Can someone give me some info on leadcore fishing.What type of reel do i need and what lures are good to use?

Penn 320 w/ Slammer rod (or something similar) - Capt Macks 1 1/2 oz-2 oz jigs (tip with herring). Try to use the jigs with the trailer hook. 27lb test leadcore and 15-17lb leader 20' long.

Penn 320 or 330. 320 is the minimum. Shakespeare Tiger rod ML or M because of the guides on the rod. Maybe a longer leader of 30 to 50 ft.

I am fairly certain they have them already rigged up at Timberghost.

Anyone know where a good (cheap) place to buy extra spools for Penn 330's?

You can call (215) 229-9415 and buy the spools directly from Penn. As far as I know there are no Penn dealers anywhere around here other than maybe Bass Pro Shops (even though there are bait stores that sell Penn around here). Look on the internet to get the part numbers you want before you call, it'll help in the conversation.

Timberghost sold me the combo that I described above pre-spooled with lead core. Clay, tell them I want my money back. Just kidding, my rigs catch fish - I can't complain.

What size leader line is the most typical?

I've never used over 20lb - most of the time 15 or 17lb.

Interesting? I have never used lead core, how would this work in shallower lakes? what is the depth to speed to length ratio?
what kind of knot do you use? gosh I could ask a million questions thanks for any help

Capt B.I. give me a call at 770-402-9447
John Bowen

how many colors out are they fishing on lake lanier

I used the 'Search' link above (searched on "lead core") to find a 8/19/2008 post showing 9 colors:
http://www.lakelanierguide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=2988#Post2988
Hope that helps. I've not tried lead core yet, but am considering it. How fast do you troll lead core, and how deep are you with each color out?

found this on another forum...During the hot months July, August, and September trolling lead core can be a very valuable way of catching fish. Lead core is a great way to search for fish, and an easy way to catch fish. Lead core line is a long thin piece of lead wrapped with Dacron. The Dacron has different breaking strengths, 18lb test, 27lb test, 36lb test, and higher. These are the sizes most commonly used. All sizes are made with the same amount of lead. Meaning, if you put all 3 sizes separately on a scale they will weigh just about the same. Lead core also come in spools of 100yds or greater, but all that is needed is 100yds. Each 100yd spool has 10 different colors. The Dacron is dyed a different color for every ten yards. By using the colors a fisherman can tell how much line he or she has out.

First a reel is needed to hold the lead core. The reel needs to hold at least 320yds of 20lb monofilament. For example a Penn 320.A Penn 320 will hold a full spool of lead core without any backing. Several people use lead core without any backing. Doing this is fine if the targeted depth is reached by letting out 7 or 8 colors. If 9 or 10 colors are needed, then backing would be required. A Penn 330 is a perfect size reel when using backing. When installing backing on the reel use at least 20lb monofilament. Fill the reel with around 20-30yds. Then tie on small swivel using a clinch knot.

Pull around 1

How long is a BB going to live if hooked on a jig and drug around a 3 mph?

Probably not very long!!!

k_h, thanks for the tips. Just picked up my first 2 spools of leadcore on Saturday and had no idea how to rig it.

Does anyone know the best way to hook a herring to a bucktail? I've held off on trolloing with live herring because I picture a spinning bait that would ruin (twist up) my line.

In the mouth - out thru the nose?
In the chin - out thru the nose?
Thru the tail for the reverse high-speed presentation?

The options are just endless...

Any thoughts?

In the mouth and back in about as far as you can go.

Which reel will you be using Jimpal

Just bought 2 Penn 330's and two Ugly Stick Tiger rods (med). The reels came with 2 Penn Slammer rods which I really don't need if anyone is interested.

Clay, what's a good reel for downlining, I've been using cheap Shakespeare's. They're OK but I was thinking of trying Daiwa 47's, have you any opinion on them?

There are some lead core tips on a video I did, if your intrested. Leadcore Video on You Tube

I don't remember exactly how many yards of backing of mono to use on the 330. On the 320 you can only use about 15 yards of mono backing. I believe the 330 you can put about 50 yards to 80 yards. Fifty is plenty. Once you have your mon on tie on a size 10 or 12 swivel depending on the brand that will fit throught eh levelwind of the reel. Then tie on the lead core with a clinch knot and glue it. The glue is important. Repeat at the other end after you put on ten colors of lead core. Be sure to use 50 ft of mono or flouro carbon for the leader. Not much shorter or you risk losing your lead when you snag up.

Jim,

I bought a couple of Shimano TR-200-G reels to try out for downlining. They are cheap (about $55), hold alot of line (300yds/20 lb. test) and have smooth drags. I have not had any problems with them and for the price you may want to give one a try. I have them on the Ugly Stick striper rods.

I use a Penn 320 for my lead core and it really does not leave room for enough backing and the long leader that Clay recommends. I probably put too much backing on and didn't leave enough room for the leader. I think you made the right choice going with the 330 (that's what I would go with if I had it to do over anyways).

Good luck,
Bfish

Thx I'll give them a look. I didn't know Shimano made reels that affordable. I got the 330's online at Boater's World for $99 each including the Penn Slammer rods.

The 330 is great for the lead core. On the downline I prefer the 310.

Jim, you got a good deal on the 330's. They are that much for the reel only at BPS. I checked BPS online for the Shimano and it is $59 now.

Clay, what size mono do you use as backing for the leadcore? Also not sure what you mean about glueing, what kind of glue & how do you use it.

I normally use a fly fishinig glue. I can't remember the name right off. Brian at the store would know. Any super glue will work. Just put one drop on the knot to keep it from slipping. Nothing fancy. A blood knot without the swivel works as well but it is hard to get it to cinch right at times. The swivel is easier.

I normally use 20lb backing with 27 lb leadcore. The larger mono takes up too much room.