Mainline Choice Heavy Leader Connections

Why Mainline and Leader Connections Matter

At Gamefishing Asia, we’ve guided thousands of anglers chasing Giant Trevally (GT) across the Andamans and beyond. One thing is clear: the way you choose your braided mainline and connect it to your heavy leader can make or break your success.

GTs are unforgiving fish—hard-hitting, powerful, and brutal in the fight. To land them, your tackle system must be both strong and adaptable. Choosing the right mainline, understanding when hollow braid makes sense, and mastering reliable knots all ensure your lure stays connected when it counts.

Hollow Braid vs. Standard Braid – Is It Worth It?

• Hollow (spliceable) braid has more fibers woven in, giving better resistance to shock loads and damage.
• If a section is weakened (e.g., by abrasion or casting wear), you can splice in a replacement without re-spooling the entire line.
• The slightly higher cost is worth it for longevity, adaptability, and security under heavy drag.

👉 Tip: If you’re serious about GT fishing with PE 8+ setups, hollow braid is a smart investment.

Choosing the Right Leader Knot

There are many ways to connect heavy leader to braid, and most will work if tied perfectly. But some knots are stronger, easier to tie on a moving boat, and more reliable against GTs over 30 kg.

Here are the factors that matter most:

1. Ease of Tying: On a rocking boat with fish boiling, can you tie it quickly—and do you need special tools?
2. Wind Knots & Line Wraps: Longer leaders inside guides increase risk. A streamlined knot reduces tip wraps.
3. Leader Length: Use 2–2.5 m leaders—long enough for abrasion resistance, but manageable for snap and distance casting.
4. Casting Distance: A bulkier knot reduces distance slightly (~5%), but proper technique offsets this.
5. Big GT Suitability: Over 30 kg, GTs test every weakness. Your knot must act like a shock absorber as well as hold strength.
6. Appearance & Neatness: A tidy knot isn’t just about looks—it builds confidence in your setup.

Our Knot Ratings (Based on Experience)

👉 Recommendation: For consistent performance, we favour Splice & Twisty or the FG Knot for their balance of strength, usability, and casting efficiency.

Summary: Build Confidence in Your Connections

Your GT tackle system should:

• Use braid that balances strength with durability (hollow for flexibility).
• Employ knots you can tie quickly, confidently, and repeatably.
• Keep leader length between 2–2.5 m for abrasion protection.
• Prioritise knots that survive under maximum drag when GTs over 30 kg are on the line.

When you know your connections won’t fail, you can focus on presentation, strike, and enjoying the fight.