Leaders, Anti-Tangle Sleeves
A leader is the terminal section of a carp rig that connects the hooklink to the mainline. The purpose of a leader is to protect the terminal section of the rig from abrasions or other damage during the fight with the fish, as well as to prevent tangling. The leader also serves as a safeguard for the fish's body, which during strong runs or jerks could easily be injured by the thin, unprotected mainline.
Currently, the market offers leaders made of various materials. The most popular are those made of leadcore material, which is a lead-weighted section of a braid. Carp anglers also often choose transparent leaders made of heavy fluorocarbon coated with a special layer that camouflages well in clear water.
Anti-Tangle Sleeves - an alternative to leaders?
Next to fluorocarbon and leadcore leaders, anti-tangle sleeves are also very popular among carp anglers. They are most commonly made of a semi-transparent or solid color material, which properly camouflages them against the bottom. The sleeve allows the mainline to be threaded through its center, creating protection for the terminal section and the fish being played, as well as preventing tangling of the rig - just like with leaders. Very popular on the market are anti-tangle sleeves weighted with a tungsten mix, which ensures an excellent adherence of the terminal section to the bottom.
Both solutions have their supporters and opponents. An anti-tangle sleeve will better protect the fish's body from injury, which is why it is required by many fisheries' regulations. Unfortunately, it may not be up to the task in waters with a lot of sharp mussels or stones - there, a leadcore or fluorocarbon leader would definitely be more effective.
Check out our extensive selection of lines and braids as well.
