Leader Strength Saltwater Fly Fishing

Leader Strength Saltwater Fly Fishing

This article discusses leader strength saltwater fly fishing.

Into my inbox the other day came the following email-

“What is your choice of LB (sic) test for your fly leader? Why have you selected that wt (sic)?”

My response was, “In saltwater I carry 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 pound fluorocarbon. I use all of them. You need a better question.”

Thinking about this, he did need a better question, but it’s an unsatisfying answer nonetheless. Let’s look at Leader Strength for Saltwater Fly Fishing.

As mentioned on my website, I use two piece big game leaders. On #6 and #7 weight rods my butt section is 30 pound nylon. That does not change. The tippets do. Since it’s winter as I write this, we’ll start there.

Keep in mind that any tippet you choose has to be a compromise between getting bites (thinner is better) and preventing breakoffs (thicker is better). Also keep in mind that what works for me may not work so well for you. Another thing to keep in mind is that windknot you just got cut the line strength 50 percent. Finally, not all fluorocarbon is created equal. My preference is Seaguar blue.

Historically, water in the local lagoons during winter was low and clear. Unless I was targeting big fish (over 20 pounds), the tippet would be a length of 12 pound fluorocarbon. There have been times when I couldn’t get a bite and thought I should lighten the tippet, but man I hate breakoffs.

If I were targeting big fish, black drum or redfish, I would up the tippet to 15 pound fluorocarbon. Again, I don’t want breakoffs.

If I travelled to where there were oysters or barnacles I would use 20 pound fluorocarbon.

To read the rest of this article on leader strength saltwater fly fishing, visit this link…

John Kumiski
www.spottedtail.com
http://www.spottedtail.com/blog
www.johnkumiski.com
www.rentafishingbuddy.com
https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/jkumiski

All content in this blog, including writing and photos, copyright John Kumiski 2016. All rights are reserved.