Tapered
Using a tapered leader for trout fishing is an excellent way to transition between your fly line and the leader smoothly. This allows the energy from your cast to flow through the leader and into the water. It also makes the fly float more naturally. The leader is made from a monofilament material attached to the end of your colorful fly line. If you don’t use a tapered leader, your fly line will be spooky to the fish.
When selecting a tapered leader, you’ll need to choose one with the right weight for your target species. You’ll want to consider the size of your flies and the types of waters you will be fishing. Large flies require heavier leaders, while small flies need less weight. You’ll also need a leader with a stout butt section to act as a shock absorber.
Tapered leaders are attached to your fly line by a loop-to-loop connection. The thinnest part of the leader is called the tippet and is made from a monofilament. The length of the tippet usually is two to four feet. The thickest part of the leader is the butt section, usually four to eight feet long.
The tippet is sold on a spool in several different sizes. You’ll want to choose a tippet that matches the diameter of the leader’s tip. This will help you extend the life of your leader and allow you to change flies without replacing the tippet. You’ll want several extra spools on hand to return the tips snipped off when you change flies.
Some leaders are designed to be knotless. These leaders are made by melting plastic and extruding the melted plastic into a long, thin strand of line. These commercial tapered leaders are very well constructed. They are also straightforward to change if the line breaks. These tapered leaders are the most common type of leaders for fly fishermen.
There are two major styles of tapered leaders. The first is called knotless and is made by melting plastic and extruding it into a long strand or line. These leaders are heavy at the fly-line connection, but knotted leaders are more serious. These are often used for streamer fishing and dry fly presentations.
The second type is called tapered and is made of nylon or fluorocarbon. The nylon material has a more extended, thin tip that sinks slowly. It is not very line shy so it can be an excellent choice for bass, panfish, and other species. It is also very light and floats nicely.
Another tapered leader is a slow-action leader with a short butt section. This section creates slack, which lets the line turn over the fly for a graceful landing. It is ideal for trout since they like to throw caution to the wind when attacking baitfish. These leaders are also suitable for streamer fishing because they require fewer steps.
