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As aggressive as picks are, I've found them to be leader shy. It's odd, but on a number of occasions I've gone out to fish for picks and I've used a tie-able wire leader about 4 inches in length, and I've gotten follows, but few takes. Tie the same fly directly to the leader, and those follows become slashing takes. Subsequently, I've gone to a heavier mono now and don't even bother with the wire. I'll take my chances at losing a few flies rather than miss the fun because I was too cheap to risk a couple hooks and feathers.

A stiff mono of 12 or 15 lbs will usually do the trick. I stay away from flourocarbon because it seems to cut easier than mono in a pick's teeth. You've got to check the line after EVERY strike, though, and re-tie if the line is nicked at all.

Mike