resistance testing that I’ve done so far, I highly recommend using traditional monofilament when using topwater lures.
If you have any questions or if you’ve found different results when testing leader lines for topwater lures, please do not hesitate to leave a comment below… we’d love to hear from you.
Tight Lines!
Related Posts:
1) Is Fluorocarbon Leader Line More Abrasion Resistant Than Traditional Monofilament?
2) How To Retrieve The Super Spook Jr. Topwater Plug
3) Does Mono Actually Float? (Mono vs. Fluoro Sink Rate Test)
Related categories:
STOP WASTING TIME ON THE WATER!
Do what the “SMART ANGLERS” are doing and join the Insider Club.
Here’s what you’ll receive today when you join:
- Weekly fishing reports and TRENDS revealing exactly where you should fish every trip
- Weekly “spot dissection” videos that walk you through all the best spots in your area
- Exclusive fishing tips from the PROS you can’t find anywhere else
- Everything you need to start catching fish more consistently (regardless if you fish out of a boat, kayak, or land).
Your line test, both knot and abrasion have been eye opening. I believe you have tested fluor line against fluor leader and the regular fluor line with the line being equal or better. That said, have you tested regular mono against mono leader to see if the “leader” material is better than the regular line?
Yes, and there doesn’t seem to be much of a difference between the lines labeled as leader vs. mainline. So you can use either one.
Thank You Luke for the video. If You ever fish Striped Bass be prepared for a shock as they consistently attack from the front and almost always are hooked on the front hook of a topwater lure.
Thanks Ronald! Striped bass are definitely high up on the bucket list.
Do you see ant noticeable difference in hit rate between 20 and 30 pound leader? Thanks
I mostly use topwaters during low-light hours, so going up to a 30 lb leader doesn’t seem to make a difference in how many strikes I get… while it does help ensure that snook won’t chew through my leader, so I now always use 30 lb leader for topwater plugs.
Is there a difference between mono or floro fishing line and the line marketed as leader line?
Nevermind…repeat question.
I have two questions about swapping out single hooks as a replacement for treble hooks. I hope that it’s okay to ask that here.
Great video. I’m going to order more replacement hooks and Andre line.
thanks
Thanks for the money saving tip!
I’m so glad to see that you enjoyed this tip!
Hey Luke, thanks for the info. I noticed in the video you are holding up Ande Leader line, not plain fishing line. Wondering what the difference is; physically and pricewise.
The most noticeable difference in the leader line is the very convenient wrist spool for keeping the line super easy to tote around and use without unraveling and getting tangled up.
As for the actual line, I don’t believe the difference between bulk spools and leader spools is noticeable. But you can save money by buying the bulk spools given that the $ per yard ratio is much better.
Hey Luke –
I’ve been looking for a front casting platform like you have on your flats boat. I’ve been unable to find anything here in South Carolina. Do you have any suggestions or perhaps the shops contact info that made yours ? Thanks for any insight.
Max Jones.
I unfortunately can’t help on this because that platform came with the boat when I bought it used. And it does not have any stickers/logos on it.
One thing many people do is use a cooler for that purpose so that it achieves the elevated platform while providing some extra dry storage or room for cold drinks/food.
Been using Ande mono leader for a long time & NO issues. Also fished Ande mono line decades ago when fishing for Trout in rocky areas because it took the abuse so well. Great tutorial Luke, thanks !
Thanks for making time to leave the comment George!
Thanks Luke, I’ve used Ande for years whether it’s for grouper or snapper fishing or inshore fishing you can’t beat it. Especially for the price and it’s good stuff 🎣✌️
Glad to see that you’re enjoying the Ande line too!