What is the best way to make fishing leaders?

Question

What is the best way to make fishing leaders so they don't hang down and get tangled with the main line with the sinker on it?

For example, my dad was fishing with a 20lb. test in saltwater and using an 8lb. test for leaders but that didn't work.

Answer 1

Your dad should do the opposite.

The main line holding the sinker should be as light and limp as possible, and the leaders hanging off it should be relatively stiff and heavy. So what your dad should do is attach a swivel to the end of his 20 lb line, and then make his rig separately. I would recommend the main line of the rig (which holds the sinker) to be 8 lb, and the leaders to be 15-20 lb. You can use regular monofilament line for the leaders, or better yet, purchase hard monofilament leader line. The stiffer the leaders are, the less likely they will tangle with the main line. You can attach the leaders to the main line using either 3-way swivels or side loops. Swivels are less tangle-prone and help prevent line twist, but are also more easily seen by the fish.

Answer 2

I fish with success most of the time but do it from shore or shallow water. I use a canoe. I rig my line with the weight at the end then put in short leaders coming up the line the also rig hooks on the line always a minimum of 6 hooks per pole but I am not fishing deep water like off a boat so my experience may not count  in your case. Luck

Answer 3

Normally leaders are supposed to be heavier than the main line.

Some, like me, prefer to do it backwards though. Also, if done like this, the leader should be close to the weight of the main line.

Ex: 20lb. test main line, make the leader around 15lb. test