The Complete Fisher Forum

[drybuzzer]

Right after loosing a beautiful big blue on Sunday due to leader breaking ive decided I need some new tapered leaders.
Ive been using some Profil leaders given to me with the first rod I bought which was second hand.
Im not sure how old they are but ive lost confidence in them after that break.
Ive been using 9'6" tapered leaders with approx 2' of tippet as I can turn this over (most of the time ) on a 9'6" 7# rod
Any recommendations would be appreciated as to type or deals that are out there.


Cant wait for the day when I can give some advise instead of asking silly questions all the time lol

[Lighthouse]

I use Rio Powerflex tapered leaders and I've never had any problems with them with regard to reliability . . .

http://www.sportfish.co.uk/rio-powerflex-trout-leaders-triple-pack.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwn6DMBRC0ARIsAHZtCeNBU41uYq12lroE1f6rMNyiTY3Q3NLriRV2-2K4HbdGRq83JhIk2nwaAhraEALw_wcB
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[JCP]

Consideration here is the actual business end diameter.I have found ready tapered leader butt sections much too thick/bulky in the size I need for reservoir fishing.OP has stated he is using a 7wt rod which really requires fishing a 20-25mm tippet to avoid a break.I tend to think anglers break lines not fish in the majority of cases due to a flaw in the set-up.Looking at his post in another thread I still think possibly fishing too light but did not receive a response to clarify. Peronally I prefer a ''permanent'' butt section albeit mono or furled the latter which I use a lot.Then build a leader from there or go straight through as mentioned in an earlier post.I am just talking reservoir fishing not smaller still waters or river applications.If the leader to fly line join comes back through the guides when netting a fish then needs to be streamlined.I know users of ready tapered leaders will normally cut back the butt section to suit whatever join they use.

Best JP

[fossil-fish]

I would use a straight through leader. If you are continually being broken, and you are sure of your knots, I would think you might be fishing to light. What leader material and breaking strain are you using?

A good starting point, as mentioned above, is fluorocarbon in 0.20 - 0.22mm. 6lb Fulling Mill Fluorocarbon is reliable and user friendly. I you want to spend a bit more I can thoroughly recommend Riverge fluorocarbon in 3X size. This has a diameter of 0.21mm and a breaking strain of over 9lb. It is a bit more forgiving with knots and the extra strength is handy on sudden takes.
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[wylye]

Look at Gigafish Ultra from Sportfish. 0.20mm gives you 9.9lb. You should be able to tow a truck with that, and at under £8 for 100m it won't break the bank.

[Allrounder]

Another thumbs up for Gigafish Ultra mono. The 9.9lb version is my go to leader for dries and it hasn't let me down yet.

Alan
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[drybuzzer]

[drybuzzer]

[JCP]

Personally on the reservoir with a 7wt would be wary of going below 8lb with any fluorocarbon especially when you are putting knots in it.The bible says ''strongest for diameter'' you can get away with.Can easily fish size 14 on the leader material mentioned earlier in the thread.Fluorocarbon does not deteriorate over time in my experience but I do not leave it out in the sun .Not saying cast in stone but pretty much.I know a good fly fisher who uses a well known brand in 7lb fluorocarbon on big lure pulling rods but it is 0.25mm diameter and overtests on given BS.''Healthy'' diameter will also help with keeping constant twists and tangles at Bay especially fishing longer straight through leaders with droppers.Non fluorocarbon leaders in too fine diameters can be very prone to tangles hence those who use it have their favourites.I fish fluorocarbon only for the ease of handling and sinking qualities not the touted ''Houdini'' aspect.It also carries a good strength for the diameters I prefer for sizes 10-14 flies most of the time.I also use the standard mono/nylon.There are times when may wish to fish smaller flies but then using lighter outfits.This is where the earlier mention leader material has proved to be very good.I do like the Maxima Ultragreen because it does overtest by some substantial margin.With this line 6lb could be used.It is however 0.22mm in diameter.It is all a question of balance to be fit for purpose.There are a plethora of permutations.Find yours and stick with it.It is all part of the learning curve most of us have been through.Some still don't get it Hopefully you will not be one of them. .Practice those knots at home.''I am useless at tying knots'' does not cut it


Best JP

[Allrounder]

Very good advice above from JP. I too would avoid going below 8lb /0.20mm on reservoirs stocked with fish averaging 2lb 8oz or more. You may find some older textbooks suggest a 7lb leader but it is worth remembering that the average stock fish was probably smaller when the original advice was given.

Alan
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Member of ...
The Angling Trust
BRFFA
B.A.S.S.
Pike Fly Fishing Association

If you see me on the bank, say hello!