Leaders for saltwater

[Rocketfish]

I build my own saltwater leaders with fluoro.
Simple 4-1-4 or 60%-20%-20% formulas.
I use this one:
http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...-box.jsp.form1

[Martin McFly]

what's the 4 1 4 formula?

[Rocketfish]

Martin...4ft, 1ft, 4ft, Butt, transition, tip.
Good luck

[Martin McFly]

That sounds like an easy formula. I need to tie some leaders for the surf also, what wold you recommend for # 4 and 6 flies?

[tailingloop]

Martin,

For So Cal surf fishing with a sinking line. I just just a straight piece or 10 to 12lb test mono about 6 feet long. If you use a heavy butt section it will actually impair the sink of the leader and thus the fly too.

[Martin McFly]

Should I use something thicker if I'm throwing an 8wt?

[tailingloop]

No. No need to go heavier.

[Rocketfish]

Martin, I don't know in your area but in my surf area of long beaches and mid-size waves I use WFFloating lines and WFIntermediate (I rate sink).
Both formulas work perfect in my case with Deceivers, WB's and Clousers. 25 to 40lbs butt, to start the leader, depending on what fish and rod.
For 6wt rods and 4-6 size hooks y use 25-20-15 or 10lbs leader progresion.
For 8wt rods and bigger hooks, 40-30-20lbs knotted leaders.
Regards

[ausable_ny]

Thanks for all the help guys. I knew I'd get some good answers here. I;m going to try to make my own..the 60, 20, 20 idea sounds good, so that's where I'll start....and then go from there. Thanks again for the help, it's greatly appreciated.

Ken

[Martin McFly]

Thanks RocketFish, I appreciate the info.