What is the purpose of "leaders" when fishing?
Top Ad
Collapse
Announcement
Collapse
No announcement yet.
What is the purpose of "leaders" when fishing?
Collapse
X
-
There are many types of leaders. Steel, Mono, Braided, Furled and Weighted Leaders for example. Each have their separate and many uses.
In general a leader is the presentation end of your fishing line.
Most leaders are designed so the fish does not bite through your line. Some leaders make your line invisible to the fish. Some leaders are light and will present a fly lightly on the water. Some leaders are weighted and drop your lure deep into the water.
Comment
-
In general, a leader provides a smooth transition from the fly line to the fly. The leader diameter goes from thicker to thinner toward the fly. When the fly line is cast you'll normally see a loop working it's way down the line. When the loop reaches the leader this gradual transition helps "turn" the fly over smoothly for a gentle presentation of the fly. You'll notice problems if the leader is incorrectly sized.
Add a tippet between the leader and the fly to make the leader last longer (leaders can be expensive).
Typical modern leaders are 1.) single line tapered 2.) tied, using different thicknesses of line, and 3.) bimini fashion, using a single diameter of line run through a fixture and wrapped onto itself to create the taper. There are also weighted leaders to get the fly to sink and wire tipped leaders for toothy fish.
Leaders are typically available in mono and flourocarbon. Typically, mono is recommended for floating flies and flourocarbon for nymphing. I have no problem using flouro most of the time. Orvis also make a Hy-Flote, which is hollow tapered. It is very shiny but does floats high.
Choose a leader based on the fly you are using and the presentation needed. For choosing leader/tippet size, generally use a rule of 3. Divide the fly hook size by 3 and select the closest leader. There will be overlap but this will get you close. Longer leaders for more delicate presentation with wary fish in smooth water. Shorter leaders for more broken water and less demanding fish. Wind might also affect choice. With streamers the leader might be only 3-6 feet, sometimes using just straight mono.
One more thing - some finicky but successful fishermen rub their leaders and tippets with clay to cut down the sheen.
Comment
-
Another type of leader that use often is a 12-18inch leader from a barrel swivel to a small spinner bait when I trout fish small creeks. This is usually a lighter line and keeps the swivel away from the lure while still keeping my line from twisting.
Comment
Welcome!
Collapse
Welcome to Field and Streams's Answers section. Here you will find hunting, fishing, and survival tips from the editors of Field and Stream, as well as recommendations from readers like yourself.
If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ for information on posting and navigating the forums.
And don't forget to check out the latest reviews on guns and outdoor gear on fieldandstream.com.
Right Rail 1
Collapse
Top Active Users
Collapse
There are no top active users.
Right Rail 2
Collapse
Latest Topics
Collapse
-
Reply to Changing it ypby jhjimboBill Cunningham coming on WLW700....
-
Channel: Rifles
Yesterday, 10:05 PM -
-
Reply to Changing it ypby jhjimboThere are some good size flea markets where firearms are bought and sold (among residents), as well as any kind of ammo you are looking for - if you are...
-
Channel: Rifles
Yesterday, 10:03 PM -
-
Reply to Changing it ypby jhjimboWhy a 6.5-300? At $5 that is expensive to even sight in. My .340 does not cost that much. If I had the components I think I would put them together....
-
Channel: Rifles
Yesterday, 09:54 PM -
Right Rail 3
Collapse
Footer Ad
Collapse
Comment