Sinking leaders vs sink-tip lines

[fishinwrench]

I use a 10ft. sink tip line (actually trimmed to 8ft.) quite a bit, but I have yet to try any of the sinking leaders.

Will they do the job of a sink-tip line...pull down #6-#4 Muddlers ect.?

[Danoinark]

I use the Airflo and Cabelas 5 ft. sink tip leaders adding about 2 ft of straight fluro tippet and it gets streamers where I want them without any problem.

Dano

[Guest flyfishBDS]

Me being me, I can't stand them lol

I lean towards full sink, having intermediate and faster sinking lines to cover different water depths. Basically for most of my streamer work I fish an intermediate or a 250gr sinking line.

My reasoning casting for one. A full sinking is easier to deal with in the air for me anyway. No you can't mend it on the water, but an aerial mend will get you set. I like the straighter connection to the fly as well, which in theory should mena better hookups, in theory

Sinktips have that nasty hinge and bang on end. Some reckon they are easier to pick up becasue of the floating line but not for me.

The trick to casting all these (and heavy shot drift rigs) is to strip or use the current to get the fly close to the surface. You can't pick up and cast when the fly is 6' down _ you can try but it will hurt lol

All the above being said if you prefer sinktip or leaders go for it. They all help in certain conditiuons

Cheers

Steve

[fishinwrench]

Well, I'm just trying to decide if I actually "NEED" a spare spool and a F/S line for my newly aquired 6wt. outfit, or if I could accomplish the same thing with the sinking leaders. I swing Muddler type flys and leeches on a F/S line quite a bit, and I'm able to effectivly cover holes and runs that are 5-7 ft. deep with a 5wt. sink tip line.

I like the "feel" and the depth control I have with the sink tip line, but if I can get the flys down...and keep them down with one of the sinking leaders, I wouldn't need to pack a spare spool in my vest.....which is constantly jabbing me in the kidneys BTW

[Kansas Fly Fisher]

I've tried the sinking leader a couple of times and didn't really notice that much trouble with it. It'd get the streamer down to where I needed it and keep it there. Plus, you can get different sink rates with the leader making a quick change very easy. I'd been considering getting a sinking line but after reading this post, I think I'll stick with what I have.

John

[Crippled Caddis]

If you use a loop to loop system between leader and line you can utilize a 'po'boy' sink-tip system that is extremely portable and effective tho a bit of a PIA to cast. Buy a leadcore trolling line or an inexpensive 4 or 5 wt. full sinking line and make up 5', 10', 15' or 20' lengths, or whatever length you think you'll need, whip a loop at each end and package them in length labelled clear zip-lock bags. They will all fit into a single pocket on your vest with room left for other items. To use simply loop on the length you calculate you need to the loop on the end of your line and take it from there. All things considered it takes little if any longer than exchanging spools and rethreading line thru the guides. As previously noted the cast isn't quite as pleasant as it was originally but then how many of you truly enjoy casting and retrieving a sinking line?

I used the method successfully for years but gave it up since I have came to detest the loop to loop system. CC

[jjtroutbum]

I will use a sinking tip to plunge several of the deeper pools in my favorite smallie water. And have never used The "sinking leaders" because I don't have one but once I decide the S tip line is worn out Ill chop it up and then I will.

[fishinwrench]

Ok, I made the determination for myself today. As far as I can tell the sinking leaders negate any need for a second spool and sink-tip line.

I especially liked the Rio 7ft./7ips for the fast,waist-to-chest-deep water we fished today.

I prefer a nail knot leader connection on my floating lines, but doing the loop thing is a small price to pay, in order to be able to only pack ONE reel, and being able to switch so quickly.

[Danoinark]

Good deal, I thought you would like those...Dano