About Lead Core Fishing Line

About Lead Core Fishing Line

Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of Olddanb

Lead core fishing line has become a staple item amongst salmon and walleye anglers. This weighted line takes lures deep without the use of a downrigger or diving planer, which provides a stealthy approach for spooky fish in clear water.

What is Lead Core Line?

Lead core line is simply a line that is braided over a string of lead line. The braided line is usually made from a low stretch material such as nylon or dacron.

Lead Core Line Weights

Since lead core line is used in a variety of trolling applications, this unique line is commercially available in line weights of 12, 15, 18, 27, 36 and 45.

Why is Lead Core Line Multicolored?

Lead core line is color coded every 10 yards so anglers can accurately gauge how much line is let out. The more lead core line that is let out from the fishing reel, the deeper the lead core line takes down the anglers lure or bait.

Proper Line Weight for the Job

Walleye anglers that use lighter baits and fish at shallower depths (15 to 30 feet of water) use the lighter lines in the 12 to 18 pound range. Salmon anglers need the heavier line to achieve a greater depth range (50 to 200 feet of water), and the 27 to 45 weight lines will get the bait down to where it is needed.

Can you Cast Lead Core Line?

Lead core line is strictly for trolling applications as the line is too stiff and dense to cast any distance. Some river anglers use a short piece of lead core line instead of split shot for a snag-free approach.

Article Written By Brian M. Kelly

Brian M. Kelly has been freelance writing since 2003. His work has been published in respected outdoor magazines such as Outdoor Life, Great Lakes Angler and Salmon Trout Steelheader. He holds an associate's degree in automated machine design from Macomb College.

Write for Trails.com
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