what method should i use while my rod is hanging on the wall to keep that friggin leader striaght so when i hit the water it doesnt want to curl on me?
New2fly,
Putting a slight tention on the leader while it is hanging should help. When I get to the water I pull my leader through my fingers causing some friction and tension. This does a great job of straightening a leader.
jed
N2F,
Unfortunately taking care of lines and leaders is a part of the sport. It’s MUCH less time consuming now than a few decades ago.
Before starting to cast EVERY time out, you need to straighten the leader to make sure it’s got no “memory”.
Also, you need to “stretch” ever so slightly the LINE to get the memory out of it too.
Takes only a few minutes but adds Sooo much to the enjoyment of casting.
It’s become second nature for me and I’ll do this on the beach as I’m looking over the pool for that first cast of the day.
Christopher Chin
Jonquiere Quebec
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[This message has been edited by fcch (edited 20 May 2005).]
An alternative is get a furled leader and never have to straighten it again. (They tend to lack memory).
Heat on mono shortens life. Stretch it by hand with no “sliding” to remove kinks, but this can change the diameter/test of the mono.
Just a batch of trade-offs.
bubba_orvis
Bubba,
Another way to avoid this, … I usually put on a new leader about twice a week … sometimes more often than that. (I use Maxima hand tyed ones)
Christopher Chin
Jonquiere Quebec
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I just use a leader straightener. Two pieces of rubber that I pull (I use very little pressure) the leader through. Also takes the shine off my leader. I have had no adverse effects on my leader from using it.
Some folks don’t like this. Its your choice.
Robert B. McCorquodale
Sebring, FL
“Flip a fly”
I have essentially the same problem - only with my tippet. It seems to curl and bucnh around the fly when I cast into still pockets. I tried pulling it through my fingers, but it doesn’t have the same effect as the leader. Any other suggestions?
LetortRun, try holding the streched tippet with a hand at each end and with a finger, pluck it like a guitar string a couple of times.
Joe
Now a days you have the store bought leader straighteners or people advise you to stretch the leader. As JC stated all we used years ago when mono first came out was an old piece of inertube about an inch and a half square. You can usually get a piece at any gas station for free. It still works swell.
The rubber is the way to go. In the “Old” days we use to get it for free from old inertubes. But these days they are getting hard to find the best were the old red ones. I haven’t seen one of those in many years I wish I had a few of them. Anyone have one they want to get rid of? Most of the tubes made today are of synthetic material and no were near as good as the old red ones.
LetortRun- Your problem with your tippet material is probably caused when you are tying the fly on. Some materials have a lot of memory. I will not use a tippet material like this. I use one that does not kink up when tying a fly on. The kink is caused when you draw the knot up tight to the fly. It is a pain in the butt for sure. Just change tippet materials. That should help. Ron
RonMT, go to a bicycle shop and buy a tube patch kit. Sometimes you can find the red rubber ones. You can glue two patches on a piece of leather or heavy material and make your own straighter.
Joe
Many of the bicycle tubes are red rubber. I would try a Bicycle store.
Migs
Thanks for the heads up fellas. I haven’t rode a bike in 35 years so I never thought of that. I have a friend here in town that has a mountain bike shop he may have them in there. I will sure give it a try. Thanks again. Ron
I use last years transparent plastic fishing license holder. Fold it in half and pull the leader through it. It’s good for a season or two before it stiffens up.
Dick,
I guess many would think that (rubber inner tube) couldn’t work 'cause it’s just too simple. 
ps … That’s what I use too.
Christopher Chin
Jonquiere Quebec
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JC,
“simple” wasn’t a criticism, … it was a compliment 
PS, … Henry Cordon died today at 85, … He was the voice of Fred Flinstone since about '75
Christopher Chin
Jonquiere Quebec
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[This message has been edited by fcch (edited 20 May 2005).]