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What is Leadcore?
Leadcore is a braided material with lead running through the middle. This is so that the rig lies flat on the bottom. (See pic below)
Stripped leadcore
Leadcore has high abrasion resistance's which makes it ideal for using as a leader behind the lead but this can also be a dangerous and unsafe when using different lead set-ups , for nearly all my fishing I use a helicopter set up as for me this is the safest way to use this product.
In-line set up are OK when fishing clear areas away from snags but if a brake occurs and fish is trailing the set -up the lead can come off but the hooklenght is still attached to the leadcore leader which if using 2-3 feet can still get snagged up this would also happen when using clips etc and as leadcore is so strong the fish would have no chance off escaping unless hook pulls.
The set -up below shows a helicopter set-up which for me is a very safe way of using leadcore as again with any break in the mainline the fish would only be trailing with your hooklength not leadcore as hooklength is allowed to pass over stop and off the leadcore.

Terminal tackle for the Leadcore Helicopter Rig

Leadcore Helicopter rig
E.S.P Leadcore 45lbs &
Kryston Super Mantis Gold 25lbs
Leadcore is used mainly as a leader behind the lead giving you high abrasion resistance for coping with heavy weed and snags also ensures that your line lies along the bottom around the area closest to your bait.
Leadcore is being used more and more and when using leadcore safety has to be the most important thing. Some people have trouble in tying or splicing leadcore heres a look at splicing.
As you probably know, a swivel may look the easiest way to attach and detach your Leadcore from your mainline, but the swivel does not allow the lead arrangement to discharge should your mainline break. This will certainly lead to a tethered rig. Swivels also pick up weed very easily and are prone to snagging.
The advantages that i find with leadcore over rig tubeing are the anti tangle properties due to the lead keeping it stiff. This greatly reduces the chances of a birds nest on the cast, unlike supple braids. It also lies flat on the bottom which reduces the chance of the fish seeing it which has to be an advantage to us. Thirdly the abrasion resistance of leadcore is vastly superior to mono and it acts as a snag leader.
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Splicing Leadcore
This is a step by step guide on how to splice leadcore.
A tip though before you try. The thicker the leadcore is, the easier it is to splice it. So i would suggest buying the heavier breaking strains of 30lbs and up. I bought some of the Fox Leadcore 15lbs and still to this day i cannot splice it.
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Step 1.
Pull back the braided coating to reveal the lead inside. Cut about 5cm of the lead off with a pair of scissors or it can easily snapped off with your fingers.
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Step 2.
When you have trimmed the lead, pull the braided coating back to its original position it will now be supple minus the 5cm of lead.
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Step 3.
Thread the splicing needle into the center of the coating, push it up the middle of the coating on the inside and then out again, (see pic right ) leaving enough coating for the splice.
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Step 4.
Hook the splicing needle threw the tag end of the coating and gently pull it back through the center of the coating. Be careful not to pull too hard or the splicing needle will break!
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Step 5.
When the tag end is completely through the center, then pull on the swivel and leadcore at the same time to tighten the splice.
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Step 6.
Trim off the excess coating and add a touch of super glue to the splice for a little added security
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Leadcore Helicopter Rig |

Spliced leadcore without the swivel
By Chris Thornhill
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Different Leadcores Available
E.S.P

E.S.P Leadcore 45lbs
E.S.P. Leadcore is extremely strong with a breaking strain of around 45lbs. Its high abrasion resistance makes it ideal for coping with heavy weed and snags whie the special two tone weave provides excellent camouflage.
Having an extra high lead content, E.S.P. Leadcore ensures that the line lies unobtrusively along the bottom in the critical area closest to the bait.
Each spool contains 7 metres and includes splicing needle.
FOX

Fox Camo Leadcore 45lbs
Camo Leadcore Bulk Spool 25mtr 45lb (20.4kg)
Fox Super Heavy Camo Leadcore incorporates a special weave to help it blend discreetly into the lakebed. To attain ultimate camouflage, the colour combinations have been deliberately chosen to take into account how the fibre colours darken when wet. Other leadcores are perfectly coloured to begin with and actually submerged, darken to the point where they simply become a solid dark line – not camouflaged at all! Even when completely wet. Fox Camo leadcore retains an obvious fleck, breaking up its outline and helping to blend in with the surroundings.
The extra heavy core is denser than other versions and ensures the end tackle is kept pinned down hard on the lakebed. This prevents carp from coming into contact with the mainline when visiting the swim or feeding on the baited area.
Incorporating a hi-tensile woven outer sheath which is designed to withstand snags, heavy weed, pads and other abrasive underwater obstacles, leadcore is also very effective as an anti-tangle medium and suitable for use with all modern carp rigs. Perfect for subtle, unobtrusive presentations when fishing for line shy and wary carp.
This special bulk 25m spool is ideal for anglers who like to use long leadcore leaders either when boating out baits, or for fishing mega slack line set ups at close range.
Features –
- Special Camo Weave.
- Hi-Tensile Woven Sheath.
- Hi-Diameter Wire Core
For all the rig bits and materials needed to make this rig Click Here
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