Thursday Focus - Leads

This entry was posted on 7th August, 2018

One of the most important parts of your rig setup is your lead. Attached to your rig, the lead takes your set up down quickly, essential if you’re targeting bottom feeding fish, such as carp, as it gets your bait in position quickly, giving you the best chance of a catch. Quick-sinking rigs are also essential for successful slack lining, so there really is no angling scenario that doesn't demand a decent lead.

While you could easily write a book, taking anglers through all the different leads available, their applications, advantages, and drawbacks, for the purpose of this article, we're going to stick to a quick rundown of the most popular choices, and a subtle point in the direction of a brand, and an option, you might find handy to add to your own tackle box.

 

Backleads

Backleads are one of the most popular lead choices for slack lining for carp, especially when you're fishing on an uneven lake or river bed, as they can help your rig hold to the undulations in the lake, reducing the risk of spooking your fish. There are three types of backleads on offer: traditional backleads, flying backleads, and captive backleads. These each have their own benefits and drawbacks, including the ease with which they are positioned and how they react when you get a take.

If you're looking for a backlead that's simple to apply, with a smooth action, why not try the Korda Intelligent Backlead? Coming in at a great price, and a variety of weights, these backleads are heavier than they look, so bear that in mind when making your size choice! When you're attaching your lead to your rig, make sure to listen for a slight “click”; this tells you the lead is securely in place, and should avoid you losing your lead on the take.



Leads

When it comes to main leads you have an even greater range of options, and the choice you make will greatly depend on the venue you are targeting, and your preferred style of angling. For example, grip leads are best used when you’re tackling fast flowing rivers or steep sided marginal slopes. Pear leads are ideal for distance fishing, as are the aptly named distance leads and tournament casting leads, while flat pear leads lend themselves to hard bottoms and PVA fishing. Square pears are perfect for bolt rig fishing and mid-range work.

Why not give the Preston Flat Pear leads a go, next time you're out trying some PVA bags on a commercial lake?



Leads For Sea Fishing

If you’re sea fishing, you’ll want a lead with a little additional grip to stand up to hard tidal currents. A good name to look out for is Breakaway,as this brand is currently the market leader in sea fishing weights around the world. Gemini is also a good brand to try; in angling, as with everything, it's worth having  a few leads, of different sizes and styles, from different brands, in your tackle box, giving you the option on the day. Keep your go-to favourites close at hand in a lead pouch carried In a jacket pocket, and you're good to go.



Key Points

Remember; when you're carp fishing, a lead needs to hold your rig so it doesn't drift about ad spook the fish. Coarse fishing on rivers, or sea fishing, your lead is essential for ensuring that your rig doesn't get torn from your mainline by the tide, or river current.

When you're casting, especially on commercial venues, which can become crowded, and beaches and piers, which also play host to day trippers, keep an eye on your lead – they hurt when they hit someone!