>>552611Well I surf cast, casting from beach, kayak, rocky outcropping and steep cove cliffs. I use 50lb powerpro fishing line, with no backing, which is attached to a 20lb test red caliente monofiliment leader, this is for my plug setup pictured here. The leader for my plug rod is 4 feet, I use a tactical clip, and mostly throw bombers, bucktaila, poppers and rubber shad that are anywhere from 5-7 inches.
The leader is great for rocks, and ensures that I have shock absorption for fighting bluefish, false albacore, and mainly stripers. My baitrunner rig (for letting live mackerel run, or chunked bait out). I use 50lbs power pro with 5 foot caliente 25lbs test monofilament leader, which is then tied directly to a 6inch steel leader, then swivel and coastal clasp, to a size 5 circle hook. I use a balloon as bait indicator, so I know where my fish is swimming, or my bait is laid (so I don't cast over the line with a plug or sabiki.
Fish can see braided line, it gets cut easily on rocks, teeth, and other obstacles. Not to mention it frays easily and spooling a 6000-8000 series salt reel is costly, using mono leader means that I can cut the leader to attach jigs, hooks, etc, and not waste braid by cutting it. Having a mini or flouro leader is excellent because it gives you shock absorption, which is crucial when tiring out a big fish.
The know I use allows me to cast far, travels through my guides like butter, and gets stronger as tension is applied, I use a dab of super glue when I finish tying the leader to the fishing line. Never let your leader go to your reel when you are about to cast, the braid will fall from a spinning reel with supurb smoothness and will cast far. If you know anything about fly fishing you will understand that the tippet concept also applies to surf casting. I can provide more info on my leader setup if you want.
P.s. crush your barbs.
