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Leaders
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Where Can I Go? Leader classification |
What Is A "Leader"? The leader is the connection between the fly line and the fly. It is traditionally made of nylon monofilament. It is designed to taper from a thick butt (where it is attached to the fly line) to a thin tip (where it attaches to the fly.) This gradual tapering allows the leader to transmit the energy/power provided by the cast down the fly line so that the fly "turns over" in a smooth, fluid manner. The leader also serves as a relatively invisible connection between the fly line and the fly.
The leader, in many respects, is more important than the fly line, and even the fly in most cases, to our success or failure in fly fishing. For in the hands of an accomplished caster, any fly line can "cast" any fly . . . and, many different flies can be used to catch the same fish . . . but it is the leader that provides the proper transition between your fly rod, fly line and fly. It is the leader that balances the energy in the cast with the delivery of the fly on the water, so that it represents "the real thing" to the fish. Turnover Flyfishers often use the word, "turnover", to refer the action of leaders & fly lines. The term describes the movement of the line/leader at the end of the forward cast. As the energy provided by the rod is released into the fly line, the line "carries" the "leader and attached fly toward the intended target in a characteristic "U"-shaped loop. If done properly, the fly line and leader expends this energy by "unfurling" or unrolling . . . i.e., the line and leader "turn over" . . . completely and smoothly. From The Beginning You should start any and all of your fly fishing
efforts "from the fish up": i.e., determining what species
of fish you are going to fly fish for, and most particularly what size flies
will be used, is the proper starting point for all other decisions relating
to your fly(s), leader(s), the tackle (rod, reel & line) it is matched to,
and, to a significant extent, your clothing and equipment.
The information in this chapter relates primarily to the selection and use of leaders that are most generally required by beginning flyfishers fishing in freshwater in the US &/or Canada. In this "universe", applicable fishing locations would include creeks, streams & rivers; ponds & lakes; and even "inshore" or bankfishing in saltwater for "small" gamefish. Let's begin our study of leaders at
Leader Classification: |
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