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Bass Pro Shops sells lead core line both in store and on-line. Prices are $9.50 to $12.00 depending on pound test size. I use 15lb test, but I read once that all the lead core lines actually weigh the same amount per foot. The only thing that changes is the size of the braid covering the lead. I like the 15lb because I also use this for a shooting head material for some white bass set-ups I fish on a 10.5 foot 6/7 wt rod where casting distance and sink rate are the only two things worth thinking about...

Joe C.

Ron, I agree with you. The difference between 15 and 12 is insignificant - I use the 15 because I also use it for a shooting head and like just a bit more than tippet strength (I use a lot of 10lb fluorocarbon) in that application. The weight's the thing when considering its use to balance a reel and its best to get the smallest diameter.

Tom, a lead core home made shooting head was one of the very first fly lines I learned to cast. I was fishing a lead core head on a 30lb test monofilament running line using a Lamiglass 9 foot rod and Pflueger 1498 reel for stripers, bluefish and harbor pollock in the late 1970's. I think I actually fished that rig for a whole season before I got a regular floating fly line for it. The rod was about a 10wt. I used about 35 feet of 27lb lead core. This was a pretty common set-up for those fishing the Cape Cod Canal and Plymouth area at the time. Add a bunch of Blondes ties on size 2/0 hooks and you get a heck of a lot of fun from the jetty rocks! The line moves fast enough that you don't want to hit yourself - I remember more than a few welts I wore home!

Joe C.