I think for spoons the effects are minimal when using a leader, with some topwater or cranks that is true. However the alternative is run the risk of losing your lure. I fish pike lots, in fact it is my favorite target, I have landed a ton of big fish with no leader on but at the same time I have said bye to a lot of lures over the years. In most cases I run a 12" black wire leader when fishing pike and 10 lb Trilene XT, set your drag appropriately and you should have nothing to worry about. BTW if your fishing big gators(pike) you' ll want to make sure your leader is 12" , I have seen pike take off a 6" leader like now!! Most cases they take the bait in the corner of the mouth but when the get bigger once they pull that line arcoss the jaw, 6" will be taken up very quickly. Also once the leaders bend, twist or crink replace them, that will effect your lure more and also if the fish are line shy it will result in lost of slow follow ups but few hits.