Lead Core Set Ups

[Lip RIPPER!]

What types of set ups are most of you running on your lead core? I'm pretty new to this game and have had a lot of success in the little time that I have done it. We have been running anywhere from 240 to 300 feet of #12 lead with mono leaders from 10-25 feet. This is in water from 32-35 feet. We have been fishing mostly wally divers and reef runners. Is anyone else using #12 pound lead or are you sticking with the #18 pound? I'm just trying to dig up a few more options. Thanks for any input.

[pounnder]

I have always used the 18# lead core. I have several 6500's spooled up with either 2 or 3 colors (segmented) I have an old article from an In-Fishing magazine written by Mark Strand / Harry Stiles that talks about precision lead core trolling with straight lead core with a 10 foot leader. At 2- 2 1/2 mph, they claim that for every 6 feet of lead core out, your lure will dive 1 foot - 6:1 ratio(reguardless of lure type) As I stated earlier, I prefer the segmented system. Parsons and Kavajecz use this system. They use 12 lb mono backing, 2-3 colors, and a 50 foot leader. They say they gain 5 feet to cranks running depth per color of lead. 3 colors/ crank runs 10 feet - total running depth =25 feet. This will depend on how much of the backing you have out and your trolling speed (lead core is very speed sensitive). You will need to experiment. Good Luck !!

[fiskyknut]

Ripper, I've had good results pulling #7 and 8 Shad raps with leadcore. I run three colors of 18# LC, atthached to 14# fireline mainline. Leader of 10 or 12 pound floro or mono, around 50 foot. Line out amount after the LC depends on depth you want the lure to run, you can get these lures on this set-up down to any depth you may need on Big Traverse no problem. 1oz and 2oz snapweights are a great option also for additional depth when pulling hardbaits.<P>Info Pounder gave you is right there in the ballpark. Check thenextbite dot com for a ton of great LC and snapweight trolling info.<P>Winters coming!.....fiskyknut