Braid to Fluorocarbon Leader Setup for Bass (Double Uni)

If you fish bass with braid, one of the best upgrades you can make is adding a fluorocarbon leader. Here is exactly how I rig it, what I use, and the rule of thumb I follow for when to leave the leader off.

My setup

• Braid: Sufix 832, usually 20 pound test, and a thinner size when I want less diameter. See my Sufix 832 review.
• Leader: Berkley Vanish fluorocarbon, 10 pound test. I won’t go much lighter than 10, and 14 pound is about my limit.
• Knot: double uni.
• Reel and rod: Shimano SLX DC on an Abu Garcia Vendetta (reel review, rod review).

Why use a leader at all

Braid is strong, thin and sensitive, but it is easy for fish to see in clear water. Fluorocarbon is much less visible. I fish clear, deep glacial lakes, so visibility is a very important factor. A fluorocarbon leader gives me the sensitivity and strength of braid on the spool with a less visible line at the lure.

Why I leave extra leader length

I don’t stick to a fixed leader length. I spool on a good amount of leader because I like having enough to cut. Every time you retie a lure, you lose a little line. With extra length, I can keep trimming and retying without having to redo the knot that connects the leader to the braid, which saves time on the water.

How to tie a double uni knot

This is the knot I use, and it has worked great. A common way to tie it:

1. Overlap the end of the braid and the end of the leader by about 8 to 10 inches, side by side, pointing opposite directions.
2. With the braid tag end, tie a uni knot around the leader: make a loop, wrap the tag around the leader and the loop several times (4 or 5 wraps is a common starting point for braid), and snug it down.
3. Do the same in reverse with the leader tag end around the braid (usually 3 or 4 wraps).
4. Moisten both knots with water, then pull the two standing lines in opposite directions so the knots slide together and meet.
5. Pull firmly to seat them, then trim the tag ends close.

Practice it at home a few times before you rely on it on the water, and always test it with a firm pull before casting.

Which fluorocarbon I use

I use Berkley Vanish in 10 pound test. Berkley sells it as a nearly invisible line, and independent tests I read rate it well for clear water, though one noted it can hold some memory (coiling). My 10 pound spool is a 250 yard spool.

Check price on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)

When to skip the leader

This is my rule of thumb, based on where I fish:

• Clear, deep water (like my glacial lakes): keep the fluorocarbon leader on. Visibility matters.
• Heavy weeds, lily pads or lots of structure: there is no reason to put anything but straight braid on your spool. Fish are less line-shy in cover, and braid cuts through weeds.

Shopping list

The braid I use:

Check price on Amazon (affiliate link, opens in a new tab)

Setup details are from my own fishing. Product descriptions are from the manufacturers and independent reviews. Knot steps are a general guide; use whatever wrap counts you’ve found reliable.