Fly Leaders

Fly leaders and tippets can increase your catch rate if you choose the correct ones for your fishing. But first for those who aren’t familiar with fly fishing terms, let’s look at what they are. Fly fishing leaders are tapered monofilament line. They are usually, thick at one end and narrow the other end. The thick end attaches to your fly line, while the smaller diameter end attaches to the tippet.

A fly tippet is a length of level monofilament, as we know one end is tied to the leader, the other end to the hook or fly. Tippets are normally lighter breaking strength than the leader and smaller in diameter so the fish doesn’t see it attached to the fly. Tippets can be about two to five feet long, depending on the angler and fishing conditions.

Fly leaders are generally about nine feet long and transfer the power of the cast and fly line toward the fishing fly. This helps the cast and the fly lay out gentle on the water, so the fish aren’t scarred away from the leader and tippet hitting the water’s surface.

A good fly line, leader and tippet outfit will roll out the cast accurately and smoothly. The wrong weight or diameter leader or flexibility in the lines, can make casting a nightmare as well as spook the fish away. In windy conditions, casting accuracy and presentation can be nonexistent.

Some fly fishing leaders are longer for different conditions, such as crystal clear waters or for timid trout. For nymphing in clear flat waters, a twelve foot leader may be used, depending on the anglers casting ability.

Leaders and tippets have breaking strains like normal fishing line; they also have a numbering system for ease of use. The numbering system is backward and the smaller the diameter of the line or tippet, the larger the number. This system helps tie knots in the lines, as you know what diameter they are. A 6X leader can be tied easier to a 6X tippet.

Different manufactures have different breaking strains, even if the diameter size is the same, so double check your tackle. You do not want your leader to break before your tippet; otherwise you lose more fishing line.

Some fly fisherman, but make their own leaders out of sections of line. Well designed ones can lay out the fly delicately; however the joining knots catch weed and algae easier then the smooth tapered leaders being retrieved in the water.

If you do a lot of casting, especially on windy days you will get knots on the tippet and leader, these knots are called “wind knots". Wind knots weaken the breaking strain of the line and can be frustrating. Always have spare tippet spools and spare leaders available, if you can’t untangle the knots.

Carrying extra different breaking strain tippets is a good idea, as you might have a stronger breaking strain line for night time or weedy areas. For clearer water or if you are fishing smaller imitation flies like; midge patterns, then a lighter and smaller diameter tippet would be better.

Good quality fly leaders and tippets can help you land the fly gently and precisely on the water, which can help you catch more fish.