Make own leaders?

[bgreer]

I also make many of my leaders. I put together my own Maxima leader kit and keep it in a big zip lock bag in one of the pockets of my large tackle bag.
I use a program called "LeaderCalc" made by Steve Schweitzer. It's easy to use; just put in your selections for leader type, length, tippet size, and fly line weight.
It outputs a formula for each size of mono to tie up to make the leader. It also has a place where you can print out a label with the specs for that leader. I bought 1000 small zip lock bags off of eBay a long time ago. I put the leader and the label for that leader in a zip lock bag and put all of the leaders in a leader pocket in the front of my tackle bag.

It's all very easy and simple to use. I always have a fresh leader when I want one. I used to hate tying blood knots but after a bit of practice and the right technique, they are no longer an issue.

Brian

[johnstoeckel]

I still tie leaders but mainly specialty leaders for nymph fishing. For dry fly fishing, I use a AirFlo poly leader. For streamers, I use a stout, short, commercial leader. For nymphs, I use hand tied leaders with short butt section, bright mono sighter and long, light tippet.

IMO, tying leaders is very helpful in learning about leader design and materials. This knowledge is helpful in purchasing and customizing leaders.

[smij]

[lastchance]

That's a cool idea. Where did you get that case?

[smij]

That's a cool idea. Where did you get that case?

Wal Mart. They're made by Plano.

[Byron haugh]

Fly shops. None at my Walmart either.
Are they sold on/line?

[Don_P]

$8.99 at OpticsPlanet.com...... I've bought stuff from them before, reliable seller.
http://shop.opticsplanet.com/plano-l...iABEgLx8vD_BwE

$6.96 at Walmart plus shipping unless you ship to a store local to you.
https://www.walmart.com/ip/Plano-Lin...l-Box/16351067

[fritz]

I tied my own mono leaders for 40 years until I tried furled leaders...... not going back to tied mono leaders.

[Byron haugh]

With you Fritz. I tied (and purchased) knotted leaders for lots of years. Not going back.

[Longs for Cutts]

There is no doubt that hand-tied leaders work better for nymphing, either high-stick/Euro/whatever or with an indicator. I now tie all mine.

Basic formula for a ten-foot leader suitable for 5-7wt lines, which is about right most of the time around here:

4 feet of 30lb Maxima Chameleon
6" 20lb Maxima Chameleon
6" 15lb Maxima Ultragreen
4 feet of 1X standard mono
Tippet ring or micro-swivel
1 foot of 2X to 3X mono or fluoro. Shot, if required, go above the tippet ring/swivel.

I have also started playing with subbing two sections of Amnesia for the short tapered section to function as "sighters" for high-sticking. They work.