Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => Fly Fishing Cafe => Topic started by: bigblue on September 12, 2013, 08:20:39 AM
-
Any suggestions on how to straighten out coiled leaders before fishing small flies? Any tricks?
I have been fly fishing with #14 bead head nymphs in lakes (without indicator) and found I have been missing bites because my leader is not straight.
-
With all my leaders from 2lb to 15lb i will get the desired length that i want cut it off. Then i will slowly stretch the leader to straighten it. I don't pull super hard but just start from one side with both hands and slide one away with tension. It straightens it right out for me. If its longer than your arm length, then continue down the leader from the point you last stopped.
-
Most fishing stores sell leader straightners. They are two pieces of rubber lined leather that you drag the leader between...
Or just tie a new leader ;) I change mine frequently and before every trip out.
-
there's a few schools of thought here.
1 you can use a leader straightener, or your fingers to create friction, heating the leader and thus straightening out the coils. I do not subscribe to this idea, as I feel it's unnecessary stress.
2 stretching the leader. all mono stretches, and this will straighten it as well. it causes stress, and as you stretch it out, either multiple trips out or fish, it will weaken. I do this using tapered leaders the first time. a good stretch from one end to the other, after that I will lightly stretch if it's sat on a reel, but not as hard as the first time. I do not replace leaders after every trip, that is too expensive for me. I usually get at least 3-6 fishing days out of a single leader.
3 if you're not fishing dries, you can use furrled leaders for the ultimate straight and supple solution. I've heard a lot if good things, but haven't gotten to try one yet. they will sink if not treated with flotant, so aren't good for dries. also even when treated, need to be retreated multiple times through the day.
-
Any suggestions on how to straighten out coiled leaders before fishing small flies? Any tricks?
I have been fly fishing with #14 bead head nymphs in lakes (without indicator) and found I have been missing bites because my leader is not straight.
I rub a 2 or 3 foot section over my pant leg then move down a couple of feet and do it on the next section.
Make a big U in the line with your hands under your leg for maximum surface area and rub it 3 or 4 times.