Author Topic: Tapered Leaders (Read 168 times)

Mike Wisniewski · « **on:** June 07, 2010, 08:19:36 PM »

A few months there were a number of posts about using a tapered leader as the butt section for a euro nymph leader. Folks mentioned using the Rio Salmom leader, I think. Anyway, has anyone actually tried this? If you are using one what are the particulars of the formula? My leader formula works very well but those knots drive me crazy.

Thanks

Mike

Chris Topmiller · « **Reply #1 on:** June 08, 2010, 08:15:52 AM »

I have, yes. I use a 12 lb 15' steelhead leader sometimes. But honestly, I now prefer a knotted flouro leader because it has less memory. I just coat the knots with some knot sense and now, I don't really notice the knots.

If you go with the store-bought leader, just make sure you straighten it when you start.

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #2 on:** June 08, 2010, 08:49:43 AM »

once I boiled the Rio Steelhead leaders the memory is no longer an issue.

Aaron Laing · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2010, 11:55:38 AM »

Quote from: Mark Hanes on June 08, 2010, 08:49:43 AM

once I boiled the Rio Steelhead leaders the memory is no longer an issue.

Does this really work? I've heard about softening the leaders by heating or boiling, but I've always worried about losing breaking strength. I guess if we're talking about little dink trout it's not an issue, but for larger fish?...

Aaron

Mark Hanes · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2010, 12:01:29 PM »

I used this set up all weekend with Big fish and no issues at all. It just makes the softer and does not seem to affect the leader strength. I thougth the same thing at first but trust me it works like a charm you only need to boil them for about 4 to 6 mins.

Aaron Laing · « **Reply #5 on:** June 08, 2010, 12:30:28 PM »

Thanks Mark. I'll give it a try.

Aaron

Mike Wisniewski · « **Reply #6 on:** June 08, 2010, 01:25:30 PM »

Quote from: Chris Topmiller on June 08, 2010, 08:15:52 AM

I have, yes. I use a 12 lb 15' steelhead leader sometimes. But honestly, I now prefer a knotted flouro leader because it has less memory. I just coat the knots with some knot sense and now, I don't really notice the knots.

If you go with the store-bought leader, just make sure you straighten it when you start.

Chris, I assume that you just attach your sighter to the end of the leader or you modify the leader at all? How well does it turn over?

Thanks Mike

Chris Topmiller · « **Reply #7 on:** June 08, 2010, 01:41:37 PM »

Hey Mike.

It turns over just fine. That steelhead leader has a long thick butt section. On my last one, I added about 3 feet of 12 lb maxima flouro just so I wasn't cutting into the leader itself, but I have added the sighter directly to the steelhead leader in the past with good results.

Dejon Hamann · « **Reply #8 on:** June 08, 2010, 05:00:42 PM »

I'm a big fan of the steelhead leader too. If boiling decreases it's strength I haven't noticed. 100s of trout landed and maybe as many rigs broken in trees, never above the curly, to attest to it's strength. Boiling it makes it supper supple - it's hardly the same leader afterwards. I've been tying my curly directly to it, but have been meaning to tie a bit of 12lb mono just to keep the leader in tact and running for a bit longer... since I clip my curly off each time.

Highly recommend. So much so, that my leader is crossed off my list of "improvements" for the time being