Your leader isn't the reason you are losing fish, if the leader was the issue the fish wouldn't bite at all. I normally use 8 lb floro for my leader tied off to 10 lb braid main line.

The long/light rod takes some getting used to. A sweeping hook set could help. I normally set my drag light and do not backwind at all (why people backwind when float and fly fishing is beyond me). On the hook set I palm the spool, make a sweeping hook set and make sure it's really hooked up before I start playing it.

When I f-n-f I use a 8.5 medium action steelhead rod. It has better action and you have more control over the fish. I know alot of guys use the light action buggy whips but I just can't see where you can have any kind of control over the fish that way, especially in Cumberland where you have a chance at a big striper. Also with the 8.5 ft rod I have no problem throwing a 12 foot leader from the boat. In fact when I first started f-n-f I used a 6.5 foot rod and still had no problem lob casting. It's more about the cast you make than the rod length. Losing fish is frustrating, that's why all of my light action rods went to the yard sale last summer.

If you want to try a steelhead rod bass pro has them, Browning makes the one I have and it's a great rod. I think you'll be pleased with it over the fly rod.