TYPES AND SHAPES OF LEADS...

PEAR

A proper all-rounder, these are suited to a range of angling situations.

They are easy to cast accurately because their shape keeps them stable in flight.

Plus, the large rounded end makes it easier to feel the lead hit the bottom than with a lead with a slimmer or pointed end.

The ‘dumpy’ body also means fish will come into contact with the full weight of the lead as soon as they straighten out the hooklink, leading to more positive takes.

CASTING RANGE: Up to 80 yards

PROS: Casts accurately

CONS: Will bury in silt or weed

FLAT PEAR

This flat, condensed version of the pear lead is great for fishing on sloping marginal shelves or on the sides of gravel bars because it won’t roll out of position.

Its large surface area helps it to sit quite well on top of weed or silt, especially lighter 1oz-1.5oz leads, but it is also excellent on firm lakebeds.

Like the standard pear lead, it has excellent hooking properties.

CASTING RANGE: Short to medium PROS: Will remain in position on slopes CONS: Can’t be cast mega distances

GRIPPER

There’s nothing subtle about these specialist leads. They are designed for fishing in extreme conditions and are very popular with carp anglers on the Continent, who fish large reservoirs. They still have a place in UK angling though, and are the best choice for fishing on steep slopes or in powerful rivers, where they will hold the rig securely in place.

CASTING RANGE: Short range

PROS: Great for tackling steep slopes and strong river currents or undertows

CONS: Not great for distance fishing

INLINE

The only type to use when fishing with solid PVA bags.

As the hooklink is attached directly to the lead, as soon as a fish straightens out the hooklink, they come into contact with the lead’s full weight. A short hooklink and inline lead offers great hooking properties on firm lakebed bottoms, but avoid these leads when fishing over deep silt or weed, as the hooklink can be dragged into the debris.

CASTING RANGE: Up to 80 yards PROS: Excellent hooking properties CONS: Shouldn’t be used in deep silt/weed, unless inside a solid PVA bag

DISTANCE

Sleek and streamlined, these torpedoshaped leads are built for distance.

As such, if you need to cast over 100 yards, these are essential, as the good weight distribution makes them highly stable and accurate in flight. They lend themselves to both lead clip and helicopter presentations.

In heavier weights, they are also a good choice as a feature-finding tool.

CASTING RANGE: 100 yards-plus

PROS: Can be cast long distances

CONS: Will roll down sloping banks

BOTTLE

This retro classic is basically an elongated version of the more modern square pear (above), and was widely used in the 1990s.

It is now making a bit of a comeback and offers great hooking properties, as well as being highly versatile.

Provided you aren’t looking to cast to the horizon, bottle leads can be used on safety clip presentations, helicopter set-ups or running rigs. Will hug the side of island or marginal slopes really well.

CASTING RANGE: Short to medium PROS: Impressive bolt effect properties CONS: Can’t be cast really long distances