Leader material

[rayfound]

So, I've gotten pretty decent at making my furled leaders, but I'm still searching for a smaller diameter monofilament... Best I've done in decent quantities is 2lb monofilament.

Maxima has a 1 lb (and the supposed suppleness would be a benefit I think)... but it only comes in 27YD spools... that's about enough for 1 furled leader, plus a ton of waste... just doesn't seem very efficient (Plus $3.50/leader is pretty * expensive R&D).


I'm thinking there has to be some other alternatives that would give me thinner diameters to play with lighter leaders... rather than just change my formulas to reduce the amount of line used.

Any ideas fellas?

[castaway]

I really dont know much... but I saw a furled leader made with uni-thread...seemed to be much thinner and more supple - but I would think once the thread got soaked it would not float.

[rayfound]

I've made the thread ones too... but I can't be bothered to treat a leader and keep it floating... I likely should give it a better look, but for the way/places I fish... the Mono is downright bulletproof... I can't say the same for the thread ones.

Ryan's feedback on a leader I gave him of Uni Thread is that it would make a great deep-nymphing leader material.

[fly addict]

I have fished silk thread leaders. If you want a soft presentation nothing comes close. I have had fish smack the fly as it was still in the air. The fly looks like a leaf falling through the air.
Mark

[rkfiske]

Ray,
I'd say the thread has some potential if it's dressed with some mucilin. What size thread did you use? I'd be interested in trying out some made with like 8-0 thread or smaller

[rayfound]

Ray,
I'd say the thread has some potential if it's dressed with some mucilin. What size thread did you use? I'd be interested in trying out some made with like 8-0 thread or smaller

I used 6/0. If floatation was the only issue, I'd be all over the thread leaders... But the ability to be yanked through brush and blackberry thorns. .. That's where mono excels... And that's the treatment my leaders can expect.

[Pete]

JMO: I use 2lb. for my furled leaders and it is small enough for me. Its all about the tippett anyway . I have made and fished uni-thread leaders and they are just too much maintenance for me. I think if we were to go any lighter there would be an issue with a smooth turnover. The 2lb. leaders float like a butter fly and sting like a bee.

Pete