bass in heavy weeds

Question
I use Power Pro 50# braid for heavy weeds when looking for bass.What is a suitable fluorocarbon leader weight to use in conjunction with the braid, or is a leader called for under these circumstances? I have been getting away with 20-30# with 20# leaders,only losing a few "wrap arounds". I use mostly artificial frogs. What a blast! Thanks for your time.

Answer
Hi John,

I wouldn't go much higher in leader weight because it will start taking away from the action of the frog.  A 30# Fluorocarbon would be tops.  

I strongly advise the use of a long mono or fluoro leader when using super braids.  There is no doubt that the fish see it especially in clear water.  I would say three to four feet and up to eight feet long in clear conditions.  

That all said, I think your case would be the only one where I would say that it would be fine to tie the braid straight to the frog.  That is hand to hand combat and there is no way that a bass will see that line in the slop or pads.

One other thing I would like to mention is about leaders.  Fluorocarbon leader material is great, but I don't need to tell you how expensive it is.  If you want a low cost alternative, try a hard monofilament material like Berkley Big Game leader material, Triple Fish Saltwater Clear, or Mason Hard line.  It's probably 1/5th of the price for twice as much and in my opinion it works just as well.  You may have to order it from a saltwater catalog like Cabela's or Bass Pro Shops but it's worth the savings.

Good froggin'

Marc