Leader straightening tips

[ptflashback]

Wondered if any of you had any cool tips on how to straighten a leader prior to a trip. I've been rigging the night prior and "sharkfinning" my rod through the truck rear window. This is all good with a cheap set-up. Kinda makes me queasy doing the same with the Superfine Touch.

There's gotta be a decent way to transport without having to do the ole tool stripping method. As always, your feedback is much appreciated.

Peace,

PT

[John Harper]

I generally just stretch the leader a bit by hand, then try to keep a bit of tension on the leader when rigged and let it set a bit.

John

[fish-on-bro]

I use a piece of old chamois cut to fit in my vest pocket. Wet the chamois then place the line so it is in between the two halfs of chamois, squeeze the chamois and pull the leader through a couple of times. Works like a charm.

Fish-on-bro, out....

[briansII]

Along with what others have said, if your leader is not relatively straight after a quick stretch, you might think about trying another brand. I've had some leaders just not behave properly. In to the trash they go.

briansII

[ptflashback]

Thanks all. Good food for thought.

Fish-on, I've always wondered what those little chamois were for! I always figured it was for buffing dries or something. Shows you what I know.

[briansII]

Thanks all. Good food for thought.

Fish-on, I've always wondered what those little chamois were for! I always figured it was for buffing dries or something. Shows you what I know.

Some of those are for both drying dries, and straightening leaders. I have one, but never used it.

briansII

[midger]

I also just stretch the leader between my fingers. Pull it fast, keeping moderate pressure on the leader/tippet as it slides through your fingertips and do about 2-3 feet at a time. It straightens best when you allow it to heat up with the pulls and your fingers will let you know the correct temperature. Too much tension and too fast, it burns your fingers and can damage the tippet. Right tension/speed, leader warms, and if you hold it for a second before going to the next 2-3 foot section, the piece you just did will be straight. A 10 foot leader requires about 3-4 seperate pulls allowing each section to drop straight. This has worked for me for a looooootttt of years. Doesn't work on catgut.

[hpskiff]

I just use the stretch and hold for a few seconds method for tapered leaders also. But I got tired of stretching every time I rolled it up for a few minutes, so I switched over to braided and furled leaders, almost no coiling issues even in 14 lb floro.

[trouterfan1]

Try stretching your leader with two hands....(like your hanging onto handlebars) and flick the leader with your thumb as your putting tension on it. You can do this in both directions up and down the leader. The tension along with the vibration straightens the leader effectively.

[beachbum]

Stretching it on a fish does wonders for straightening your leader.

[converted]

I also just stretch the leader between my fingers. Pull it fast, keeping moderate pressure on the leader/tippet as it slides through your fingertips and do about 2-3 feet at a time. It straightens best when you allow it to heat up with the pulls and your fingers will let you know the correct temperature. Too much tension and too fast, it burns your fingers and can damage the tippet. Right tension/speed, leader warms, and if you hold it for a second before going to the next 2-3 foot section, the piece you just did will be straight. A 10 foot leader requires about 3-4 seperate pulls allowing each section to drop straight. This has worked for me for a looooootttt of years. Doesn't work on catgut.

Ditto what midger just said.

[fly addict]

I’m going to take a different approach. Why straighten a leader? If you are fishing moving water, those nice little coils put slack right where you want it most, to get a drag free drift.

Mark

[duckdog]

I don't know- maybe I just have very well behaved leaders or something but I just tie on a fly or two and start fishing , I feel so left out.