thank. nice illustrations.
how many lb test are you using and how long is the leader?
The big poles are 20 and the smaller ones are 12-15. The big ones have the big line more so because they have to stand up to heavy casting and currents... not so much because of the fish themselves. 12-15 is fine though for the smaller fish and using no method if thats what your plan for the day is.
I usually use a 20lb leader all around. The purpose is because fishing the bottom is rough and there are a lot of unknowns down there. In addition, these fish know the bottom very well, and run for cover immediately. Leader length is a bit of a tricky question. While I was introduced to the sport with and have historically used a shorter leader, 3-5", some argue a longer leader is better due to the simple anatomy of the fish and their behavoir. I've given the longer leader a try (not a fair try, but a try) and I haven't done as well. Despite that, the folks whom do proclaim it's superior nature are in fact darn good Carp fisherman. I do not know them personally but they are well respected members of our community.
One thing I will say - I recently lost my spool of red leader material and have had to substitute lately. I haven't caught a thing but a minor sunburn.
Edit: Going back to how the bottom holds a lot of unknowns. Look at the condition of that sinker. That has never touched a river... in fact it was brand new to begin the season and I've fished pretty much weedy areas. Go's to show whats lurking down there.
