It's fascinating how lead-core line, a classic fishing tool in the Great Midwest, has made a strong comeback for big-lake trout and salmon fishing. Despite its long history—predating even the invention of downriggers—many anglers are rediscovering the simplicity and effectiveness of lead-core line. Let's dive into why lead-core is making waves again and how you can use it to your advantage.
Lead-core line imparts a unique action to trailing lures that other methods simply can't replicate. It's particularly effective when fish are wary of traditional techniques and presentations. While there are alternatives like non-lead-weighted lines and braided copper lines, these options can be more than twice as expensive. Non-lead lines have a similar sink rate to lead-core, whereas copper lines sink much faster and deeper, requiring less line to achieve the same depth as lead-core. However, copper lines come with trade-offs, including higher cost, larger diameter, and a tendency to kink.
Lead-core trolling line features a nylon-braided sheath with an extruded, lead center core. The outer nylon sheath changes color every 10 yards, serving as a gauge to track exactly how much line you have out. Anglers often refer to the number of colors when describing how much lead-core line they have out. Essentially, the more line you let out, the deeper your lure will go. Lead-core line is available in 100-yard and 200-yard spools. In trolling jargon, a "full core" is 10 colors of lead-core line or a full 100-yard spool.
Cabela's lead-core line offers additional features like lubrication for easier guide passage and a heat-set finish for colorfastness, ensuring the line's longevity.
Lead-core line is available in different pound-test ratings, referring to the nylon sheath's breaking strength rather than the line's weight. For example, 27-pound lead core is stronger than 18-pound lead core but not heavier. During tests, I found that 100-yard spools of 27-, 36-, and 45-pound test lead core lines weighed nearly the same, with only a .06-pound difference between them.
At approximately 2.5 mph, 10 colors of lead-core line will sink to a depth of about 50 feet. This is based on real-world experience, like getting snagged at 50 feet with 10 colors out. While the exact depth may vary, the key is to replicate successful presentations by noting how much line you have out.
Different pound-test lines are used for various species and fishing conditions. For big-lake trout and salmon, 27- and 36-pound-test lines are common. Walleye anglers prefer 15- or 18-pound test lines, which fit better on smaller reels and reduce concerns about line breakage. The more lead-core line you use, the larger the reel you'll need.
Reels - Fishing long lengths of lead-core line requires specialized tackle. A full spool of 27-pound test lead-core line won't fit on a traditional downrigger reel with much room for backing. Reels with a capacity of 325 yards are ideal for using three, five, or seven colors of lead-core line but are too small for a full core. For fishing with 10 colors or more, you'll need a reel with a line capacity of 350 to 475 yards.
Rods - Rods for lead-core line are a matter of personal preference, but longer, diver-type rods offer advantages. A 9 to 9.5-foot diver rod is perfect for lead-core fishing, allowing you to keep more line out of the water, lift boards at critical moments, and gain more leverage on the fish. Consistently landing fish with lead-core line requires aggressive action, keeping the line tight and maintaining constant contact with the fish.
Backing - Backing is crucial when fishing lead-core line. To achieve the full sinking effect, the entire lead core must be in the water. Super-lines are ideal for lead-core backing due to their strength, abrasion resistance, and small diameter. A 10/30-pound test line in flame green is a favorite choice for its toughness and high visibility.
Leaders - Lead-core leaders can be standard monofilament or fluorocarbon, depending on personal preference. Leader lengths typically start at 50 to 75 feet of 20-pound test, trimmed down daily to check for frays and abrasion. Once the leader reaches 15 to 20 feet, it's time to replace it.
Knotting and Line Management - Connecting lead-core line to backing and leaders can be tricky. The Nail Knot, commonly used in fly fishing, is a favorite for its strength and small size. If the knot slips off the end of the lead core, remove about two inches of lead from the line's end and tie an overhand knot. This will keep the Nail Knot from sliding off.
For accurate line management, especially when filling multiple reels, start by spooling the lead-core line onto the reel first, followed by the backing. This reverse method ensures you have the exact amount of line on the reel. Then, transfer the line to another reel, noting how much backing is needed.
Running Lead-Core Line - Lead-core line can be run directly off the back of the boat or off planer or in-line boards. Running lead core off boards allows you to fish multiple lines, cover more water, and minimize tangles. By using various lengths of lead-core line, you can target different depths, with shorter lengths on the outside boards and longer lengths on the inside. Larger planers and in-line boards are perfect for lead-core line, pulling long lengths far out to the side of the boat. The release system on these boards makes it quick and easy to free the line when you have a fish on.
While many captains might admit that catching fish like salmon on lead-core line isn't the most thrilling method, the fact remains that lead-core line often catches fish when nothing else will. It’s a reliable tool in your fishing arsenal, especially when fish are elusive.
Maximize Your Fishing by Using Downriggers and a Leaded Line Combination
(Stack Four Lines with the Shuttle Hawk Downrigger Stacking System)
Fishing multiple rods from the same boat can be challenging, but with the right setup, you can maximize your chances of success. Using Shuttle Hawk downriggers on each side of the boat allows for efficient line management and depth control. Here’s a strategy to fish five rods simultaneously:
STEP 1. Set up your downriggers with the Shuttle Hawk Downrigger Stacking System on Each Side: Set up a Shuttle Hawk stacking system on your downrigger to fish multiple rods at the same time. Use planer boards to get a bit of spread to your gear and cover more water, while targeting different depths.
STEP 2. Center the 5th Rod Out the Back: Add a fifth rod to the center back of the boat, directly over the motor. Use lead-core line for this rod to create drop and achieve the desired depth. This rod will complement the two rods on each side, effectively covering a wide area behind the boat as well as depths.
STEP 3. Adjusting Depths and Spread: With the Mack's Lure Shuttle Hawk Downrigger Stacking System, you can quickly adjust the depth of your lines to match the fish’s location. Using planer boards helps spread the attached lines away from the boat, reducing the risk of tangles and ensuring your lures cover different depths and areas.
STEP 4. Managing Line Tangles: To minimize tangles, stagger the lengths of lead-core line on each rod. Use shorter lengths on the outside and progressively longer lengths towards the center. This setup ensures that your lures are at different depths and reduces the chances of lines crossing.
STEP 5. Monitoring and Adjusting: Pay close attention to your depth sounder and fish finder. Adjust the depths of your downriggers and lead-core lines based on the fish’s location. Regularly check your lines for tangles and re-rig if necessary to maintain an effective presentation.
Lead-core line is a timeless yet highly effective method for big-lake trout and salmon fishing. Its unique action and depth control capabilities make it indispensable, particularly when traditional methods fall short. With the right tackle, techniques, and a bit of practice, you'll find that lead-core line can significantly enhance your fishing success. Whether you’re fishing solo or managing multiple rods from the same boat, lead-core line offers versatility and effectiveness that can make all the difference.
So, gear up and employ these advanced techniques, and rediscover the power of lead-core line on your next fishing trip
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