Lead Line Fishing

Size

Lead line is sold by breaking strength. It is available in 12, 18, 27, 36 and 45 pound tests. Most walleye fishermen use 18 pound, most salmon anglers use 27 or 36 pound test.

Colors

The nylon sheath on lead line is dyed a different color every 10 yards to allow fishermen to easily determine how much line is being used. Want to let out 30 yards of line? Let out 3 colors of line.

Spooling Up

Because of the thickness of the line, large capacity reels are required. First add 100 yards or more of monofilament or braided line to the reel as backing. The backing should be stronger than the lead line. Tie the backing to the lead line and wind on as much as you will need. Walleye anglers usually use 2 to 4 colors; salmon fishermen often spool on 100 yards. Attach a 40-foot long fluorocarbon leader, with less breaking strength than the lead line.

Depth Capability

The actual depth a lure or bait will achieve depends on the trolling speed. At two miles per hour, a fairly normal speed used for walleye and salmon, lead core line will sink 4 feet per 10 yards. A little faster speed will bring the lure up a few feet, a little slower will increase the depth slightly.

Misconceptions

Dont assume you will be able to troll lures deeper if you switch to heavier lead line. The weight of the wire inside the line is marginally larger in stronger lines, but the outside diameter of the sheath is larger as well, providing more water resistance. In practice, its a wash. Whether using 18-pound test lead line or 36-pound, the lure or bait will troll at the same depth.