leader?

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leader? - 9/30/2008 2:47:48 PM

brown_trt

Posts: 140
Joined: 2/14/2008
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for a leader, what length and poundage do you guys prefer?....ive been using a 9ft 6-7lb but not sure if its the right size for steelies.....im new to the sport(fly fishing for steelies that is) so im still trying to figure out the mechanics for them...caught plenty of stockies on the fly but never a steelie...wanting to give it a try......

Post #: 1

RE: leader? - 9/30/2008 2:57:46 PM

Esox_Hunter

Posts: 486
Joined: 8/2/2006
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For an all-purpose leader I like something around 10-10.5' with a final tippet of 4x. I normally tie my own using George Harvey's formula, if you are interested I can post it. If I get lazy I will buy a 9' 3x rio leader, cut a foot off, and add about 24-30" of 4x. Flow and water clarity will dictate what tippet I use but, I almost always use 4x for low/normal flows and 3x for the heavier flows. Rarely will I even bother with 5x except on the super low/clear days.

I would have to say a 9' 6lb leader should be fine under most circumstances.

(in reply to brown_trt)

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RE: leader? - 9/30/2008 3:12:38 PM

brown_trt

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Joined: 2/14/2008
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cool deal..i figured it would be as i've landed several large stockies on it as well as a couple of 2-2.5 bass on it...but they dont fight like a steelie...so i was just checking...thanks!

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Post #: 3

RE: leader? - 9/30/2008 4:36:20 PM

clinchknot

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Joined: 8/27/2008
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I usually use 6-8# mono about 8-10' long. You can use mono or floro, whatever you want. There's no need really for a tapered leader, ( not much overhead casting involved) mostly roll casting and the like.

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Post #: 4

RE: leader? - 9/30/2008 6:45:40 PM

anadromous

Posts: 1901
Joined: 11/16/2006
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Clinch is right not much overhead but I like to build my own tapers anyway.I find that a taper turns over the indicator with much more power and accuracy. A tapered leader also allows for you to use alarge diameter line (like 25lb) to connect your leader loop. The larger diameter eliminates the danger of cutting through a (welded loop) such as on the Rio gold nymph line etc... You can use a nail knot but tying it cold fingers is a pain and a loop connection is much more convenient wheb changing leaders. It also is cheaper in the long run because your are using only a small length of the higher quality tippet material.

< Message edited by anadromous -- 9/30/2008 6:47:13 PM >

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Post #: 5

RE: leader? - 9/30/2008 7:01:11 PM

brown_trt

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looks as if i'm going to have to perfect my roll casting

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RE: leader? - 9/30/2008 8:36:51 PM

Esox_Hunter

Posts: 486
Joined: 8/2/2006
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Tapered leaders will cast better for both roll and overhand casts. I personally would never use a leader that didn't have some sort of taper. Casting a 10' chunk of 8lb mono is never going to transfer the same amount of energy as a leader with a stiff butt. The only place I feel that straight mono leaders would work would be with C&D fishing, which is not even flyfishing.

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Post #: 7

RE: leader? - 9/30/2008 10:41:43 PM

doubletaper

Posts: 1022
Joined: 10/15/2007
From: clarion, pa
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i agree with you esox. for a long time i just used straight leader and maybe add a short tippet. after i went to a tapered leader or formulated my own knotted leader to tippet, the rollover and tighter loops made a big difference in presentation.

brown_trt,
the best way i believe, and i got others started casting, is to keep your tapered leader the same length as your rod for dry fly fishing. when nymph or streamer fishing cut down the size to 2/3 to 3/4 the length of your rod until your casting improves then you can use longer leaders.
you can always get longer leaders and cut the butt section so the remaining leader is the length of the rod you are using.
i like using the braided loops on my fly lines now. (never had one brake or come off) you can make a loop on any tapered leader and use the handshake knot to connect it to the braided loop. you can change your leaders quicker if you choose by slipping one leader off and connecting another on. ~dt

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Post #: 8

RE: leader? - 10/1/2008 11:37:31 AM

rippinlip

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Joined: 9/18/2002
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Doubletaper speaks the truth. I've fished with him. In some cases it's all about precision. With his method the line rolls over nicely, thus not spooking the fish. This is important when you are fishing a dry such as a caddis. I should know,he outfished me.....bad.As stated before, not as important steelhead fishing....sometimes....as a lot of it is the ol' "chuck and duck". As you progress in your interest of flyfishing, you may be incited to refine your technic and construct your own leaders.

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Post #: 9

RE: leader? - 10/1/2008 3:47:06 PM

clinchknot

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Don't get me wrong, I always use a tapered leader for other types of fishing. You just can't a decent presentation without it. For steelies though, I fish the smaller streams mostly so I don't even make long roll casts. Plus I like the idea of fewer knot to fail.

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Post #: 10

RE: leader? - 10/2/2008 4:20:59 PM

rippinlip

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I agree. I keep some 4 pound mono in my fly vest for when I run out of leaders on the tribs.

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Post #: 11

RE: leader? - 10/2/2008 5:02:29 PM

brown_trt

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sweet deal....you guys have been more than helpful...i think i got a pretty good idea of what all to do now.. sounds like the same gear i used in TN/NC mountains...only the fish are about 8 times smaller down there.

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Post #: 12

RE: leader? - 10/2/2008 7:30:52 PM

D-MAC

Posts: 73
Joined: 5/8/2008
Status: online

How about furled leaders anybody use them for steelhead fishing?

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Post #: 13