Author Topic: Softening up a Leader (Read 394 times)

Dejon Hamann · « **on:** March 24, 2010, 11:19:57 PM »

Anyone got a trick for softening up a stiff mono-filament leader in a hurry? Got some 15' steelhead/salmon leaders today for French nymphing, but they feel extra stiff... almost brittle.

I was wondering if boiling it or adding some agent might do the trick?

Loren Williams · « **Reply #1 on:** March 25, 2010, 06:35:18 AM »

Yeah, boiling will do the trick. I don't add anything-boiling alone will make them supple and quite elastic. Jay Buchner and John Wilson both showed me that trick.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #2 on:** March 25, 2010, 08:05:28 AM »

It makes sense. Do you just let them cool at room temp then?

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #3 on:** March 25, 2010, 08:09:49 AM »

Quote from: Loren Williams on March 25, 2010, 06:35:18 AM

Yeah, boiling will do the trick. I don't add anything-boiling alone will make them supple and quite elastic. Jay Buchner and John Wilson both showed me that trick.

Great! I'll give that a try.

Mark, freezing seems to be about setting memory so I'm sure you'd probably just want to let them air cool.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #4 on:** March 25, 2010, 08:11:14 AM »

That is what I figured but asking never hurts. I was think fridge cool might not cause any coils if you wanted them ready a little faster. As you can see I am over thinking on this one.

Loren Williams · « **Reply #5 on:** March 25, 2010, 08:46:55 AM »

I just boil them in a loose coil then remove. They cool quickly and you will be awe-struck at how they come out. Be sure to tug on them too...

It's like what happens when you turn 40!

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #6 on:** March 25, 2010, 09:07:08 AM »

WOW! That's the bees-knees right there guys. Just boiled up a pair for 5 minutes and it's night and day.

Highly recommend trying this if you have some leaders which you find to stiff/brittle.