Re: Blackfish leader shy?
 

I always used 50 lb plain mono, and never had problems, but also never caught anything bigger than about 9-10 pounds..
I was merely thinking more about the "line shy" concept.. Not the chaffing so much.
I know tuna types, weaks, stripers, even blues or fluke at times can be line shy, as well as fresh water fish, but never thought much about it for tog or other bottom fish.. I just figured they are around and eat off of tangled crap each and every day, and most of the reefs and wrecks they inhabit are probably covered in fishing line.. However, far be it from me to disregard what a very well respected party boat captain says about it, and he feels lighter leaders helped some of his fares to catch more fish.. .. I dunno, next time out I will just stick to my 50 lb mono and see what happens,,, I usually ok with tog , but now I am thinking maybe I am "missing the boat", by not using 30 lb flouro leaders... bob

Re: Blackfish leader shy?
 

I asked Capt Chad, Tagged Fish if Tog are line shy on Sunday after reading this post and his answer was "absolutely". Some days it matters more then others and some days it does not.

They use 50lb on his boat.

He also stated that "most likely" you will break off a big fish (10+)? with 40lb leader or less.

Re: Blackfish leader shy?
 

Looks like the jury is still out on this one. Either way one thing I know to be true is the more confident you are in the way you're fishing (your style) the more fish you will catch. So if you like 50mono fish it if you like 30 flouro fish it. The only time to change what you are doing is when you are not catching and other are.

Re: Blackfish leader shy?
 

Curious.
It you're using a "rig" wouldn't that matter more than the line its attached to?

Makes sense they "see" the line coming out of their crab a lot closer up than the main line / shock line(with braid).

Re: Blackfish leader shy?
 

I always thought this is bizarre with Toggers.

Why do most use rediculuously high 65lb braid with a 30 lb leader or 30lb rig line? I'm pretty sure NO ONE uses rigs tied with 50lb but for cod fishermen.

Besides the leader or the rig will pop just over 30 pounds anyway?

Re: Blackfish leader shy?
 

the guys i fish with use at least 50lb leader & alot fish mono straight.

Re: Blackfish leader shy?
 

I think the reason for heavy braid is that it loses much of its strength when it chafes, which can easily happen togging.

Re: Blackfish leader shy?
 

that's why these fish are so great to fish for,everyday is different.some thread some mono all with different takes.my two cents is use what gives you confidence and practice on waiting for the right bite.

Re: Blackfish leader shy?
 

No right or wrong answer here. It comes down to what your are use to and confident in. Stelli fishes 50 pound Ande mono on his reel. All of his rigs are tied with 50-lb test ande leader and up from their when fishing in MD. Puts on a 12 ounce sinker and he is good to go regardless of condition. He knows exactly how his rod reacts on the bite with this set up as that is what he is use to and catches just as good or better than most.

Re: Blackfish leader shy?
 

rumor has it he catches only dogfish now