Who's Your Leader

[AKSkim]

Walk into any fly shop and there facing you on the wall is a wide array of leaders.

Different manufactures, weights, strengths, lengths, fast turn over, tapered, braded, knotted, knotless, looped, perfection loop, soft - stiff – heavy supple butt section, slow - fast - extra fast sinking, slack leader, strong, super strong, super duper strong, furled, George Harvey, and of course matched to the type of fishing you plan on doing trout, wet fly, salmon, Czech, bonefish. Fluorocarbon, poly, and mono, 5, 7, 7.5, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18 foot in length.

But how do you choose?

 

[emerger]

I have been using RIO leaders for the past 2 years. They seem very strong and durable. I generally buy the 9 footer tapered to 5X. That way I can add my tippet of 5X or 6X and have an 11-12' leader. Orvis leaders are not too bad either.

 

[lufcus]

I used to use Rio !!!:crap:

 

[babyblue]

Been tying my own for years. I'd say I need 3 for a seasons trout fishing. I add a loop to the last section of material and loop my tippet. I'm on my second of the season.

 

[klg neighbor]

It's been Orvis for me, why? No particular reason. I like the loop to loop method of attachment. Anxious to read more opinions.

So AK, what do you use?

 

[Mike Ridolfino]

Tie my own using the stiff, brown Maxima leader material. A couple spools will last me years for the cost of a couple leaders.

 

[Hllywd76]

Using Rio now. 5x,6x 7.5' for nymphing setup, 9' for dries.
Tried the Rio floro but was having issue with the knots slipping out. Was likley me but switching back to mono yielded no more slipage. want to use the Floro in certain situations for the lower visibility.

Hllywd

AK, Caught that big bow I told you about. was 23 1/2". In the Musky... Used Rio 5x 7.5'

 

[MACFLY]

I used to use Rio !!!:crap:

Oh Jeez!!!! Dont tell me she ripped up your leaders too!!!! Thats just kicking you when your down lufcus.

 

[trico mike]

i tie my own also. I use the maxima and then frogs hair fluro for the last three sections.

 

[AKSkim]

Caught that big bow I told you about. was 23 1/2". In the Musky... Used Rio 5x 7.5'

Way to GO.

 

[klg neighbor]

It's been Orvis for me, why? No particular reason. I like the loop to loop method of attachment. Anxious to read more opinions.

So AK, what do you use?

Silly me to ask AK who his leader is. He is his own LEADER of course.

 

[Burtbords149]

I recently started tying my own leaders and they turn over great. I tie them according to the formulas in Art Lee's Fishing Dry Flies for Trout on Rivers and Streams excellent book by the way (not paid to say that). I've adopted his thoughts on no loop to loops. I tie a uni-knot splice and tie blood knots off of that. It really is an amazing book.

I was fishing a 14 foot leader the other day at the Gorge...(made it too long) and it still turned over great.

I've also said goodbye to knotless leaders forever...you never know what diameter you're at.

Just my thoughts. And those braided leaders...I used to used them for the ease but they don't turn over well and there's too much stretch. As well as in my mind a loop anywhere in the setup affects turnover and in turn decreases accuracy which I can't afford to give up with my mediocre casting.

Tight lines and tapered leaders.

 

[irish1]

It depends on the conditions, for trout and on clear streams I use the Orvis tapered 9 foot.

For warm water fish and where conditions exist that I might have to drag a fish through the weeds I tie my own. More ofter than not it is just straight mono about 6 feet long but I can add in thinner material if needed. A couple of bucks for 700 yards and it lasts forever if stored in a dark place.

 

[AKSkim]

those braided leaders...I used to used them for the ease but they don't turn over well and there's too much stretch.

Interesting point of view.

I believe you might find some people claiming that with a braided leader it is easier to cast because of its flexibility to turn over.

 

[jcstikfish]

Tie my own using Rio products for trout. Seaguar floro user for steelhead tippets. Mixed bag (mostly Rio) in the salt.

Personally DO NOT like Frog Hair.


~James

 

[Burtbords149]

Interesting point of view.

I believe you might find some people claiming that with a braided leader it is easier to cast because of its flexibility to turn over.

If I wanted flexibilty to turn over my leader I would make them out of 100% fluoro. My butt sections are Maxima Chameleon (super stiff) my mid sections are a Stren mono and my tippet sections are a copolymer tippet material (Rio Powerflex or Orvis SuperStrong). Once again Art Lee's book makes easier a lot of things but more importantly makes more effective a lot or techniques.

 

[bkill]

I have tried most of the major brands through the years...For the last 5 seasons I have been exclusively using Rio Powerflex...I typically tie my own leaders from 7.5 ft nymph rigs to 15 ft Delaware Dry fly leaders...The last few seasons I have been using Flouroflex tippets in high pressure and low current conditions. I have not noticed any difference in the leader performance but you must ensure all flouro knots are tight and you should check them periodically because they will come loose..
When guiding beginners and less experienced anglers, I use knotless, tapered leaders because I find there are less problems with tangles and hangups on backcasts than knotted leaders..

 

[Burtbords149]

I'm curious how small does everyone go with leaders. If you're on the tinyest of spring creeks with vegetation and trees all around and can't get much line out of the tip-top. In Lee's book he has a formulas for a 6ft leader which I'm yet to tie up but will have to soon for a small stream in mind. Does anyone here ever go down to 6 ft. or is 7.5 the limit?

 

[klg neighbor]

I googled "Leader Formula" and came up with this chart. There are probably others, but I thought I'd post this if anyone was interested. It doesn't go down to 6 foot though.

Leader Formula Chart

A Fly Fishing Leader Formula Chart
<TABLE borderColor=black cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=1 width="100%" align=center border=2><TBODY><TR bgColor=#d9dcc2><TD vAlign=center align=middle rowSpan=2>

Leader Length & Size

</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle rowSpan=2>

Line

Size

</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle rowSpan=2>

Fly

Sizes

</TD><TD vAlign=center align=middle rowSpan=2>

Pound

Test

</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle colSpan=15>

Tied length of each individual section - {Diameter in thousandths of an inch}

</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#d9dcc2><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.021</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.019</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.017

X4</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.015

X3</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.013

X2</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.012

X1</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.011

0X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.010

1X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.009

2X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.008

3X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.007

4X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.006

5X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.005

6X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>0.004

7X</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7.5′ Tapered 0X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>1/0 - 4</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>10 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>24"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7.5′ Tapered 0X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>1/0 - 4</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>10 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7.5′ Tapered 1X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>2 - 6</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8.5 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>24"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7.5′ Tapered 1X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>2 - 6</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8.5 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7.5′ Tapered 2X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 10</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>24"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7.5′ Tapered 2X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 10</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7.5′ Tapered 3X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>10 - 14</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>22"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7.5′ Tapered 3X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>10 - 14</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7.5′ Tapered 4X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12 - 16</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>5 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>22"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7.5′ Tapered 4X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12 - 16</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>5 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7.5′ Tapered 5X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14 - 18</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>4 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>22"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7.5′ Tapered 6X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16 - 22</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>22"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8.0′ Tapered 2X

Nymph Leader</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>4 - 6wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 10</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>30"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9.0′ Tapered 0X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>1/0 - 4</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>10 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>20"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9.0′ Tapered 1X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>2 - 6</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8.5 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>20"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9.0′ Tapered 2X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 10</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>20"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9.0′ Tapered 3X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>10 - 14</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>20"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9.0′ Tapered 4X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12 - 16</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>5 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>26"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9.0′ Tapered 4X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12 - 16</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>5 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>20"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9.0′ Tapered 5X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14 - 18</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>4 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>28"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>10"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>26"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9.0′ Tapered 5X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14 - 18</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>4 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>28"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>10"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>20"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9.0′ Tapered 6X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16 - 22</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>28"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>10"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>26"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>9.0′ Tapered 6X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16 - 22</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>28"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>10"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>26"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12.0′ Tapered 3X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>10 - 14</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>25"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>17"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>28"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12.0′ Tapered 4X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12 - 16</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>5 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>24"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>28"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12.0′ Tapered 5X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14 - 18</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>4 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>24"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>32"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12.0′ Tapered 5X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14 - 18</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>4 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>24"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>28"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12.0′ Tapered 6X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16 - 22</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>24"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>32"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12.0′ Tapered 6X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16 - 22</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>24"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>28"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD></TR><TR bgColor=#c6e7de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12.0′ Tapered 7X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>3 - 5wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>20 - 26</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>2 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>36"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>24"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>8"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>32"</TD></TR><TR bgColor=#63c6de><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12.0′ Tapered 7X</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>6 - 9wt</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>20 - 26</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>2 lbs.</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>28"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>18"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>16"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>14"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>12"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle></TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>7"</TD><TD vAlign=top align=middle>28"</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TR></TR>

<SMALL>This entry was posted on Thursday, October 9th, 2003 at 6:04 pm by Rob McKay and is filed under Terminal Tackle. You can leave a response. </SMALL>

 

[NJpatbee]

I have been buying the standard mono leaders from RIO, Orvis, and a couple of others for anything over 7 1/2 foot, and find that they are serviceable. I tie my own shorter nymphing leaders using the stiff Maxima material as the base. I have promised myself to return to tying all of my leaders myself as I did years ago, which allowed customization to my rods, lines, and casting technique (or flaws), and after some experimentation always performed the best.

 

[AKSkim]

Seaguar floro user for steelhead tippets.
~James

When the water is cold and clear, do you go down to a 5x leader?

Grand MAX, Grand MAX FX, or FW and why?

 

[jcstikfish]

When the water is cold and clear, do you go down to a 5x leader?

Grand MAX, Grand MAX FX, or FW and why?

For dead drifting, I stay at 6lb 98 percent of the time. The number of steelhead broken off at 4lb is a lot, and I hate leaving flies in fish just for my own thrill. I feel 8lb too stiff for dead drifting winter steelhead flies.

I feel 6lb is supple enough to let the presentation tumble like it should while still keeping a 12-15 pound fish land-able.

I have not tried the FW yet .

 

[Andy B]

I am a wet fly fishermen that fishes size 6 & size 8 wet flies. I am fishing more and more with either a two fly or three fly wet fly rig so I am tying my own very simple leaders that does not have to be tapered down. Now the once or twice a year that I use Dry flies I will go with a 9 ft 4 or 5X leader by Climax. I have seen a lot of anglers say that long leaders and 7X tippet is what is needed on those Gin Clear pools to catch fish. Now this past July 4rth in the Catskills I was fishing on the Willowemoc under Gin Clear pools. I noticed that I was spooking the trout in the 10 to 20 ft range. I waited awhile and got back into the pool at the very far end and made 40 to 50 ft cast's and was able to catch the trout on 7 1/2 Ft to 9 Ft leaders that I was spooking before. I am not saying that this is true of every condition, but this was one of the streams lessons that I learned and took away with me on that vacation week camping.

 

[lufcus]

nahhh just no more rod tu use it... hheheh

Oh Jeez!!!! Dont tell me she ripped up your leaders too!!!! Thats just kicking you when your down lufcus.

 

[DoubleHaul]

Who's my leader? RIO. (period)

 

[frogge]

Hey,
I tie my own. I like the flexibility of using different leaders for streamers vs nymphs vs. drys. I use a loop to loop so they are easy to change out. I have a furled leader I use for drys and dry dropper rigs. I like it, but it is not so superior that I would replace it when the time comes. I use maxima for the butts and currently some cheap mono for the tippets. Lost my "Guides spool" of 5x Frogs Hair on the Indian earlier in the year. Alot of weeping and GNashing of teeth after that. Toodles,Frogge.

 

[AKSkim]

I have not tried the FW yet .

That stuff is like 20 cents a foot....

Expensive tastes.

 

[AKSkim]

Lost my "Guides spool" of 5x Frogs Hair on the Indian earlier in the year. Alot of weeping and GNashing of teeth after that. Toodles,Frogge.

Look at the bright side....

You can start all over again!

 

[onemorecast]

I've been reading up on the longline nymphing leaders that competition fly fishers are using in Europe and elsewhere. The "Curly Wurly" leader is interesting. It's made with various lengths of decreasing Maxima and Berkeley mono for the butt and the section the tippet is tied onto is made of a colored mono that's been wound around a pencil, boiled for 5 minutes and frozen to retain the curl. It acts as a strike indicator/spring and gets around the "no strike indicator rule" in competitions. It sounds very intriguing and I'd love to see a video of this in action. So that's my next internet research project.

 

[Burtbords149]

Look at the bright side....

You can start all over again!

ENjoy your new beginning...a born-again fly fisherman!