HydroMAXXX leaders

[dredwards]

Thank You. I have an older Penn Jigmaster I use in the surf. I basically put the 6500 out for whatever may pick up. I only have 17# line on it and 400# leader seem a little too big. I was just looking for a smaller all around leader more in tune with the line i have on the reel. I do appreciate your insight. Thanks again.

[sharkchum]

Originally Posted by dredwards

Thank You. I have an older Penn Jigmaster I use in the surf. I basically put the 6500 out for whatever may pick up. I only have 17# line on it and 400# leader seem a little too big. I was just looking for a smaller all around leader more in tune with the line i have on the reel. I do appreciate your insight. Thanks again.

Here's what I do with my 6500.
Option 1: 1/0 3-way swivel, 30# mono, and size 2 khale hook.
Cut about 18" of mono and tie one end to a eye on the 3-way swivel and the other end to your weight. I usually use a 3oz or 4oz pyramid or storm sinker. Then cut about 12" of mono and tie one end to another eye of the 3-way swivel and the other to a size 2 khale hook. then tie your main line to the third eye of the 3-way swivel. I use an improved clinch knot but you can use what ever knot you like. This is the rig that stays on my 6500's 95% of the time. I use it to fish fresh dead shrimp or finger mullet. This is primarily used to catch bait like whiting, croaker, or sand trout, but I catch trout, reds and drum on it all the time.

Option 2: 3/0 3-way swivel, 80# mono, and a 5/0 to 7/0 circle hook.
Cut about 24" of mono and tie one end to a eye of the 3 way swivel and the other to your weight. I will usually use a 4oz to 6oz pyramid, storm sinker, or smaller spider weight. Then cut about 16" of mono and tie one end to another eye of the 3-way swivel and the other to your hook. Then tie your main line to the third eye of the 3-way swivel. I use a improved clinch knot for this one to, but any knot will work. I use this with cut bait or crab to catch slot reds and drum, but I regularly catch bull reds, big uglys, and small sharks with it.

[chimster]

What size mono do you use behind your leader?

[sharkchum]

Originally Posted by chimster

What size mono do you use behind your leader?

What do you mean by behind the leader?

[chimster]

Yeah, that wasn't clear. Sorry. I meant what do you use as your main line on the spool? What size?

[sharkchum]

Originally Posted by chimster

Yeah, that wasn't clear. Sorry. I meant what do you use as your main line on the spool? What size?

30# mono

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[chimster]

For example, my guess is that if I am using a 135 lb. Wire leader, I would use maybe 100# mono with some braid backing.

[chimster]

Ah. Just saw your response

[sharkchum]

Originally Posted by chimster

For example, my guess is that if I am using a 135 lb. Wire leader, I would use maybe 100# mono with some braid backing.

The wire leader is just to keep the sharks from biting off, it has nothing to do with the size of your main line. I only use 50# on my 6/0 and 9/0. The only reason you would ever need 100# main is if you were fishing for great whites off the coast of south Africa.

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[chimster]

I guess I forgot to mention that I am heading to South Africa to fish for great whites.

Thanks for the info.