What lb leader for fishing in northeast Ohio wire?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

When it comes to fishing in northeast Ohio, particularly if you're targeting species like **pike**, **musky**, or even **walleye**, selecting the right leader strength is crucial. The fish in this region are known for their sharp teeth and aggressive behavior, requiring a robust and durable leader to withstand their bites and the overall rigors of fishing in these waters.

### Leader Strength Recommendations

For most fishing scenarios in northeast Ohio, especially if you're targeting toothy critters like pike and musky, a leader strength between **30 lb to 50 lb** is generally recommended. This range provides a good balance between strength and manageability, ensuring you can handle larger fish while maintaining control and sensitivity.

1. **Pike and Musky**: These species are notorious for their sharp teeth and powerful runs. A leader strength of **44 lb to 80 lb** is advisable. Using a stainless steel or titanium leader can also help in preventing cut-offs. Consider the [AFW #5 Tooth Proof Stainless Steel Single Strand Leader Wire, 44 lb Test, Camo, 30 ft](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AXZC8?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) for reliable performance. ![AFW #5 Tooth Proof](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51dfNSbDzLL._SL160_.jpg)

2. **Walleye**: While walleye don't have the same aggressive bite as pike or musky, they can still put up a good fight. For walleye, a lighter leader in the range of **10 lb to 20 lb** can be sufficient, especially if you're fishing in clear water where visibility is a concern.

### Practical Tips

- **Visibility vs. Strength**: If you're fishing in clear water, you might want to opt for a leader with a camouflage finish to reduce visibility. The [American Fishing Wire Surfstrand, Bare 1x7 Stainless Steel Leader Wire, 20 lb Test, Camo, 30 ft](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003GRAAFY?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) is an excellent choice for such conditions. ![American Fishing Wire Surfstrand](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41R4SIJ04oL._SL160_.jpg)

- **Knot Tying**: Ensure that you are using strong and reliable knots, like the Palomar knot or the Snell knot, which are known for their holding power and ease of tying with heavier leaders.

- **Leader Material**: In areas with a lot of snags or underwater structures, a coated wire leader can provide additional abrasion resistance.

### Get Inspired

For more insights on making your leader setup both effective and budget-friendly, check out [Making Gar leaders for a cheap price, they will get you that monster😁🎣🙌](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mlya5l0gCig) on YouTube. ![Making Gar leaders](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Mlya5l0gCig/default.jpg)

**Remember**, choosing the right leader is not just about the fish you're targeting, but also about the conditions you're fishing in. With the right setup, you'll be better prepared to reel in those trophy catches while enjoying the scenic beauty of northeast Ohio's waterways. Happy fishing, and may your rods stay bent! 🎣

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