SPIN MASTERS
Josh Bertrand
Where things get tricky with these pros is when the discussion turns to leader lengths .
Meyer employs the longest leader of about 15 to 20 feet to get some separation between the lure and his chartreuse main line .
Lucas ’ rule of thumb is the clearer the water , the longer the leader , varying in length anywhere from 7 to 12 feet , while Ehrler keeps his leaders in the 10-foot range .
Daniels and Bertrand both favor leaders 7 to 8 feet for different reasons . Daniels likes to keep stretch to a minimum in his spinning setup , so going with shorter leaders helps limit stretch and loss of hook-setting power . While most of the panel doesn ’ t mind reeling the fusion knot into the reel with each cast , Bertrand wants his fusion knot outside the reel . “ I just don ’ t like reeling my knot up into the spool ,” Bertrand says . “ I want my fusion knot on the outside of the reel above my trigger finger . I want to grab braid with my trigger finger for a cast , not leader .”
Also , fresh leaders are a must . The entire panel admitted to being relentless leader changers during tournaments , retying all leaders at least once a day and even more than that on rods getting heavy use in a day .
“ If my leader gets too short or I feel like it ’ s been compromised in any way from contact with cover , I ’ m changing it ,” Daniels says . “ Sometimes multiple times a day .”
Ehrler will change leaders at least once a day , even on rods that didn ’ t get used .
“ I like a fresh start no matter if I used it or not the previous day ,” Ehrler says . “ A fresh leader and knot gives me confidence .”
NOW FOR KNOTS
The most important link in the spinning equation is the fusion knot connecting the main line and the leader . Among five of the best spinning anglers in the business , there are only two knots considered for this critical union : the FG and the Alberto knot . Of the two , the FG knot is considered stronger and thinner . The FG casts through the guides better and reels onto the spool better for those who like to use longer leaders . The tradeoff , however , is that the FG is a much more tedious knot to tie , especially with a 20- knot wind rocking the boat .
Ehrler and Daniels are FG loyalists ; it ’ s the only fusion knot they tie . Lucas and Bertrand , however , are bigger fans of the Alberto , claiming it ’ s easy to tie , strong and has never given them any problems . Meyer splits the difference by saying the FG is undoubtedly the best union knot , period . When he ’ s rigging tackle before a tournament and has the time , he always ties an FG . However , if he ’ s in the heat of battle and needs to tie on a new leader , he ’ ll fall back on the Alberto for its expediency .
Finally , as for tieing lures to the leader , the Palomar is still the most popular knot . Bertrand and Lucas will mix in a San Diego jam knot for lures that require harder hooksets , and Daniels prefers a Miller knot for most of his terminal connections .
All told , setting up a tour-level spinning outfit requires four knots and three different lengths of line . At first it sounds complex and tedious , but by following the suggestions from these spin masters , spinning gear can be a friend instead of a foe .
PHOTO BY KYLE WOOD
SPINNING GURUS ’ SETUPS
Want a Tour-level spinning combo that can handle most finesse fishing applications ? Here are the go-to setups for each of the spinning specialists who contributed to this article .
JOSH BERTAND Rod : Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier , 7 ’ medium action Reel : Abu Garcia Revo MGX 30 Braid : Berkley X5 , 8-pound-test , crystal Leader : Trilene 100 % Fluorocarbon , 8-pound-test
MARK DANIELS , JR . Rod : Favorite Fishing Sick Stick , 7 ’ 1 ” medium-heavy action Reel : Bass Pro Shops Platinum Johnny Morris Signature Series 3000 Braid : Seaguar Smackdown , 15-pound-test , flash green Leader : Seaguar Gold Label , 8-pound-test
BRENT EHRLER Rod : Daiwa Tatula Elite , Brent Ehrler Series Drop Shot , 7 ’ 1 ” Reel : Tatula LT 4000 Braid : Sunline XPlasma , 12-pound-test , light green Leader : Sunline Sniper , 8-pound-test
JUSTIN LUCAS Rod : Abu Garcia Fantasista Premier , 7 ’ medium action Reel : Abu Garcia Revo MGX 30 Braid : Berkley X5 , 8-pound-test , crystal Leader : Trilene 100 % Fluorocarbon , 8-pound-test
CODY MEYER Rod : Daiwa Tatula Elite , Cody Meyer Versatile , 7 ’ 4 ” Reel : Tatula LT 3000 Braid : Daiwa J-Braid , 10-pound-test , chartreuse Leader : Daiwa J-Fluoro Samurai , 8-pound-test . n
40 MAJORLEAGUEFISHING . COM | FEBRUARY-MARCH 2021