I only have one leadcore rod and am thinking about rigging another one. It's been a while since I rigged the other one and I can't recall what I did for backing.

Using a Penn 320GT & 18lb leadcore

1. How much 20lb mono backing should I be able to fit on?
2. What length leader do you guys use from the leadcore to the jig?

Thanks,
Brent

I need to get another one also. I have a question to. Does anybody use a swivel between lead and mono? Thought it might help with line twist but then you have to reel it through the rod with 20 ft leader.

Yes David I use a small very small swivel and it links the two lines together, and it is small enough to not only go thru the guides but the level wind bars as well.

Maybe a simpler way to ask my question...

Does anybody have any idea what the 100 yd spool of 18lb leadcore relates to,lengthwise, in mono (15lb or 20lb test)?

Use a spro 60lb or 80lb swivel ,it will go through the guides.I would not use 18lb i would use 27lb leadcore.18lb will break too easily.Just my 2 cents

bigfish, I don't know the capacity of your reel nor do I know the bulk size of 18# leadcore. I use a okuma #45 with about 50 yrds of 25 mono then the 10 colors of 27 lb leadcore. I can only hope this helps. You do not need a large amount of backing because you will normally not even get to the backing, but if you do this should be sufficiant.

Use enough leader so that when you hang your jig you can get all of the lead core back on your reel before you start pulling or cutting the line. I use 50ft of leader, tree line is usually around 30ft.

Thanks for the input.

I use a Penn 320GT on my current leadcore rig and it is rated for 320 yds of 20lb test. Didn't think I had the capacity for the 27lb leadcore, so went with the 18 when rigging that one out. With about 50yds of 20 lb backing, the 10-colors (100 yds)of 18lb leadcore & a 30 foot 15lb leader, the 320GT is about maxed out.

I have snagged plenty of times using the 18lb leadcore and have never had an issue with it breaking (always break the 15lb leader first). If I am not mistaken, the sink rate is teh same as the 27lb leadcore due to the smaller diameter (but I may be totally off base there).

I have been tying the leadcore to the leader with 2 uni-knots, but have not been happy with that. I will try the Spro swivels. On all of the other swivels I have looked at, the strength was too low on the sizes I could find that would fit through the guide of my levelwind.

Thanks again for the input. I alwaysbvalue the feedback that I get from you guys......

Bfish

I have always read that the sink rate is pretty much the same for all the # on leadcore as the lead weight is the same or very similar. I have never used anything but the heavier class because that is what BPS had for sale, so i could be wrong. Since leadcore is a reaction bite, i would spool up with the heavier line next go round. I tie right to the line and have not had any issues. Your mileage may vary.

I would use the Blood Knot, Albright knot works best. to tie the lines together. 50 yards of leader or so. 25- 30lbs seems to work. Reaction bite. line size of the leader does not matter- Learn this from my fishing buddy.

see ya