pre-tying leaders for drift fishing question

[cwuwildcat]

When gearing up some leaders, to have them ready to go for the inevitable break-off, do you leave the end not attached to the hook untied, or put some kind of loop or snap swivel on it?  I'm using a three way swivel attached to the main line.  Loop 1 of the swivel is attached to the main line, loop 2 is the drop loop attached to a piece of surgical tubing to hold a pencil lead, and the third is to attach the leader to. 

Any suggestions on how to attach the leader to the 3 way swivel?  Tie directly to the swivel using a clinch knot of some kind, have a surgical loop on the leader and somehow loop it through the third loop on the swivel, or just have a snap swivel attached to the leader and use it to hook to the third loop?

With a drift setup for steelhead/salmon, there doesn't seem to be much work involved in setting up the leaders, especially if you buy the pre-tied hooks.  Slip a corky on, and attach to the swivel on your mainline.  Thread a little yarn on, and your good to go.

[tlbradford]

I always leave the end untied.  I tie extra long leaders than cut them to length to match my fishing conditions.  Improved clinch to the swivel.

[FC]

I always leave the end untied.  I tie extra long leaders than cut them to length to match my fishing conditions.  Improved clinch to the swivel.

I do the same, tying a simple loop to hook on a swivel is about the worst knot you can use. Tie your own leaders if you want to use good hooks, its very easy to do and last I checked its cheaper that way as well.

[mkcj]

 

[fishcrazy]

I just can't bring myself to buy the pre-tied leaders. Especially when they have a made in China sticker stuck right to them.  I tie all my own. Useually 1 at a time on the river.  I have gooten really fast at them. Sometimes I will tie up a roll or 2. I just tie a #10 swivel to the leader and can hook it right up when the other brakes off. Saves time when side drifting out of the sled.


Kris

[TheHunt]

I pre tie my hooks as well.  At times I can pre tie all the hooks I need for an entire day and specifically the double hooked setups.  One has to take time doing that or you will stick your self with the hook.

[cwuwildcat]

What brand of hooks do you suggest?

[Huntbear]

I also pre-tie all my hooks.  I use nothing but red gammies.  They are sharp, and strong.

[Ironhead]

I also tie my own and use Owner hooks for summer run and red Gammies for winter run.

[cwuwildcat]

When tying the leaders, do you use the same line as your main line, just reduce its weight, or use line specifically for leaders?

[FC]

That depends on what I am fishing for! Trolling in the sound for salmon I run 30lb main line and 20lb leaders. Fishing for chums from the bank I would usually use 12lb main line and 30lb leaders (toothy *censored*s). For most bank fishing for salmon/steelhead I use the same weight for leader as my main line, I don't believe in building a weak link into my gear, rocks sticks and other peoples hooks will tear your line up enough as is. Gamakatsu hooks are all I use anymore, they are as sharp as can be and strong.

[grousetracker]

i like to use 2lbs lighter than my main line,and use florocarbon leader, gammy hooks.

[tlbradford]

When tying the leaders, do you use the same line as your main line, just reduce its weight, or use line specifically for leaders?

Specific to drift fishing, I use a hi-vis line for low light conditions for my main line.  I use Maxima Ultragreen or Chameleon for my leaders and usually run them anywhere from 2-10lbs lighter than my main line.  That is not because I believe in break-off unless there is a lot of wood in the water.  It is just to avoid them being line shy.  I will go as light as a 4lb leader for summer steelhead, and up to twelve pounds.  I usually run 20 lb test as my main line for steelies.  Winter steelheading I usually have 12 lb leaders.

[Huntbear]

I run 10 lb. test mainline for steelhead.  6-8 lb. for leader material.  If the water is very clear, I will use Flourocarbon.  Otherwise I use Maxima.

[fc2038]

I always like using lighter leader than my main line. I normally pre tie all my leaders before I go fishing and leave the end. (nothing attached). I use a barrel swivel, but when I tie my leader to my main I leave (do not cut)the tag end of the leader so I can attach my pencil lead to it. Cut to length hollow pencil lead and then slide the lead up the tag end of your leader and give it a good crimp. I do not like using 3 way swivels and tubing just more crap to get in the way.