200 lb Fluorocarbon Leaders for Spearfishing Big Game Fish

The Importance of Using Heavy Leader Line for Spearfishing

When it comes to spearfishing, having the right gear can make all the difference between landing your target or losing it. One of the most important pieces of equipment is the leader line that connects your speargun to your catch. Fluorocarbon leader in 200 lb test strength has become a top choice for many spearos targeting big game fish.

What is Fluorocarbon Leader?

Fluorocarbon leader is a nearly invisible fishing line prized for its strength, abrasion resistance, and invisibility underwater. It has a similar light refractive index to water, making it hard for fish to detect. This is a major advantage when spearfishing.

Compared to standard nylon monofilament, fluorocarbon is much denser and sinks faster when used as a leader. The 200 lb test material is the heaviest strength typically used for spearfishing leaders. Going heavier than this often decreases knot strength and suppleness. The extreme thickness helps withstand the sudden force of holding onto powerful fish.

Key Benefits of Using 200 lb Fluorocarbon Leaders

Here are some of the main reasons spearos opt for thick and strong 200 lb fluorocarbon leader line:

• Withstands High Tension - Heavier line is less likely to break when battling big, hard fighting species like tuna, cubera snapper, goliath grouper, and sharks.
• Increased Abrasion Resistance - Thick leader better handles scraping against sharp corals, rocks, and wreckage during battle.
• More Durable for Re-Use - Strong construction allows removing and re-tying rigs, enabling the leader to be utilized on multiple hunts before needing replacement.
• Sinks Quickly - Fast sink rate gets your bait, teaser, or muzzle down to depth rapidly. This helps keep aggregations fired up and less likely to scatter when shots occur at distance.

Leader Setup for Spearfishing

A leader setup connects your speargun’s shooting line to your catch. It usually consists of a high-quality swivel, 200 lb test leader line, clip or ring, and an appealing teaser like a rubber eel. The length ranges from 3 feet up to 20 feet or more.

Choosing the Right Leader Thickness

Many experienced freedivers and spearfishermen find 200 lb test fluorocarbon is the “goldilocks” leader thickness for big game. Here’s how it compares to lighter and heavier options:

• 150 lb - Good for smaller species like hogfish, grouper, snapper. Prone to breakage on truly giant fish.
• 200 lb - Ideal balance of strength and suppleness for large pelagic species offshore or bull sharks, goliath groupers, African pompano inshore.
• 300+ lb - Overkill thickness that risks weakening knots and reduces action of teasers for many target species.

Recommended Leader Length

Leader length is a personal preference based on your speargun, shooting style, and species pursued. Consider these general guidelines when setting up your 200 lb fluorocarbon leader:

• 5-10 feet - Good all round size for bottom hunters chasing groupers, snappers, and other reef dwellers.
• 10-15 feet - Ideal for open water hunting pelagics like tunas, wahoo, mahi mahi, amberjacks.
• 15 feet+ - Used in blue water by long range spearos taking big billfish, or for senior hunters using balloons or kayaks.

Connect Leader to Shooting Line Securely

Whatever length you opt for, be sure your leader connects firmly to your speargun shooting line. Losing a solid hookup from a poor knot is heart breaking. Follow these tips for the strongest bonds:

• Carefully tie leader to shooting line using uni knot, PR bobbin knot or other approved fluorocarbon style.
• Ensure knots are snugged down completely and check for any gaps that weaken the knot.
• Consider adding a tiny dab of glue on the knot as added security against slipping.

With a reliable leader to shooting line connection, any breakages will happen above the knot at the swivel or clip, allowing you to salvage the lengthier fluorocarbon leader between hunts.

Adding Attractors and Crimps to Leader

To entice strikes and provide a solid point to grip catches, your leader line needs terminal tackle like attractors, crimps and hooks. Here are some pointers on getting rigged up:

Choosing Teasers and Attractors

Fake eels, squid skirts, bubble teasers and more can be added to your leader to draw attention and encourage bites. Consider species-specific teasers to most effectively target what’s biting in your area.

Fluorocarbon Friendly Crimps

Attach your terminal tackle securely with 200 lb+ rated copper sleeves or crimps specifically designed for heavier fluorocarbon. Avoid using typical nylon sleeve crimps rated for 30-50 lb line - these pose weak points prone to failure.

Reasonable Hook Sizes

Resist oversizing hooks as “insurance” - extremely heavy hooks become cumbersome and reduce bait action. Stick with hook sizes proportional for your target species. For example, 6/0 to 8/0 circle hooks for snapper, 10/0 to 12/0 for grouper, and 14/0+ for billfish.

Care and Maintenance of Heavy Fluorocarbon Leaders

Investing in quality 200 lb fluorocarbon isn’t cheap, so properly caring for your leader between adventures helps get the most value from your purchase. Here are some useful tips:

Sunlight Degrades Over Time

Avoid leaving leaders loose in direct sunlight when not hunting. The solar radiation weakens knots and material over prolonged exposure. Stow rigs in a bag, box or tube for storage.

Inspect for Nicks and Cuts

Check entire length of leader closely for any flaws in the line. Signs of damage like abrasions or fraying warrant cutting away and re-tying rigs. A damaged section can lead to unexpected breakage.

Rinse After Saltwater Use

Thoroughly rinse leaders with freshwater after each salty trip to remove dried salt crystals and brine. This prevents corrosion issues over time and keeps line supple. Pay special attention to knots and connections.

Following these leader care guidelines helps guarantee seasons of productive use from your investment in thick, durable 200 lb test fluorocarbon. Pair it with sharp shooting skills and stealthy stalks for exhilarating action on a variety of hard fighting spearfishing trophies!

FAQs

Why is 200 lb fluorocarbon better than 150 lb for spearfishing leaders?

The 200 lb test strength handles the explosive runs and pulling power of large pelagic fish better than slightly lighter 150 lb material, which is prone to breakage on truly giant fish. The thicker diameter also better withstands abrasions against corals, rocks and wreckage during battle.

What length 200 lb fluorocarbon leader should I use?

5-10 foot leaders work well for bottom fishing. 10-15 feet is ideal for open water pelagics. Consider 15 feet or longer if shooting far distances offshore or using kayak/balloon rigs. Adjust length to your gear, shooting style and species targeted.

Can I reuse my fluorocarbon leaders?

Yes, you can reuse quality 200lb fluorocarbon leaders for multiple trips if properly maintained. Inspect carefully for damage after each use. Re-tie worn sections or clips as needed. Rinsing after saltwater use prevents corrosion and keeps line supple over time.

What size hook should I use with heavy leaders?

Avoid oversized hooks just for “insurance” - extra heavy hooks reduce bait action. Use hook sizes appropriately proportional for your target species. For example, 6/0-8/0 circles for snapper, 10/0-12/0 for groupers, and 14/0+ for billfish.