What size leader should I use?

I am looking for a little direction from everyone on leader size. I currently use 30 lbs Spectra for my main line and I'm not sure what size leader to use. When the guy at the Outdoor Pro Shop put the line on my real, he was nice enough to also add some leader. I mistakenly forgot to ask him what size it was, and now its gone.

I'm not sure if the rule of thumb is mono leader in the same weight as the main line, or mono leader heavier than the main line, or even mono lighter than the main line. Or it could even be don't use mono. As you can see, I really don't know. Also, I hear that I should definitely use leader and not just mono fishing line.....right?

CHEERS!

Mahi,
Rockfish definitely do not seem to be that line shy.  I would use at least 25-30 lb. monofilament for leader line, about 2-2.5 feet of it. What you want to be ready for is that tournament winning lingcod!!!  Some guys use fluorocarbon leaders but I don't have enough experience using it near so much structure and what the abrasion strength is.  My all-time favorite line for abrasion and stretching on a big fish is plain old Ande clear, cheap too.  I'll let other chime in on the fluorocarbon.  With finicky tuna, fluorocarbon can make a world of difference.  The other thing to remember is what knot to tie, the easy one while on the water is the uni-uni knot. There probably is a better knot but that one is easy to tie and very strong, I've never had it come loose, yet. I thiink there was a thread somewhere about knots.

I tend to use a 5-10 ft topshot of 25 lb mono.  This allows for some minor stretch and abrasion resistance that the spectra doesn't have.  The longer length is also nice because I often tie and retie different lures on all day and with the longer length I don't have to worry about running out of mono.

I use 20-30lb spectra too.

I would use 25 to 50 lb mono or flourocarbon leader material.

Mono will work fine I think, Flourocarbon might give you more confidence.

I have a 25lb and 40lb spool of yozuri hybrid line (flouro coated mono,
probably the worst of all worlds),  but it is working for me.

If the bite is good, use the 40lb. if it's not, try the lighter stuff.

J

J,

I've been using the 25lb yozuri hybrid line for a couple years now and I really like it (but I'm not really sure why).  Maybe I just like the name.

Brian