Leader, when and why use one?

[Al Agnew]

Not in my experience, especially out West in places where the trout see a LOT of pressure.  I've caught just as many trout on 4X and 5X as the guys standing next to me using 6X and 7X, and that includes the super clear water and highly educated fish of the famous Livingston Montana spring creeks.  I choose tippet solely by the size of the flies I'm using, never by the water clarity.  Only time I ever go to 6X is when using dry flies or nymphs smaller than 18s.  I've caught a LOT of big browns on the spring creeks using streamers and 3X or 4X tippet.  On the clearer streams in Montana, and on any Missouri trout stream like the Current or Eleven Point, I basically never go lighter than 4X.

[ColdWaterFshr]

Al, totally off topic and sorry to hijack this thread.  What was the name of that book you had recommended about the various modes of transportation, trucking, rail, river-tugboats, super-tankers, etc.?  Great author, and very good book. I had bought it years ago on your recommendation and loaned it to a friend who I can't remember and its lost from my library.  I had read a couple of his other works from the library, but can't remember his name and its driving me crazy.  thanks.

 

 

[Gavin]

Not I my library. Did you give to Hoff or Phil?

 

[Gavin]

3x is my usual tippet for MO, trout or bass. Might step it down for trout. Trout are MUCH pickier about line size. Usually 5x if the water is clear. But have 0,3,4,5,6 on and if trout fishing. 3-4 sizes of split shot.

 

[RSBreth]

I have used superlines on spinning reels since someone who shall not be named gave me 5 or 6 spools of Fireline back in the late 90's. It was and still is pretty good, but newer braids and super-super lines like NanoFil take line management to the no hassle next level on spinning reels. If I had to use mono or fluoro on spinning reels again - ugh, not gonna do it. That's the reason I use them, but the leader is more of a confidence thing - I am convinced it helps with some fish, not all. I also like a weak point somewhere down the line to pop off easier than straight superline.

[Al Agnew]

 

Al, totally off topic and sorry to hijack this thread.  What was the name of that book you had recommended about the various modes of transportation, trucking, rail, river-tugboats, super-tankers, etc.?  Great author, and very good book. I had bought it years ago on your recommendation and loaned it to a friend who I can't remember and its lost from my library.  I had read a couple of his other works from the library, but can't remember his name and its driving me crazy.  thanks.

 

 

John McPhee? Now I can't remember the name of that particular book.

[ColdWaterFshr]

John McPhee -- yes, thats him.  "Uncommon Carriers" and "Survival of the Birch Bark Canoe".  Thanks.  

[snagged in outlet 3]

Only time I ever go to 6X is when using dry flies or nymphs smaller than 18s

This is precisely what I was talking about especially the tail waters.  Sure you can swing streamers on 3x but when the fly is small no chance.

[Al Agnew]

Yep, but my point was that line that light is not necessary because the fish are line-shy, it's necessary because heavier line affects the movement and attitude of flies that small.

[Ketchup]

On April 3, 2017 at 1:25 PM, Daryk Campbell Sr said:

Serious question,  I read a lot about people using a leader of 'x' when using 'y' fishing line.  I have read alot over the years, and other than dropping to smaller line for break offs, or using steel leaders I have always wondered why not use the "leader line" as your spooled line? I am sure that I am missing something.  

I currently have p-line cxl on my reels and only know the improved clinch knot by heart.   

What are your reasons for using a leader? 

 

Daryk,

 In my boat I have 2 rods with braid. Both of those rods have about a 3' leader of 8lb mono. As stated above, I want a weak link to the line so I can break off on a deep hang up if needed. Also that braid, to my eyes even in not so clear water, looks like a fire truck hose being pulled thru the water. I do fish straight braid on occasion, but most of the time if I'm using a reel with braid, it will have a mono leader to give me that piece of mind that those fish aren't thinking there's a fire nearby because they see that fire hose in the water.