The #1 Mistake That Is Costing You Fish
- By: Tony Acevedo
- on
- Found In: *Tackle & Gear, Fishing Tips, Inshore Fishing, Knots, Line, Weekly Newsletter: 4-30-23
What could be the mistake that is costing you fish time and again??
Have you broken off on a lot of fish recently?
It might be because of your LEADER.
Check this out!!
The Mistake That Is Costing You Fish [VIDEO]
Find NEW Saltwater Fishing Spots In Your Area In 60 Seconds or Less!!!
Check out Luke’s Fluorocarbon VS. Monofilament Leader Line Stress Test
Whether the fish are BIG or on the small side, you might find yourself getting broken off more and more.
But why???
Are you tying a new leader before each new fishing trip?
If not, that’s why!!
Before each and every trip, I make sure to tie a new leader.
You can sometimes use the same strand of leader line, however, make sure you are tying new knots.
If anything, I recommend replacing the entire leader complete with new knots and new line.
The longer your gear sits without using it, knots weaken and the leader line is not as fresh.
When you are fighting fish or even just simply retrieving lures, there will be abrasion on the line.
Especially if you use the loop knot to tie off your lures, that can weaken the line over time.
When it comes to your braid to leader knot, it will also weaken over time.
If you cast it through the guides and are consistently fighting fish, the line and knots may weaken.
You just want to be mindful of this and it’s a good rule of thumb to simply tie up new leaders and use fresh knots before each trip.
Finding The Fish Help
In order to help make sure that you are targeting the right areas based on the latest feeding trends and upcoming weather forecasts, make sure to use the following 3 resources because they will save you a ton of time.
1. Weekend Game Plans (updated weekly)
These regional game plans will show you exactly what types of spots to target in under 10 minutes… just click the video to start, and you’ll be informed on what to do on your next trip.
2. Smart Fishing Spots Platform (updated every 15 minutes)
This exclusive software literally shows you where the most fish are likely to be feeding based on exactly when you’ll be fishing. It factors in the tides, wind, and weather to help you quickly see which areas to target throughout the day.
3. Community Reports (live feed)
The Insider Community platform is what you can use to see what is biting near you, and you can get to know other members who fish in your area. Plus, you can use it to keep a log of your catches so you can use past trips to help predict future catches.
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
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While I don’t change my leader before every trip I do inspect them every time and I do it by taking the leader and running it between my lips I learned this trick in a florida sportsman mag it makes sence because instead of just visually looking at it or running it between your fingers your mouth and lips are very sensitive and can pick up if there is the slightest nick or abrasion and if I find one then obviously I will change it out but I very rarely loose fish because of cut or nicked line or failed knots for that matter but your advice is very wise as usual Tony your the man thanks for the advice and all you do😉👍
Great tip!
Great tip! I have always wondered how long it was ok to use the same leader but I will start putting on a fresh before each tip
Thanks Andrew! Yep it’s better to be safe than sorry!
The fluorocarbon debate continues! I was surprised you were using fluorocarbon for a leader Tony. What I am learning here at SS is that fluoro is not as durable as mono
especially citing a recent “stress test” by Luke. I am actually wondering that you might have had a better chance of boating that fish using a mono leader? Thank you for the opportunity to join the discussion; always replace leaders and retie before heading out
and braid is the least abrasion resistant when it comes to a leader. Take care.
I’m stubborn and have always used flouro haha. Haven’t switched since I’ve really never encountered any negative experiences. I do use “softer” fluoro, such as Berkley Vanish, which tends to have more abrasion resistance than stiffer leader such as Seaguar.
Great Tips Tony!
Thank you!
You’re welcome Neal!
One of the reasons I don’t use a leader. Straight braid has yet to let me down.
Same here. All the water in my area… fresh and salt is muddy. I use 30lb braid for any type of fishing. It’s thick enough not to get wind knots, and I’ve never broke off on a fish
That works as well! Leader is actually less abrasion resistant than mono or flouro though, so if it gets knicked or rubs anything sharp just keep an eye on it! Still safe to re-tie the hook or lure every now and then.
The heavier the lure the more important it is to clip off the end and re-tie the knot. When I use spoons I always cut off and re-tie the end half way through the day. Anything heavier than 3/8 will make me use 30 lb. leader.
For sure!