Author Topic: Leader Question (Read 518 times)

Caleb Bagley · « **on:** July 02, 2011, 08:25:50 PM »

I've got a question for some of you experienced guys. I'm trying to get a leader dialed in that is more versital than what I'm using now. I know there isn't a "perfect" leader that will cover all situations. This morning I fished a small stream that consisted of some steep gradient plunge pools and several flat/slow pools. I fished a the czech style leader in the plunge pools and dry dropper for the slow water. There was also a few runs mixed in where I though a long line set up with a coil would be best. Instead of changing my czech leader to a dry dropper set-up and going back and forth, I want to try and find a leader that could possibly do both. I know that a big part of a leader set-up is personel preference, and that each technique is different and would benefit from having a specific leader, but does anybody have a suggestion on a basic set up that I could start with? I'm fishing a Shadow 10' 3wt if that makes a difference, any help is appreciated. Thanks

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #1 on:** July 02, 2011, 09:17:04 PM »

As you've mentioned there's no leader that will do it all "effortlessly" and just like rods and beer each angler has their own taste. However, If you can fork out the bucks for a long Camou leader I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how well it works. Before that I was using a long steelhead leader and that was pretty decent too.

The big trick in finding that "Sweet spot" with a do-it-all leader is when you flip flop from weighted flies to non. If you were throwing a rig with a heavy anchor all day then a straight level mono leader just can't be beat, but as soon as you try to throw light nymphs or weightless dries you're dead in the water. The Camou leader does a nice job of producing a long taper that kind-of gives you the best of both worlds.

Daryl Human · « **Reply #2 on:** July 03, 2011, 04:14:30 PM »

I use the following:
Tapered 4x 12' Sci Anglers Leader. To the end I add +/- 1m 4x Stroft GTM. Then my coil, then 1,5m - 2m 4x Stroft GTM.
Depending on the water, I might step it down on the end to 5x or even 6x.

I'm fishing this on a 2wt 8'8" Scott G series, and find it good for everything you asked about.
Mostly fish streams, more or less equivalent to your creeks.