nymphing leader material?

[mbwmn]

What is the most commonly used leader material for winter nymphing in these parts?

I have been using a 4x or 5x tapered leader (usually mono) and I will ordinarily tie on a cone head bugger or larger beaded stone, then run a section of fluoro tippet (same size, or one size smaller than the leader) off the hook bend for a second (smaller) bug. [As an aside, I have been unable to determine if there is any advantage between a 20-26" length of tippet, or 8-12" legnth before the second fly...]

It would appear that a non-tapered fluoro leader of say, 4x might sink faster thereby getting the fly in the desired section of the water column?
Can anyone confirm this? I understand it is common practice in chasing steelhead...
(I would think it could be significantly cheaper, too. I like cheaper...)

Is it just that fluoro material has a specific gravity closer to water, and is therefore more likely to sink? Is it the thicker butt section of a tapered leader (even if fluoro) that causes more drag and makes it resistant to sinking?

Does it not matter in the least, since my dad could catch fish with a car antenna and butchers' twine?

I need to blame my poor results on some sort of technical minutiae...

 

[jlajoie]

I usually just run straight 5x, tied with two droppers, heavy fly on the mid dropper. I save the more expensive tapered leaders for the dries...

 

[coolkyle]

I guess it really depends on how deep you are fishing and what technique you plan on using. For waist-deep water indicator nymphing, I usually use a tapered leader to turn the indicator over, then 4' of 4x mono, 1 small split shot and a #12-16 beadhead nymph followed by 16" of 5x and a smaller nymph. For deeper water and/or short-line nymphing you would be well-advised to use a lot more tippet. In one of the gorges, I like to use 12' of 3x, a tungsten nymph, and a dropper, it's easy to control in pocket water and it works.

 

[MR.MCR]

Almost every speaker that has come to our RRTU meetings always speaks of using custom leaders, and usually gives us the details.......being the lazy guy I am, I havent put in the time to tie my own, why arent custom leaders for sale anywhere ??? and is there a market for them , as I think there is ??

 

[Pete]

Almost every speaker that has come to our RRTU meetings always speaks of using custom leaders, and usually gives us the details.......being the lazy guy I am, I havent put in the time to tie my own, why arent custom leaders for sale anywhere ??? and is there a market for them , as I think there is ??

There might be a small market, but not enough to support mass production.

Those straight taper, production leaders sold in most tackle shops have given "store bought" leaders a bad reputation.
I believe that most people who want a custom leader, prefer to make their own.

 

[Green Man]

Im new to the forum but here is my take on nymphing leaders.

I primary nymph fish all year and prefer the "czech" method or short line depending on that you call it. I like a heavy section that connects to your fly line, like 14 lb test for like 2'. Then i have a sighter which can be a bright color line like red amnesia for a foot or so. Then taper down to your first fly with 6lb, 4x then 5x...... I think thatb taper helps get a good "cast" even though your just flinging it. A strait section from your sighter is ok to but i think you use way to much line that way so thats why i taper so your only changing a few feet or 5x rather than like 6'.

~Gabe~

 

[Andy]

I use 4-X flurocarbon for steelhead primarily because it less detectable and creates less drag on a naturally drifting fly. Many years ago one of our crew hung in an overhanging tree and observed fish actually moving away from heavier leaders. IMHO, the sink rate of leader material is governed by the design and weight of the fly, extra weight added to the leader, plus the speed of the current, more than anything else.