Korda Leadcore Leader (3 x 1m) – Helicopter/Chod – Gravel

Setting up a safe and effective helicopter rig can be one of the most time-consuming parts of your bankside preparation. At Gerry’s Fishing, we believe in maximizing your time with lines in the water, not fiddling with leadcore at the bivvy door. The Korda Leadcore Leader (Heli) is a pre-tied, professional-grade solution that combines the legendary Kable Leadcore with Korda’s market-leading safety components.

These leaders are finished in a Gravel tint, specifically designed to vanish on light-colored lake beds, sandy patches, or clay bars. Because they are tied using Kable—the most supple and fastest-sinking leadcore on the market—they don’t just sit on the bottom; they follow the contours of the lake bed perfectly, ensuring your mainline is completely pinned down and hidden from wary carp.

Key Features & Performance

• Kable Leadcore Construction: These leaders use Kable leadcore, which is renowned for its extreme suppleness and high-density sinking properties. It hugs the bottom better than almost any other material.

• Maximum Safety: Each leader is equipped with the No-Trace Bead system. In the event of a line breakage, the hooklink can easily slide off the leader, ensuring the fish is never tethered to the lead.

• Gravel Camouflage: The color-flecked weave is designed to break up the outline of the leader. The Gravel version is the “stealth choice” for clear water pits, gravel bars, and hard-clay bottoms.

• Fused Strength: Spliced at both ends for maximum security. A spliced loop is significantly stronger and more streamlined than a traditional knot, allowing for better casting and improved safety.

• Ready to Fish: Straight out of the packet, these are ready to be looped onto your mainline. They include all the beads and sleeves necessary to start fishing a helicopter or Chod rig immediately.

Technical Specifications

Where to Use the Heli Leader

• Chod Rig Fishing: These leaders are the perfect foundation for a “Hinged Stiff” or “Chod” rig. The leadcore provides the necessary weight to keep the pop-up held down, while the helicopter setup allows the bait to slide as far up the leader as you choose.

• Fishing Over Debris: If the lake bed is covered in light weed, silk weed, or “chod,” the helicopter setup ensures your lead can sink into the muck while your hooklink stays sitting pretty on top of the debris.

• Long-Distance Casting: The aerodynamic nature of the helicopter rig makes it the go-to for distance. These leaders are robust enough to withstand the “G-force” of a 100-yard+ cast without the components slipping or tangling.

• Clear Water Pits: When fishing clear gravel pits where carp use their eyesight to detect rigs, the Gravel weave blends perfectly into the substrate, making it nearly impossible for the fish to spot your line.

Gerry’s Pro Tip

The “Bead Slide” Adjustment:

One of the biggest advantages of these leaders is the ability to adjust where your hooklink sits. If you are fishing over deep silt, slide the top bead further up the leader (towards the rod tip). This ensures that when the lead plugs into the silt, your hooklink isn’t dragged down with it. Always ensure your No-Trace Bead is moist before moving it to prevent friction damage to the leadcore weave!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the No-Trace system safe for the fish?

Yes, it is arguably the safest helicopter system on the market. The bead features a slot that allows it to pop off the rubber sleeve under pressure, allowing the hooklink to slide over the spliced loop and off the leader if your mainline breaks.

Can I use these for “Naked” Chods?

No. These are leadcore leaders. A “Naked” Chod refers to fishing a Chod rig directly on your mainline. If you want the benefits of a leader (abrasion resistance and weight), these are the correct choice.

Do I need a special tool to attach my mainline?

No. These are finished with a spliced loop. Simply use a “loop-to-loop” connection or a standard Grinner/Palomar knot to attach your mainline to the leader.

What lead should I use?

These leaders work best with “Ring Swivel” style leads. Simply pass the leader’s bottom loop through the ring of the lead and back over the Heli-sleeve for a secure, easy-change connection.