Stealth Tackle Flurocarbon Leaders for Muskies

Muskie First
Published April 24, 2006

Stealth Tackle - Fluorocarbon Leaders
reviewed by: Michael "lambeau" Winther

John Bette has been perfecting his fluorocarbon leader building
technique over the past 5 years, getting input from a number of notable
fishermen and guides who spend as much or more time on the water as
anyone out there.

He describes being uncomfortable with the quality of retail "fluoro", so
started to make his own, experimenting with a couple of different brands
and styles. He now sticks exclusively to Seaguar and Climax, as he has
found these to be the highest quality available, even if it does cost
slightly more than some other kinds. John's leaders have boated fish up
to 50", and he notes using one leader for 20 fish without problem before
he "retired" it! The hardware is top-shelf as well, Stringease staylok
snaps or Berkley crosslok snaps, saltwater quality ball-bearing swivels
and solid rings.

In my opinion, the key feature that distinguishes Stealth Tackle leaders
from some other brands is the knot and crimping. All Stealth leaders have
hand-tied nail knots, are glued after tying, and also have a 200# crimp
on the tag end. I tested one of the sample leaders in a hand-crank, and
once enough pressure was applied (a LOT of pressure), and the leader
finally snapped: the knot and crimp did not give or slip, maintaining
full leader strength! In my own experience with fluorocarbon leaders,
the attachments are always the weak point, and these leaders passed the
toughest test I could dream up.
In limited early-season fishing, all of the hardware also performed
flawlessly. Most important to me was consistently free-spinning bearings
in the swivels.

Stealth Tackle leaders are available mainly in 12" lengths of 100# or
130# test. Custom lengths or type of fluoro or mono leaders are
available upon request.
Leaders are priced at $12.00 for a 2-pack, quite affordable by most
standards. Bulk dealer rates are also available.
Available direct: John Bette, muskihntr@sbcglobal.net, (708) 466-5066 or
through Mike Gregg, mrgmuskies.com