Walleye fishing is a popular pastime for many working-class anglers. One key to success is using the right leader. This guide will help you choose the best leaders for walleye fishing, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler.
The Best Leaders for Walleye Fishing
| 1. Berkley Vanish – A great fluorocarbon line that is abrasion-resistant and works well on the Great Lakes |
| 2. Kast King Fluorokote – This is a heavy-duty line that works great for walleye leaders |
| 3. Seaguar Blue Label – This is a proven leader material |
What is a walleye fishing leader?
Before we talk about the best leaders for walleye, let’s understand what a leader is:
A fishing leader is a length of line between your main fishing line and the lure or bait. It serves several purposes:
- Protects your main line from sharp teeth
- Reduces visibility to fish
- Provides extra strength when fighting big fish
- Helps lures move more naturally in the water
Why do you use leaders for walleye fishing?
Walleye have unique teeth that make them tough on fishing gear. Let’s look at why:
Walleye teeth
Walleye have two main types of teeth:
- Sharp canines in the lower jaw
- Smaller teeth in the upper jaw
Here’s a breakdown of walleye teeth:
| Tooth type | Location | Purpose |
| Canines | Lower jaw | Grab and hold prey |
| Upper teeth | Upper jaw | Move food for swallowing |
Walleye teeth can easily be cut through weak fishing lines. That’s why a good leader is so important for walleye fishing.
Choosing the right leader length
The length of your leader is important for walleye fishing. Here’s a simple guide:
| Fishing method | Recommended leader length |
| Casting | 18-24 inches |
| Jigging | 12-18 inches |
| Trolling | 3-9 feet |
Remember, these are just starting points. You may need to adjust based on water clarity and fish behavior.
Leader strength for walleye
Choosing the right leader strength is crucial. If you are casting a 10-12 lb. fluorocarbon leader will do. While trolling with braid it is common to use a fluorocarbon leader as well. Most will use a 15-20 lb. leader for trolling. For big walleye or areas with lots of rocks, you might want to go up to 25 lb test.
Best times to use leaders for walleye
Leaders are useful for walleye fishing year-round, but they’re especially important in certain situations:
Spring fishing
In spring, walleye often move to shallow water to spawn. Use leaders to:
- Protect your line from rocks and debris
- Present smaller baits without spooking fish
- When using braided main line for jigging using a leader is essential
Summer deep-water fishing
During hot months, walleye often move to deeper, cooler water. Leaders help by:
- Getting your bait down faster
- Providing abrasion resistance against rocks and zebra mussels
Fall trolling
Trolling is popular for fall walleye. Leaders are crucial for:
- Preventing line twist
- Allowing lures to run at the right depth
- Protecting against bite-offs when fish are aggressive
Tips for using leaders effectively
To get the most out of your walleye leaders, try these tips:
- Check your leader often for damage
- Retie your leader if you notice any weak spots
- Use a leader that matches the watercolor when possible
- Try different leader lengths to see what works best
- Use a swivel to connect your main line to the leader to reduce line twist
Common mistakes with walleye leaders
Avoid these common errors when using leaders for walleye:
- Using a leader that’s too thick and visible
- Forgetting to check your leader for damage
- Using a leader that’s too short for the fishing method
- Not matching your leader to the water conditions
- Using a low-quality leader that’s prone to breaking
DIY walleye leaders
Making your leaders can save money and let you customize your setup. Here’s a simple way to make a basic walleye leader:
Materials needed:
- Leader material
- Swivel
- Hook or lure
- Scissors or line clippers
Steps:
- Cut a piece of leader material to your desired length
- Tie one end to a swivel using a Palomar knot
- Tie the other end to your hook or lure using an improved clinch knot
- Trim any excess line
Walleye fishing techniques that benefit from leaders
Certain walleye fishing techniques work especially well with leaders:
1. Jigging
A short leader helps when jigging by:
- Reducing visibility near the jig
- Providing some shock absorption
2. Live bait rigging
Leaders are great for live bait because they:
- Let the bait move naturally
- Protect against bite-offs
3. Trolling with crankbaits
When trolling, leaders:
- Help crankbaits run at the right depth
- Provide abrasion resistance against teeth and structure
Environmental Factors Affecting Leader Choice
Different fishing environments call for different leaders:
| Environment | Leader recommendation |
| Clear lakes | Thin, less visible leader |
| Stained rivers | Slightly heavier leader |
| Rocky areas | Abrasion-resistant leader |
| Heavy vegetation | Strong leader with good knot strength |
Seasonal changes in leader selection
As the seasons change, so should your leader choice:
Spring
- Use lighter leaders as walleye are often in shallow, clear water
- Choose less visible leaders for spooky fish
Summer
- Switch to slightly heavier leaders as fish move deeper
- Consider longer leaders for trolling techniques
Fall
- Use stronger leaders as Walleye becomes more aggressive
- Choose leaders who can prevent bite-offs
Winter
- If ice fishing, use shorter, lighter leaders
- Pick leaders that perform well in cold water