Start with the basics. Berkley AIR IM8 Buzz Ramsey 8'6" Medium Action Spinning Rod with an Okuma Avenger 40a Spinning Reel. It is spooled with 12lb Trilene XL (Clear) My leader material is Berkley Vanish 10lb test I am using about 24-30" inch leaders pre-tied with Yarn Balls of varying colors and varying size bell sinker weights. My main question is leader material. For drift fishing should I be using the Fluorocarbon or is Monofilament preferred? The scent I will put on the yarn balls is Smelly Jelly Shrimp-Anise Special Blend.

We always use Fluorocarbon. It is probably not nescessary for most situations, but it doesn't hurt. I would stay away from the vanish, it is pretty weak line. Go with the Trylene professional. It is just as cheap, but much stronger.

just my opinion, but the first thing i would do is get rid of the trilene xl. it's way to soft.(it's for trout fishing in a lake) if you like trilene, big game and xt are good lines. can't go wrong with maxima or p-line either. as far as vanish fluorocarbon. the saying go's if you use vanish your fish will vanish. get the picture. i'm not a big fluorocarbon user i would rafter down size in diameter. seaguar and p-line are good fluorocarbons.12# main line is perfect for sidedrifting from the bank. 10 and 8 from a boat. as far as the bell wieght. i would switch to a slinkie or pencil lead. maybe the bell wieghts work i don't know. hope that helps. keep trying different products. everyone is going to have there own opinion. make your own.

Ok great. I have used Vanish in the past and havent had problems, at least on other species. I like XL on spinning reels because it is so limp. Big Game is my favorite all around line though nothing can break it I swear. lol I am actually going to switch to pencil lead. I just have a ton of the bell sinkers because we got a box of them awhile back for free. I will give that other Trilene brand a try pick some up today.