Micro leadcore

[Gill-T]

A couple of new products have come out recently that hopefully fix some of the problems associated with leadcore sheath failure over time. Sufix 832, and Tuf-line utilize a performance braid sheath which increases strength 3x's allowing for a smaller diameter and therefore less drag. The smaller diameter allows for smaller reels. When I read the specs.....I sold my 450 Cu setup and purchased a Saltist 50 LC reel and jumped in with both feet. I decided to go with Tuf-line 27 lb and was able to fit a 300 yard spool of #30 fireline fused backing + 8 colors + leader easily on the reel. One pitfall....the knots needed. Because the sheath is so narrow my usual double Willis Knot is not possible. Because the sheath is Spectra as is the backing....there is some issues with knot slippage. What I ended up doing with my attachment is to remove some lead under the sheath per usual, then make a double over-hand knot at the sheath end to act as a stop. I then tied in the backing into the sheath using a flyfisherman's nail knot. On the other end, I used the same knot setup splicing in a small segment of braid to marry to the sheath and then used a trilene braid knot to a improved cinch to the mono leader. Seems solid.......I hope.

[momay4000]

I'm a big lead core guy so keep us posted on performance. Personally, I haven't had much of an issue with sheath failure with traditional cores (I use Cabelas), but I'd like to see how these products perform.

 

The Suffix 832 only comes in 12 and 18# test, I believe, so for me I'm a bit leary. Also, the 832 is quite expensive.

 

Thanks very much for your advice on the knots, too. Please keep us posted this year (I tend to use a lot of short cores in the spring when I'm planer board fishing so maybe you can give us feedback if you're fishing with them early)

 

Good luck on the water - thanks Gill-T,

 

- Chris

[CaptSpike]

Gill-T I just set two rods up today. One with Tufline the other with Suffix. I forget which box but one of them suggested a double uniknot to tie the lead to leader. I used the same double uni backing (braided line as well) to lead core, All the knots seemed to hold up well. Only issue I had was when I tried to drop down to 6lb test to the lead core. the 6 lb broke. I went back to ten there and stepped down to 6 lb for the leader after that (that is what we use here, 6lb). One thing I didn't think of with this new covering is how it will effect my rod guides. I was winding the suffix on an Ugly stick rod and I think I saw where it looked to be wearing into the guide. I'll be keeping an eye on that. None of my core set ups have braid resistant guides.

 

Spike