The Furled Leaders !

[Rock_Fish]

I have built and used furled leaders in the past. They were great while i was still learning to cast because they were much more forgiving. Since then I've switched back to a hand tied mono leader. I typically tie it with mono for the first 5 feet and put a perfection loop in the end. From there I will use mono or flourocarbon depending on the situation.

Well I done it backwards ! I learned to cast with a regular tapered flluoro leader. Then switched to a furled leader for the longevity of it !

[RICHYD4U]

When I am nymphing or streaming (which is 99.9% of the time) I use straight 10lb fluorocarbon for my leader. I then attach whatever fluoro tippet I am going to use directly to that. If I am going to do some dry flying (0.1% of the time) I will use a tapered fluoro leader. I buy 100% pure fluoro in bulk for leaders and tippets. Much cheaper than buying tiny individualized fluoro spools for $15 a pop! If I am float tubing and stripping buggers at Strawberry Reservior in UT, I will bump everything up! 14lb fluoro leader with 10 lb fluoro tippet! Those monster cutts/bows up there will break you off in a sec! LOVE IT! Average fish over 20"! I can't talk about it anymore.....feeling shakey

-Rich

[Tim_T]

I am curious, is it cheaper to tie your own leaders and how hard is it to learn? I have never tried, I just buy the tapered Orvis leaders and carry some spools of tippet with me.

[RICHYD4U]

I am curious, is it cheaper to tie your own leaders and how hard is it to learn? I have never tried, I just buy the tapered Orvis leaders and carry some spools of tippet with me.

Tim-
I have found that if you are nymphing or streaming, just a straight fluoro leader of any poundage will work just fine. Like I said, I generally use a 10-12lb fluoro leader, then attach my tippet to that. If I am trying to turn over a dry fly 40yds away, then I will use a tapered leader.

-Rich

[Rock_Fish]

Tim-
I have found that if you are nymphing or streaming, just a straight fluoro leader of any poundage will work just fine. Like I said, I generally use a 10-12lb fluoro leader, then attach my tippet to that. If I am trying to turn over a dry fly 40yds away, then I will use a tapered leader.

-Rich

Rich, Did you mean 40 Feet ? Or 40 Yards ? Because 40 yards would put you 30 feet into your backing. Typical fly line spools are 90 feet. I get real close to casting a full spool sometimes. But have not quite made it yet.

[RICHYD4U]

Rich, Did you mean 40 Feet ? Or 40 Yards ? Because 40 yards would put you 30 feet into your backing. Typical fly line spools are 90 feet. I get real close to casting a full spool sometimes. But have not quite made it yet.

Correction......40ft! Thanks Rock. lol!

-Rich

[Rock_Fish]

I am curious, is it cheaper to tie your own leaders and how hard is it to learn? I have never tried, I just buy the tapered Orvis leaders and carry some spools of tippet with me.

Have you ever seen those guys with about 6-7 spools of tippet around their neck? Most of them tie the whole leader. Starting with a section of large tippet. Then every foot or two they tie a smaller tippet. Then smaller. They get a leader suited to their current fly and fishing conditions. I talked to one of them one day that said his leader is always around 12' long.

I always just used a tapered leader. And when the end starts getting short, Or too large to tie in a # 18 fly. Add some 5x , 6x , 7x tippet to the end to suit your fishin.

But now I just use the furled leader. And tie the selected size of tippet that I need on the end of that. I have just about quit using 7x ! Due to too many break offs !

[captsodie]

If anyone is interested in building furled leaders without the use of jigs or tools we have posted instructions and video at: http://www.flatslander.com/leaderbuilding.html This is one method of making furled leaders for only a few cents each and they can be customized to your own casting/fly needs.

[RICHYD4U]

Have you ever seen those guys with about 6-7 spools of tippet around their neck? Most of them tie the whole leader. Starting with a section of large tippet. Then every foot or two they tie a smaller tippet. Then smaller. They get a leader suited to their current fly and fishing conditions. I talked to one of them one day that said his leader is always around 12' long.

Don't like this method for several reasons (as I'm sure you guys don't either). First....too many points for your line to break. Having to tie 3-4 line connections makes for several points of weakness and possible breaking. Secondly.....WHAT A PAIN! Having to spend all that time whipping out different lines and tying...no thanks. Lastly....just looks bad. Bunch of knots all the way down to your fly...na. So pointless when you can just buy a beautifully tapered leader for some change.

A 12' leader! Holy Crap! My leaders go around 5'-6' at the most, then I'll add 2'-3' tippet to that. I couldn't imagine nymphing with that much leader! I'll stick to my straight fluoro for nymphing, and tapered fluoro for drying.

-Rich

[Rock_Fish]

Don't like this method for several reasons (as I'm sure you guys don't either). First....too many points for your line to break. Having to tie 3-4 line connections makes for several points of weakness and possible breaking. Secondly.....WHAT A PAIN! Having to spend all that time whipping out different lines and tying...no thanks. Lastly....just looks bad. Bunch of knots all the way down to your fly...na. So pointless when you can just buy a beautifully tapered leader for some change.

A 12' leader! Holy Crap! My leaders go around 5'-6' at the most, then I'll add 2'-3' tippet to that. I couldn't imagine nymphing with that much leader! I'll stick to my straight fluoro for nymphing, and tapered fluoro for drying.

-Rich

WELL SAID RICH ! I totally agree ! 9' Max for me ! That is leader and tippet. And usually is probably closer to 8'

[RICHYD4U]

WELL SAID RICH ! I totally agree ! 9' Max for me ! That is leader and tippet. And usually is probably closer to 8'

AMEN BROTHER!

-Rich