Tip of the day "Leaders"

Leaders are expensive.

So when you buy a leader, say 9' 4x with perfection loop. Every time you tie on a fly depending on your tying skill you use about 4" - 8" of leader. Soon your 9' leader is a 7' leader.

You can tie on a tippet to the 7' leader, but more then likely your 4x .007 has become 2x .009 not good if you really want to be fishing a 4x so you will have to tie on 3x to get to the 4x to maintain a smooth roll out transition (for trout fishing) and delicate presentation for small flies. On 4x sz 12, 14, and 16s

But remember we are fishing for Bass and are casting fies the size of motor homes. So I'm not all that concerned about roll out and a dainty presentation.

I have another tip for matching tippet to fly size, but that's for another post.

So when you buy your 4x leader tie on a 12" - 16" piece of tippet to the end. This way you will be cutting into your tippet and not into your leader.

It's the first 12" - 18" inches of tippet that get the most abuse.

Yes, you had to tie it on to the leader and yes it does shorten it. But you will get at least three (3) ties to a fly to one tie to your leader. thus preserving your $3.00 and up leader.

Tippet $3.99 a spool 30 yards, a lot cheaper then replacing your leader all the time.