The distinction between a leader and fishing line is substantial. A leader serves as an additional segment of line that is connected to the main line, serving as a shield between the fish and the main line.
The leader material is usually much more resistant to abrasion, making it ideal for use in areas with a lot of structure such as rocks or other debris. Additionally, a leader can also be used to help bait cast farther away from the boat, as well as provide more control when casting into tight areas where you don’t want the bait to go too far.
Fishing line, on the other hand, is what actually connects you to your lure or bait. It’s made from materials such as nylon, Dacron, or fluorocarbon and comes in a variety of weights and strengths for different types of fishing conditions.
Fishing line has a breaking strength that corresponds to its diameter (or lb-test rating). This breaking strength helps you determine how much weight you can reel in without breaking the line.
The two are also used together in certain scenarios. For instance, when trolling with lures or baits, it’s common practice to attach a leader to the main fishing line. This allows for more control over the presentation of your bait while protecting against possible damage from debris in the water or snag points on structure.
Conclusion:
The primary difference between leaders and fishing lines lies in their purpose. Leaders are used as an extra layer of protection between your main line and fish while fishing lines are what actually connects you to your lure or bait. Leaders can also be used for casting farther away from the boat and providing more control when casting into tight areas where you don’t want your bait to go too far.
Fishing lines have a breaking strength that corresponds to their diameter which helps determine how much weight can be reeled in without breaking it. Both are often used together when trolling with lures or baits for added control over presentation and protection against possible damage from debris or snag points on structure.
