u/Commercial_File8545

I have been fishing for many years and only recently started using braided line with a mono leader.

Can someone explain the logic of using lighter mono/fluorocarbon leader with a heavier braided line.

For example a 10lb mono leader with 15lb braided line. I understand that the lighter the leader the harder for it to be seen by the fish. However by using a 10lb leader doesn't that have the same effect as if I was using 10lb braided.

It seems that the leader should be the same weight as the braided line or heavier.

TIA

Last year I bought an decent inflatable kayak and used it mainly in ponds and lakes that only allowed trolling motors.

​

This year i bought an Old Town Sportsman 120 (paddle). Yesterday I went fishing in a lake that allowed gas powered boats and jet ski's and i experienced the wakes from them.

​

Is there a proper way to navigate them? I was trying to paddle diagonally to the wake.

​

I got the feeling if I was paddling parallel to them it could flip the kayak?

Three weeks ago I picked up a 2017 Giant Cypress DX.

​

I am 68 years old and in decent health but am pretty out of shape. I haven't ridden a bike for 10 years. I also go kyak fishing for upper body exercise.

​

I have done few 10-15 mile rides in my neighborhood which has some hills. I also did a 20 and 25 mile ride on the rail trail which is pretty level. I was pretty tired after the 20 and 25 mile ride.

​

My question is how hard should I push?

​

Should I go for 30 miles or should I stick to a 20 mile ride and build up my muscles and endurance.

​

Thank you.

I am relatively new to kayaking.

I recently bought an Old Town Sportsman 120 and I just bought a Pelican Catch fiberglass kayak paddle.

I am thinking of getting some textured heat shrink tubing to put where my hands will be gripping the paddle.

Has anyone done this?

Any negatives that anyone can think of?