I have the luxury or bad luck to live within short driving distance to two very picky, pressured, and popular spring creeks. Even on these, I choose to change my tactics and casting angles to fool these fish than lengthen my leaders to wind knot producing whips. I am not saying I am productive, but with my mediocre casting skills, I check my leader much less often. I use much longer leaders chironomid fishing on lakes. My presentation doesn't even start until 20' down, so I don't care. When streamer fishing, shallow water sight fishing included, I use 4ft. leaders or shorter. Just a preference that I believe fits me.

Loufly