Are You New To The Sport Of Fly Fishing?

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Are You New To The Sport Of Fly Fishing?

Thursday, February 19th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed

Information you need about a Fly Leader

Here are a few tips

Fly fishing is great fun, but if you’re new to the sport, you need to know a few things before purchasing your gear. There is a specific terminology regarding some of the equipment you will be buying. No doubt you will seek out a good fishing gear shop to make your purchase of fly fishing equipment. The salesperson in the shop will undoubtedly be familiar with everything you will need and will likely call the various parts by name. For example, you will be told that you need a “leader”. Now, that doesn’t mean you need a guide to take you fly fishing. A “leader” is a device that holds the small fly on the fly line. Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions. Even some avid fly fishermen are not familiar with how a
“leader” Is used. Oh sure, they know what to do with it, but they couldn’t explain it to you the way the shop attendant can. Everyone starts out as a novice. You’ll learn, too.

Specifics of the “Leader”.

A “leader”, to be more specific, is an element of the tackle line that allows an unnoticed switch between the fly line and the “tippet”. Ok. So there’s another term to learn about. the “tippet”. The “tippet” represents the last approximately two feet of the “leader”, and that’s precisely where the fly is tied to the “leader.” Just to be clear, ask the shop attendant to explain by showing you an actual line with the “leader” and the “tippet” attached.

To review, the fly fishing “leader” holds the fly away from the fly line so that when the line hits the water there is not a lot of reverberation in the water to scare off the fish. The fish are then fooled into going for the bait. A really good fly “leader” gives one a better chance at bringing in a big catch.

Is There a Certain Type or Style to Buy?

There are many “leaders” available, so just to enlighten you, here are a few differences to consider. Mainly, the differences are in the length, strength, design, and/or purpose of the “leader”. The most popular ones range in length from 7-1/2 to 9 feet long. And, then there are fly leaders that range between 3 feet and 20 feet in length. If you intend to fish for trout, you will let the shop attendant know that, since a different “leader” is used for trout. Likewise, if you plan to fish for bass, there is another “leader” for that purpose.

Fly fishing is a great sport. Be patient, ask questions, and you’ll learn what you need to know to have a great time.

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