Shock Leader

Shock leaders are most often used when fishing for large fish or fish that hit the hook or lure hard and, when the turn to run, will snap a light line. Shock leaders take the brunt of the hit and reduce stress on the main line. Saltwater fishermen use shock leaders even with what most fisherman would consider very heavy line. As you look at the terminal end of a line, the shock leader will be a section of line either tied directly to the main line, or tied with a swivel. Fisherman use what could be called a shock leader, usually a short section that may be anwhere for 1.5 to 3 or 4 times as strong as the main line. While they may hit the bait hard enough to break light line, the leader is used to reduce abrasion and helps when casting fairly heavy weights and baits. When casting heavy objects, a lot of stress is placed on the line, the heavier leader absorbs much of it.