Pro Tips Weekly: Kevin Hawk

Anytime I find myself throwing a topwater lure in clear water I like to use a braided line with monofilament leader. It allows me to make extra-long casts with a 7-foot baitcaster, which means that I don’t get so close to fish that I spook them in the clear water. The no-stretch braid also enables me to make surer hooksets despite the long distance.

I join braided line to mono with a double Uni-Knot, keeping the mono leader at about 5 or 6 feet long. The knot goes through most rod guides okay, except for micro-guides. I use Spider Wire Ultra Cast 30-pound-test for the braid, and 15-pound-test Berkley Trilene for the mono leader.