Leader for trolling bandits

[slimshady]

I troll with off shore side planers and bandits. I’ve been using 12 pound mono with a 6 foot 10 pound vanish fluorocarbon leader to the bandit… Is this necessary or should I eliminate the leader?
Thank you in advance.

For most situations you do not need a leader. However, in Lake St. Clair, I always use a 30 lb flouro leader in front of my baits. Otherwise, these guys will steal them from you: