On my short ultralight rods, my furled leader is only 24" long...with 3-4 feet of tippit and a big bushy on the end of that... I use a bit heavier furled leader (regular trout vs. ultra-light furled leader) this extra weight makes up for short line casts and short leader ... plus at only 2 feet long - never gets sucked into the guides.. I tied a mono loop to the end of my fly line.. I try and keep my mono loops tiny. as small as I can get it. a duncan loop can be made real small (or the loop through the loop knot..dont know what its called) - than attach the little loop to the flyline with a nail knot - usually I tie the loop in about a half inch above the end of the fly line than clip the flyline back so it buts right up against the loop. small and almost seemless with the flyline. loop to loop with the furled leader..
Also I think the welded loop on the new Rio gold line is nice - the flyline is smaller in the loop sectiuon - like the flyline is split in half and welded back together... its almost seemless and hasnt broke ... with two season in and multiple fish over 20"
just as FYI... I use a long ultra-light trout furled leader on my 5wt. seems to lay out real nice with long casts - plus if I am nymphing.. I can add weight to the tippit and sink it with little drag.
thats my set up....here is my source for furled leaders of all types... get a couple and experiment with what works for you
http://www.thebookmailer.com/Gear/Leade ... Leader.pdf