Leader Length

[IdahoFly]

When I'm throwing some big meat i like using a 3 foot leader, However the other day i was criticized for my leader being too short and that there was no way i could fool a fish with it, now i don't know if the person was completely ignorant or just mentally challenged... but it got me thinking and now I'm wondering what you guys like to use when your tossin junk.

[Esopus Guy]

6ft 15lb Flouro. Catches fish in the upper Deleware so it should work just about anywhere.

[IdahoFly]

Do yuo find it easy to cast when it's that long?

[Esopus Guy]

No problems for me.......

[IdahoFly]

Ha ha alright maybe i could experiment with longer leader lengths.

[Esopus Guy]

The 15lb should turnover just fine. I'll also mention that I don't use "tippit". Bulk spin fishing stuff and your good to go. Tippit is a bit more limp and a bit harder to turn IMO.

[AaronJasper]

It all depends on what you want your streamer to do. Do you want it to track at the same depth as the line? If so, keep the leader short. This will keep the streamer right at the same level as the line.

If you are looking to get more motion out of the streamer the lengthen the leader. This will allow for the streamer to move up and down as well as side to side as you strip it in. I vary the lengths from three to six feet depending on the action tha I want to get from the flies.

[IdahoFly]

Thanks guys these are all great tips that i need to take into consideration, I'm mainly asking cause it's been tough trying to fool the piggy's this winter it's been so cold and the fish are so lethargic.

[Esopus Guy]

To add on to Aaron's post, You have to consider the construction of your fly as well. Deer hair on sinking lines or weighted flies on floating line etc. will impart different actions on your fly. In winter some scenarios may require weighted flies on sinking line to get to the fish and stay in the strike zone longer as well as help slow the presentation. Play with it.......

[IdahoFly]

Thanks for the feedback I'm gonna have to play around with it, i got a few zoo cougars so i can try a few weightless flies well see how it works.