"How long should my leader be?"
You learn in this segment how to balance your tackle (rod, line & fly) with the leader.  Other factors to consider:

• high, "roily" (discolored) water reduces the need for leader length (9' or less)

• in narrow, brushy streams, short casts and short leaders (7 1/2') work best

• ponds & lakes ("stillwater") need more stealth = longer leaders (12'-15')

• clear water & tiny flies mean long, delicate leaders

• well-fished waters, with "fishermenwise" fish, call for lengthy leaders & usually smaller flies

• big fish (like Pike and Bass) are seldom "leader shy" (i.e., they aren't spooked by a short, stout leader)

• sinking lines & flies need shorter leaders

The "X Files"

Leader Classification

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Length & Tippet

Leaders are generally classified, referred to and sold by their length and by the size or diameter of the tippet.  In this age of species-driven marketing, leaders may also be labeled with the name of fish/class for which their use is intended; e.g., "trout", "bass", "steelhead", etc.; (see "Species Specific Fly Fishing") however, all are more specifically distinguished by these criteria:

•  Length: Conventional commercial leaders come in 7 1/2', 9' & 12' standard lengths. For most beginning freshwater fly fishers, these 3 standard lengths will be used most frequently.  Saltwater leaders, made for much bigger fish, may be as short as 4'; specialty leaders may be as long as 20'.
   

• Tippet Size:  Tippet size refers to the diameter/width of the monofilament at that end of the leader which is attached to the fly.   This will be shown as an "X" rating,  a diameter, or a "pound test".

The X Designation

An "X" classification system is used to describe the most commonly used tippet monofilament diameters.  This "X" rating, from 0X (thickest) to 8X (thinnest), is the predominate descriptor for freshwater leader tippet sizes.  It is used by fly fishers more frequently than the equivalent diameter description when discussing and buying leaders.  Some manufacturers add further description by labeling such leaders as "trout" leaders.

Saltwater leaders, made for much bigger fish and the tackle used to catch them, are understandably different than freshwater leaders.  Many have a tippet diameter larger than the heaviest "X" rating (i.e., greater than "0x" or .011".)   These leaders are most often classified and labeled by the "pound test" of the tippet portion.  You will find these leaders in 6 to 20 pound test, generally labeled as "saltwater", "big game", etc.

What tippet are you using? 

When fly fishers discuss,  ". . . what size tippet do you have on?", the usual reply is in terms of the leader tippet's "X" size, ("I'm using 5X") as opposed to the diameter ("I'm using 6 thousandths").   Similarly, when we go to purchase a leader, we inquire, "Do you have 9 foot, 5X leaders?"

As you become more familiar with leaders and tying or repairing leaders and sections, the diameter of tippet materials will become more significant.  But for simplicity in getting started, focus on learning the "X" ratings of the leader tippets and what corresponding fly sizes those tippets balance with.