tapered leaders?
what is the advantage of these tapered leaders and how do you make your own? does anyone know of a guide which shows the best line strenghts and which knots to use? thanks for any help
Follow some of the links, you should find them helpful. I’ll admit I didn’t read all of the other answers word for word, but here is the WHY of using a tapered leader:
Your leader serves one main purpose, to connect the fly to the fly line. But if you were to simply use one level (same diameter) leader from the fly line to the fly, you’d run into a few problems. When you cast, part of the leader’s job is to “Turn Over” your fly. In other words, the leader should straighten out, and flip the fly as far away from the tip of the fly line as it can, so you can control the fly, have a tight line to set the hook, and so the fly isn’t right next to that thick fly line that might spook the fish.
In order for the leader to turn over the fly, it needs a certain level of stiffness, so its usually thicker. But the thick leader will be either too larger for smaller flies, and it will also be so stiff next to the fly that it won’t float naturally.
By the same token, a thin leader that will allow the fly to drift the way you want is too thin, and not stiff enough to turn the fly over.
Tapered leaders solve this problem by giving you the best of both worlds- a somewhat stiffer butt section fastened to the fly line, and a thinner part down by the fly.
You can buy tapered leaders, or if you have the desire, time, and inclination, you can learn to custom tie your own. You might save some money in the long run, and you can fiddle with the different sections until you get a leader that performs exactly as you like. Me, I never have the time for that, I spend my time tying flies.
Most people, myself included use tapered leaders, to which we attach tippet, a thinner piece of leader. This is useful, because as you tie knots and break off flies, the tapered leader becomes ever shorter, and less effective at fooling the fish. Using tippet allows you to keep adding new leader to keep the leader long enough and supple enough.
I usually will fish a 9 foot tapered leader down to a 3X (The size of the end) and add flourocarbon tippet of 18-24 inches depending on the fish and flies I am using. I use a lot of 5X-6X and sometimes 7X tippet- (The fly shop can show you this stuff)
The fluorocarbon tippet is much more expensive- 3 to 5 times as much- 13-15 dollars a spool as opposed to 3-5 dollars for standard tippet, but theres a big payoff that makes it worth it- the flurocarbon is thinner and stronger, and has special properties that make it a lot harder for the fish to see. So you will hook more fish and you’ll be less likely to lose them. Skimp in other areas, but not on your tippet, it will be worth it.
Good luck!
Blood Knot for Making a Tapered Leader For Fly Fishing