Leader length

[BarryTurano]

In resurrecting my old trolling baits, I have started to re-rig them. My old leaders were about 10 feet in length. This was the standard that we used on Long Island. Not sure who came up with that length but at that time I was fishing with friends that had larger boats than I now have. Any way I found that length to be excessive yesterday when trying to gaff a Mahi. Can any one give me what the correct length should be.
Thanks,
Barry

[calebw]

18ft or 24ft

[TimW Texas]

I rig hundreds of lures at about 5-6' leaders

[Bert Rodgers]

It depends on what your target spiecies and who your crew is.
If you and your crew aren't comfortable leadering and gaffing you should go to wind on leaders.

You can have thebest of both worlds by using a 15 foot wind on and rig your baits on 5 foot leaders. If you are chasing tunas with this rig use a small bird to cover the snap swivel.

Bert

[BarryTurano]

5 to 6 foot is going to be the answer. Especially if I am out alone or with someone not familiar with gaffing or leadering. I can put the rod in a holder leader the fish with one hand and gaff with the other.
Thank you all.