One of the keys to success in angling is choosing the right fishing leader. Fishing leaders plays important roles such as delivering the bait to the desired depth, increasing the sensitivity of the float and ensuring that it passes easily into the fish's mouth. The most popular fishing leaders include teardrop and pear-shaped lead. Choosing fishing leaders according to the type of fish to be hunted increases hunting efficiency.
Fishing Leaders and Usage Areas
In modern fishing, various fishing leader models have replaced traditional stones or heavy objects. Hole (olive) lead, pear, drop, swivel, leaf, carp and tube sinkers are just a few of this variety. Correctly tying the lead to the fishing line directly affects the success of the hunt. Therefore, it is important to choose the most suitable one among different tying techniques.
Various fishing lead models and their usage areas can be detailed as follows:
Drop Lead: This lead model is drop-shaped and is generally suitable for still waters and areas with light currents. The drip shape creates less resistance under water, providing a natural bait presentation. It is generally preferred for fish caught close to the bottom, such as trout and carp.
Pear Bullet: Pear-shaped bullets with the center of gravity at the bottom are used especially in bottom fishing. Ideal for use in strong currents and deep waters. It is often used to catch sea bass or sea bass.
Perforated Gezer (Olive) Lead: This type of lead can move freely on the fishing line. It is generally used in sea bass and trout fishing. It is a preferred lead model for natural bait presentation.
Split Lead: It is used to add light weight and is attached to a certain section of the fishing line by clamping it. It is preferred for surface hunting and hunting with light baits.
Swivel Lead: This lead model is generally used to prevent line tangling. Thanks to its swivel, it prevents the line from spinning and provides a more smooth bait presentation.
Leaf Lead: This lead, which has low resistance to flow, is preferred especially in fast streams and rivers. It ensures that the baits remain stable in the current without hindering their natural movement.
Carp Lead: Its weight and shape are designed specifically for carp fishing. It is generally large and heavy and is effective in bottom fishing.
Scuba Lead: This lead model is preferred especially in the sea and large freshwater lakes. Due to its tube shape, it creates less resistance under water and is used for hunting large fish.
Each bullet model is specially designed according to the type of fish and the conditions of the water to be hunted. Choosing the right lead significantly affects hunting efficiency and bait presentation.
Lead Selection According to Fish Type and Fishing Method
Different fishing rod models should be preferred for each fish species. The region to be hunted, the type of fish in the region and the hunting method are the determining factors in choosing lead.
Carp Fishing: Carp fish are generally caught near the bottom. For this reason, heavy bullets that sit on the bottom and remain stable are generally preferred in carp fishing. Pear-shaped bullets or heavy musket bullets may be suitable for this type of hunting.
Sea Bass Fishing: Sea bass can be caught both on the surface and near the bottom. For this reason, floating bullets (olive lead) of different weights are used in sea bass fishing to provide flexibility and to adjust the depth.
Trout Fishing: Trout generally prefers fast currents and clear waters. In this type of hunting, split bullets or small drop bullets, which are light and can move naturally in the current, are used.
Horser Mackerel and Bonito Fishing: These species are hunted on the surface, so float sinkers that are light and will keep them close to the water surface are preferred.
Coral and Black Eye Hunting: These species are generally hunted in rocky and reef areas. For this reason, floating or flat shaped bullets are preferred to prevent getting caught in the net.
Hunting for Bottom Fish: To hunt bottom fish, pear or heavy musket bullets can be used, depending on their weight and depth.
When choosing lead, the behavioral characteristics of the fish to be caught, the conditions of the aquatic environment in which it lives and the hunting method to be used should be taken into consideration. The weight of the lead directly affects the movement and presentation of the bait in the water, so choosing a lead of the correct weight and shape increases hunting success.
