The Invisible Link

Kris Kent gives us an insight into leaders, the invisible link between the fly line and fly.

The thing that causes my customers and guiding clients the most confusion seems to be leaders. If I think back to my formative years as a fly fisherman, I can sympathise. 

The leader is the ‘invisible’ link between the fly line and the fly. Fly lines are thick and heavy and would spook fish if they landed near them. The purpose of the leader is to create distance between the fly line and the fly. They are also an important part of the cast, helping to transmit energy, turning over the fly and presenting it as naturally as possible. Getting your leader right can improve your casting and catching. 

Knotless Tapered Leaders

Like most beginners, I started by using a knotless tapered leader. These have a thick butt section, often with a preformed loop that quickly and easily attaches to the welded loop that most modern fly lines have at the end.

The diameter of the leader reduces down to the fine tippet where the fly is attached.

Knotted Tapered Leader

Before knotless tapered leaders were invented, people made their own knotted, or compound leaders. These are made by knotting together a series of lengths of different diameter monofilament