Leader for Yo-Zuri Bonita - The Hull Truth

thehorr53 · 10-03-2006, 07:36 PM

Hi, I just ordered a couple of Yo-Zuri Bonita's, I intend to use them for Wahoo. I haven't used plugs for Wahoo before, how do you typically attach the leader?

I will be using 275 lb multi strand cable. Do you just crimp it straight onto the Bonita or do you crimp to a snap swivel to make it removable, or some other method.

I have normally used wahoo whackers or sea witches in the past and just crimp straight onto the lure, but with these type of lures the crimp is hidden behind the head of the lure.

Just wondered if the exposed crimp would scare off the fish? my gut feel is that it shouldn't make any difference for Wahoo.

Thanks

pooldoo73 · 10-03-2006, 07:55 PM

You don't have to worry about the crimp scaring off a wahoo. You have to worry more about the wahoo striking a shiny crimp.
I rig my wahoo baits with single strand wire and the connection at the lure is a big hard loop with a bunch of twists that looks like hell, but that doesn't seem to bother a wahoo one bit.

thehorr53 · 10-03-2006, 08:32 PM

Thanks Pooldoo, I didn't think the crimp would worry the Wahoo but thought I would just check.

I use single strand wire for the lighter lures like sea witches etc. but prefer cable for the bigger stuff.

makaira · 10-03-2006, 08:39 PM

when you rig make your leader 10ft and then when you fish them attach a 2lb trolling lead between your main line and the leader this lets you troll upto 17kts . this is how i fish them and have had great wahoo days also i willalways fish 2 on the flat lines and clip them done to the transom. fish one right in your prop wash!! and make sure that your trolling leads also have cable/wire on them.....these get hit alot!!

thehorr53 · 10-03-2006, 08:48 PM

Interesting, In was going to fish them on the downriggers but I might think about trying the flat lines.

Thanks for the advise.

Dick_Formula233 · 10-03-2006, 08:56 PM

I'm experimenting with Bonitas, Maurauders, and Mann's Stretch magnums. I've made up a bag of wire leaders and a bag of mono leaders, with crosslock snaps on the lure end. When the leader needs to be replaced I'll just snap on a new one. If I want to change lures, I'll just snap on a different one. I don't think the fish will pay any attention to the crosslocks, and I'm free to easily choose leader material.

We're going to try them this weekend and I'll report back.

Opinions?

thehorr53 · 10-03-2006, 09:04 PM

I like the idea of being able to snap on and off the leader, but I am a little concerned that it might get hit and somehow accidently open up.

I do the same thing with Spanish Mackrel and don't have any problems but that is very different from a big Wahoo.

Dick_Formula233 · 10-03-2006, 09:29 PM

The crosslock snaps are rated at 200lb... far greater than the leader material, and I'm only using 20lb strike drag. I think (hope)they'll stay shut.

thehorr53 · 10-03-2006, 09:37 PM

Good luck, let us know how it goes.

JAGSARE1 · 10-03-2006, 11:05 PM

I slightly disagree with the comment to attach a lead between the main line and the leader. If you are trolling at 17 knots like that, I am a little surprised it stays in the water. You'll find most recommend that you attach the lead to the main line and then attach a 20-25' length of 300/400 mono and then to the leader.