turok

Im facing same problem at moment, i used to use Score which seems to be the lightest colour leadcore around but it still gets darker when wet (and old n dirty). I played around with using 25lb IQ but wasnt convinced. Im currently using 1.2mm clear shrink tube in lengths from 20"-48" shrunk down onto the mainline AND a length of lead (similar to that used in leadcore, but bought from flytieing section of tackle store, vcheaply), rigmarole sell 1m lengths of the shrink down tubing for £2.70ish but ive just bought 10m(!!) from ambaits.co.uk for £4.99. Its still early days and im colouring it with TFG pens but it sinks quickly and is certainly less obtrusive than leadcore.. Hope that makes sense??

ive had it happen on a R.Hutchinson 'Fathom' as well, the outer coating breaks showing heavy nylon core that looked to be fused. Shame tho they r much more supple than leadcore..

i used to be constantly paranoid bout the braid, especialy of hookbait landing on lead.. BUT been using uncoated braid for last 2 seasons and had vfew problems, i actualy think most tangles happen on retrieve? or if u ************ up the cast?, inlines and pulling hooklink thru pva mesh increased my confidence, also braid can be incredibly abrasion resistant and isnt shiny(when NOT coated) And do you remember how long the longbraided hooklink stayed on bottom in part4 of kordav DVD....

I tend to just use 2 hooks now, BigT's in size 10 and the Gamaksu super strong in size 6(muchmuch stronger than stiff riggers and sharper). I also always use shrink tube for that bent hook effect or just to extend shank