Leaderboard

Mainline straight through to the lead. I did all the experiments on leadcore years ago and the simple answer is, I don't use a leader at all unless fishing at maximum distance, and it's always with run rings and running leads. The leadcore especially wasn't safe, beads stick, rigs don't eject, and helisafe doesn't work as the leader needs the lead to stay on to eject the rig. In fact I don't even like helicopter setups as bite indication is so bad compared to inline or pendant setups.

1m of fluoro leader for me. Near invisible, pins the last metre down and reduces lifting scales during a fight. I use a helicopter set up but use it as a near lead clip! By that, I mean I have the bottom barrel bead just above the lead and the no trace bead literally just above it. I don't fish particularly weedy waters and so allowing the trace to slide to sit pretty isn't necessary but you get the instant bolt effect of the lead and the end tackle can slide off in the event of a cut-off but haven't lost a lead for a couple of years now - except when I lent a couple to mate who had forgot his lead pouch!