Lead core line is one of the simplest ways to get lures deeper while trolling, no downrigger required. It's a favorite of walleye, trout and salmon trollers because it's easy to use and easy to repeat. Here's how it works.
What Is Lead Core?
Lead core is a braided sleeve with a soft lead center. The lead makes the line sink, pulling your lure down as you troll. Reaction Tackle Lead Core Metered Trolling Line uses an 8-strand braided sleeve and is available in:
- Strengths: 12 lb, 18 lb, 27 lb and 36 lb
- Lengths: 100 or 200 yards
- Styles: Multi-color (metered every 10 yards) or Orange
Why Metered Colors Matter
Multi-color lead core changes color every 10 yards. Each 10-yard section is called a "color." When you catch fish with, say, three colors out, you can let out exactly three colors on another rod, or the next day, and put your lure right back in the zone.
How Deep Does Lead Core Run?
Many things affect depth: boat speed, lure weight and diving action, current and how much line is out. As a general guide when trolling with a 1 ounce lure:
- 1 to 1.5 mph: about 5 to 6 feet of depth per color
- 2.0 mph: about 4 to 5 feet per color
- 2.5 mph: about 3 to 4 feet per color
Add about 0.25 feet of sink for every 1/4 ounce of lure weight above 1 ounce, and subtract about 0.25 feet for every 1/4 ounce below. Sink rates are similar across pound tests, because heavier line has more lead but also more drag. A thermocline can also affect how deep the line goes once it reaches it.
Example: At 2.0 mph with a 1 ounce lure, 4 colors out puts you roughly 16 to 20 feet down. These are estimates, so confirm with your electronics or a depth probe.
How to Rig Lead Core
- Backing: Spool your line counter reel with braid backing. Thin 4-strand braid lets you fit plenty of backing for big fish.
- Lead core: Join the lead core to the backing. Use the number of colors you plan to fish, from a short "segment" to a full core.
- Leader: Tie on a 100% fluorocarbon or monofilament leader to your lure.
Knot tip: Before tying lead core to backing or leader, pinch and pull the lead out of the last section of sleeve. Removing about 12 inches of lead lets the knot tighten more evenly on the hollow braided sleeve.
Tips for Fishing Lead Core
- Use planer boards to spread lines out and get lures away from the boat.
- Vary colors in your spread to cover different depths, then adjust to match what's biting.
- Keep your speed consistent so your depths stay consistent.
- Use a line counter reel with enough capacity for backing plus lead core.
Need to Go Deeper?
Copper sinks deeper than lead core. Read Copper Trolling Line 101, or see all our trolling line.
Shop Reaction Tackle Lead Core
California Proposition 65 warning applies to lead core line. See the product page for details.
