Kokanee Leader

Fly Junkie · 05-20-2009, 07:30 PM

What is your favorite line, and leader size? I like 6 or 8lb test Maxima Ultragreen. Is 8 to large for a place like Merwin? Also if you are using a sling blade do you put weight behind it to calm the action on the lure?

Any comments, advice or tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

hookumhi · 05-20-2009, 07:36 PM

I never use weight behind any of my sling blades or flashers. I personally use 6# stren for leader material and I've had good luck at Merwin .

pharmseller · 05-20-2009, 08:06 PM

Moknots taught us at the Suttle Lake class that he uses 8"-10" 10# leader. He likes stiff material that transmits the action from the dodger to the lure.
General rule: Lures with action (Apex, wedding rings) use lake troll types (spinning blades of some sort).
Lures without action (hootchies, mainly) use dodgers to impart action.

I'll find out Sunday.

P

Fly Junkie · 05-20-2009, 08:40 PM

Is 6lb too light trolling for Kokanee????

pharmseller · 05-20-2009, 09:23 PM

No.

JAG · 05-20-2009, 09:44 PM

I like the 10 and 12 lb maxima ultra green. Only reason is the stiffer line imparts better action behind the dodger to the hoochie. Leader length is between 6-8 inches for me. I'd of thought the heavier line and short ,short,short, leader was crazy until I too took the Koke Class this year and then tried this setup out last weekend with a 3/0 dodger and hoochie and just spanked the landlocked kings. It made a believer out of me. I learned more in one evening from the class than I'd of ever learned trying and experimenting on my with my own preconceived ideas. I used to think light line and long leaders but not anymore.

Hey Pharseller I sat next to you in class on your right. Glad to see your going on Sunday. I'll be at Odell and or Crescent in the Willie DB this weekend. Plan is Odell in am until winds drive me off and then Crescent afternoon and evenings,

FallRiverGuy · 05-21-2009, 06:34 AM

I like using 6 lb on spinners and apex lures. With Hoochies I like to use a stiff 8 or 10 lb line.

SCOOTA · 05-21-2009, 03:40 PM

As fallriver guy can attest to, 4lb is to light for those 19 and 20" kokanee in wickiup.

Elkiller · 05-21-2009, 09:30 PM

I think 6 is too light for trolling wickiup. There are larger kokes in there that can break 6 on the troll imho. I troll 10. Of course, this means a different rod for jigging but we all knew that.

vudo · 05-21-2009, 10:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly Junkie

Is 6lb too light trolling for Kokanee????

I started out using 6# for all my kokanee stuff. After loosing a few fish and some of my favorite lures, I upgraded to 10#. The fish don't seem to mind the larger line and it's big enough that I can actually see when I tie a knot.

skaha · 05-22-2009, 08:04 AM

-generally flourocarbon is stiffer and abraision resistant per lb test, good option behind dodger when more action required.
-often though of for use when fish are line shy but the stiffer line is often overlooked. Use leader material as some manufacturers now producing softer flourocarbon for main lines.

Queeg · 05-22-2009, 08:34 AM

I like 3lb test leader generally. Maxima. No leader or knot failures on the Wickiup flying fish ... plenty of hooks spit out, sure.

skaha · 05-28-2009, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Queeg

I like 3lb test leader generally. Maxima. No leader or knot failures on the Wickiup flying fish ... plenty of hooks spit out, sure.

--I think original question about is 6lb to lite. Would also have to know lite drag on reel and soft rod. As no problem even with 2lb leader on fly rod.

--If using a larger dodger or weight or downrigger or stiffer rod or stiffer drag etc. that fish can leverage against then lb test could be an issue. also brand of line some lines that indicate 3 lb may be actually 6 lb if you get an igfa rated line it will have a max break strength rather than a min break strength rating. also longer leader with some streeeetch may be a factor over shorter leader... may need higher lb test or could snap at bite or fish can roll up to lure or dodger and break the line.

Akatrout · 06-01-2009, 05:55 PM

I use 8 lb PLine behind my dodger and 12 lb mono above. 05/29 we caught 13 with around 6 lost and had one leader break. We were using downriggers and the fish broke off on the strike so it probably was caused by the downrigger clip. I agree with skaha, 6 lb may be an issue if you are using a downrigger.