Dry fly Leader, and tippet type

[jason]

very interesting thread going here....let me throw this question out and see what you guys think.
I am experimenting with a "multi-use" leader that would let me switch from euro nymphing (albeit a shortened up version) to indicator using a greased slinky to dry fly leaving the slinky on.
The first two work pretty well and the I was able to cast drys with it also. My question is....do you think the slinky might spook the fish in a dryfly situation? The point fly is about 6' or more of 5x tippet from the slinky. The total length of the leader is about 15' from flyline to point fly.
Interested in what you think.....Jason
ps...Loupe, holy cow!....25' butt section!? Man, I'd love to be able to cast that much mono!

[Loupe]

In my opinion, neither the tippet rings or the fluoro cause any problems with dries.

The ring is such a tiny part of the whole line/leader/fly system, there is a much better chance of something else causing a problem with the your drift.

As for the fluoro, it is by no means a subsurface only line. True, it is denser than mono, but neither fluoro nor mono tippet have enough mass to bust through the meniscus/surface film on their own...something must pull them under (go toss some fluoroflex plus into a sink full of water and see if it sinks on its own). Once they are beneath the film, then yes fluorocarbon will sink faster. If anything, fluoro will sit slightly lower in the film than mono will, but I actually find this to be advantageous...I feel fluoro doesn't exhibit as much "line flash" as mono, making it a great choice for dries. As a matter of fact many people, including me, always degrease mono leaders with Loon Snake River Mud, or a similar substance, in order to keep the line off the surface and cut line flash. As long as your fly is tied correctly and your mending adequate, there shouldn't be a problem with sinking.

Jason, as for the slinky, I have never personally used one with dry fly in that manner, so I really can't say for sure. It probably depends mostly on the situation. And casting a 20-30 foot leader sounds hard, but it's not that bad after a little practice...longer 10-11ft rods make dealing with a long leader much easier... and as a matter of fact it's more of a lob than a true lazer like cast. haha

[SherpaB]

I just re-read Silver's post on leader theory and it blew my mind...all those classes in physics are slowly coming back to me...its very good stuff but I fear my brain may explode soon...