Quote Originally Posted by shong View Post
I stopped using a leader last year just because leader knots don't play well with micro guides and it certainly doesn't feel like I'm getting fewer bites. My hands sure do get cut up from the thin braided line while I'm holding it trying to lip/grab fish though. When I get rods that are more leader knot friendly, I'll go right back to using a leader. I would definitely recommend using a leader even though I don't.
What knot do you use?

I have some rods with absolutely tiny guides and can easily pass a three turn surgeons knot through the guides. It does click going through, but has never gotten stuck and doesn’t seem to affect cast speed. Make your leader long enough to be between reel and stripper guide on the cast so it gets some velocity before getting to the tiny guides.

I much prefer mono for a leader. Currently using a 4x or 5x tippet and really liking it.