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Leader Straightening and reducing memory in Mono

1.3K views 8 replies 8 participants last post by  OkieDokie  
#1 ·
I recently saw a video on youtube showing a trick to taking memory out of your leaders and wondered if anyone has tried this and noticed any ill-affects? Apparently if you soak your leader/mono in water for a few hours it will absorb some water and get rid of the line memory and become more supple and straight. No need to stretch it or run your fingers through it or use a leader straightener. The possible problem with this is that because the line absorbs water there is a risk of weakening the leader/line. Fluorocarbon is apparently the worst for this, however monofilament less so.

Just wondered if anyone has tried this out in the field and could comment on their experiences.

thanks
 
#2 ·
SpeyUpNorth

I saw that video....8 minutes of slow talk to tell us soaking a leader in water helps reduce memory. His demonstration was pretty convincing but I have a hard time believing it weakens the leader. We spend all day with our leader in the water...sometimes 8 or more hours, day after day. Is your leader weaker?

Doesn't make sense that something designed to be used in the water...would weaken by getting wet. If anyone has conclusive data, e.g., leader failure after time in water, please share.

Randy
 
#3 ·
Apparently this was tested by another YouTube channel SaltStrong on both mono and fluorocarbon, however the material was soaked for multiple days so I also take this info with a grain of salt.

I don't suspect there will be any issues if your only soaking it for a few hours or overnight prior to use. I'm going to try it next time I plan on hitting the river to see if it works...worth a shot.
 
#6 · (Edited)
I recently saw a video on youtube showing a trick to taking memory out of your leaders and wondered if anyone has tried this and noticed any ill-affects? Apparently if you soak your leader/mono in water for a few hours it will absorb some water and get rid of the line memory and become more supple and straight. No need to stretch it or run your fingers through it or use a leader straightener. The possible problem with this is that because the line absorbs water there is a risk of weakening the leader/line. Fluorocarbon is apparently the worst for this, however monofilament less so.

Just wondered if anyone has tried this out in the field and could comment on their experiences.

thanks
Really,

Really, ???? Fluorocarbon line is made from polyvinylidene fluoride which absorbs up to 0.5% of water only , while Nylon 6-9% . Therefore Fluoro strength is always the same, specially that is from practical reason immune to UV ( sun) rays. Nylon when dry is always stronger then wet.
Image


I never had issue with Saguaro Salmon/Steelhead if Saguaro Premier. Relatively gentle stretch and the tippet or leader is straight.
 
#8 ·
I've used many brands of mono, and now fleuro, through a long fishing career. A few things that work: Before fishing on a given day, wrap the tippet around one hand, then wrap the section about five feet around your other hand and stretch for about five seconds; beyond that, the pain will become too much. That will reduce, but not eliminate, the kinks.

If your leader material is too obstinately kinky, throw it away. 😣