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Tying on a Chartreuse Clouser for an Australian Salmon from the beach

Fly Fishing Gear | Leaders

Connecting your thick fly line to a tiny fly, the leader is an essential part of your rig. Just by changing your leader, can radically change how your fly turns over in the cast. With leaders ranging in weight, length and taper, there's one waiting for you at Tom's Outdoors.

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THING TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING TAPERED FLY LEADERS

Breaking Strain & Diameter

The breaking strain of a tapered leader refers to the maximum force it can withstand before breaking. It's crucial to match the breaking strain with the species you're targeting and the conditions you're fishing in. Diameter is closely related to breaking strain, with thicker leaders generally being stronger but more visible. For delicate presentations, thinner leaders with lower breaking strains are preferred, while for larger fish or heavy flies, a stronger, thicker leader is necessary to prevent break-offs.

In fly fishing, the "X" rating of a leader or tippet refers to the diameter and relative strength of the line, with the system becoming thinner and lighter as the number increases. As the X rating increases, the diameter and breaking strength decrease, making higher X ratings (like 5X and 6X) better suited for delicate presentations with smaller flies, while lower X ratings (like 0X and 1X) are better for larger fish and heavier flies.

The length of a tapered leader plays a significant role in fly presentation and control. Longer leaders, typically 9 to 12 feet, are ideal for clear, calm waters where subtlety is key. Shorter leaders, around 6 to 7.5 feet, are better suited for windy conditions or when fishing with heavy or bulky flies, as they provide better turnover and control.

Mono vs. Fluorocarbon

Monofilament and fluorocarbon are the two primary materials used for tapered leaders, each with its advantages. Monofilament is more supple and is more buoyant, making it ideal for dry fly fishing where a natural drift is crucial. Fluorocarbon, on the other hand, is nearly invisible underwater and sinks faster, making it perfect for nymphing and streamer fishing. Fluorocarbon is also more abrasion-resistant, which is beneficial when fishing in rocky or rough environments.

Leaders for Different Applications

Different fly fishing techniques require specialized leaders for optimal performance. For dry fly fishing, a longer, lighter monofilament leader helps achieve a delicate presentation. Indicator nymphing often requires a shorter, heavier leader with a strong butt section for turning over multiple flies and indicators. Euro nymphing leaders are typically long, thin, and made of fluorocarbon to help maintain contact with the nymphs and achieve a natural drift. Streamer fishing calls for a shorter, heavier leader to cast larger flies and handle aggressive strikes from predatory fish.

NEED HELP CHOOSING LEADERS? CONTACT US TODAY

If you would appreciate some additional advice. Simply get in touch with our friendly sales team – they’re always up for a chat. You can contact us by calling our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.


Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout 9' Tapered Leader - 3 Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $39.99 - Original price $39.99
Original price
$39.99
$39.99 - $39.99
Current price $39.99

The Standard leader for Trout You can't go past the good old nine-foot leader for versatility and reliability. You can add a few feet of tippet and...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout 9' Tapered Leader - Single Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $17.99 - Original price $17.99
Original price
$17.99
$17.99 - $17.99
Current price $17.99

The Standard leader for Trout You can't go past the good old nine-foot leader for versatility and reliability. You can add a few feet of tippet an...

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Maxima Ultragreen Leader

Maxima
Original price $6.95 - Original price $8.95
Original price
$6.95 - $8.95
$6.95 - $8.95
Current price $6.95

The Original Fish Wrangler When you need the flex, strength and bigger diameter of traditional monofilament, you can't go past Maxima. Its trademar...

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Rio Trout Powerflex Plus Tapered Leader 9ft 2 Pack

RIO
Original price $20.95 - Original price $20.95
Original price
$20.95
$20.95 - $20.95
Current price $20.95

Rio's strongest trout leader. Rio's Powerflex Plus Trout leaders have 20% more tensile strength than Rio's previous version, creating incredible st...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout 7.5' Tapered Leader - 3 Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $39.99 - Original price $39.99
Original price
$39.99
$39.99 - $39.99
Current price $39.99

From Sneaky Streams to Bow and Arrow Casts If you live for tiny creeks, dry-flies, 7X tippets and wily trout, you've probably already come to the c...

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Maxima Chameleon Leader

Maxima
Original price $6.95 - Original price $8.95
Original price
$6.95 - $8.95
$6.95 - $8.95
Current price $6.95

The Unique Maxima Chameleon Leader. Designed for fresh water lakes and rivers Maxima Chameleon Leader has the unique property of changing hues to m...

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RIO Powerflex Trout Tapered Leader - 9ft 1 pack

RIO
Original price $11.95 - Original price $11.95
Original price
$11.95
$11.95 - $11.95
Current price $11.95

Powerflex Leaders help you cast better and fish more effectively. RIO's Powerflex Trout leaders feature a powerful butt section that provides unsu...

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Hanak Competition Micro Rings (10 PCS)

Hanak
Original price $9.95 - Original price $9.95
Original price
$9.95
$9.95 - $9.95
Current price $9.95

Save your leaders, add Droppers, Make Life Easier Micro rings remarkably simplify the construction of leaders and save material. Ultra-smooth and ...

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Rio Saltwater Knotless Tapered Leader - 10ft

RIO
Original price $13.95 - Original price $13.95
Original price
$13.95
$13.95 - $13.95
Current price $13.95

Tough, abrasion-resistant, knotless tapered saltwater leader. Rio's Saltwater tapered leader is an excellent general purpose saltwater leader for m...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon 9' Tapered Leader - Single Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $34.99 - Original price $34.99
Original price
$34.99
$34.99 - $34.99
Current price $34.99

Super Tough, Super Versatile Fluorocarbon leaders No matter if you're throwing Crazy-Charlie's at Bonefish, Crabs at Permit, Clousers at Flathead o...

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Rio Tippet Rings

RIO
Original price $21.95 - Original price $21.95
Original price
$21.95
$21.95 - $21.95
Current price $21.95

Make rigging simple with these strong and lightweight Rio Tippet Rings.   They might be small, but what they lack in size, they make up for in st...

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OPST Commando 12' Sink Tip

OPST
Original price $59.95
Original price $59.95 - Original price $59.95
Original price $59.95
Current price $36.00
$36.00 - $36.00
Current price $36.00

OPST Commando Tips complete your Pure Skagit system. It's a fact that not every stretch of river calls for the fastest, heaviest sink tip. Riffles ...

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OPST Commando 10' Sink Tip

OPST
Original price $59.95
Original price $59.95 - Original price $59.95
Original price $59.95
Current price $36.00
$36.00 - $36.00
Current price $36.00

OPST Commando Tips now come in 10-foot lengths, to better accommodate single hand and switch rods. These tips come in three different grain weights...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Euro Nymph 13.5' Leader - Single Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $29.99 - Original price $29.99
Original price
$29.99
$29.99 - $29.99
Current price $29.99

Scientific Anglers Absolute Euro Nymph leaders are designed to drastically reduce water absorption while maintaining an optimal suppleness for high...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Stealth 9' Tapered Leader - Single Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $17.99 - Original price $17.99
Original price
$17.99
$17.99 - $17.99
Current price $17.99

The Absolute Trout Stealth leader is designed to drastically reduce water absorption while maintaining optimal suppleness for high knot strength. S...

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RIO Medium VersiLeader

RIO
Original price $24.95 - Original price $24.95
Original price
$24.95
$24.95 - $24.95
Current price $24.95

Achieve perfect depth and presentation with the RIO Medium VersiLeader.  The RIO Medium VersiLeader is the ultimate tool for fly anglers seeking pr...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Saltwater 10' Tapered Leader - Single Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $34.99 - Original price $34.99
Original price
$34.99
$34.99 - $34.99
Current price $34.99

A strong, abrasion resistant leader you can rely on Scientific Angler's Saltwater 10' tapered leader holds a 15% higher knot strength compared to p...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Bass 8' Tapered Leader - Single Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $17.99 - Original price $17.99
Original price
$17.99
$17.99 - $17.99
Current price $17.99

Throw Big Flies at Big Fish If you want to pull Aussie-Bass out of lay down snags, pick Yellow-Belly off weed beds or throw big hopper patterns aga...

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RIO Trout VersiLeader (7ft)

RIO
Original price $19.95 - Original price $19.95
Original price
$19.95
$19.95 - $19.95
Current price $19.95

Perfect your presentation with the RIO Trout VersiLeader (7ft). Introducing the RIO Trout VersiLeader (7ft), the ultimate tool for fly anglers targ...

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Scientific Anglers Euro Nymph Kit

Scientific Anglers
Original price $79.99 - Original price $79.99
Original price
$79.99
$79.99 - $79.99
Current price $79.99

Whether you call it tight line nymphing, Czech, French or Euro nymphing. There's no denying that it's a deadly technique for catching Trout. Euro n...

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OPST Head Wallet

OPST
Original price $79.95
Original price $79.95 - Original price $79.95
Original price $79.95
Current price $48.00
$48.00 - $48.00
Current price $48.00

The Key to keeping your Commando Heads in check. The OPST Head Wallet has seven accordion style pockets that allow you to store and organise your c...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Leader Wallet

Scientific Anglers
Original price $39.99 - Original price $39.99
Original price
$39.99
$39.99 - $39.99
Current price $39.99

Get organised and have your leader in your fingers the second you need them. When your boat or pack is full of leader and you can never find the co...

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Rio Fluoroflex Trout Leader - 9ft

RIO
Original price $32.95 - Original price $32.95
Original price
$32.95
$32.95 - $32.95
Current price $32.95

Rio's Fluoroflex Trout Tapered leader is made from 100% fluorocarbon and is the ideal choice when a nearly invisible presentation is required in Cl...

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Scientific Anglers 7' Sonar Leaders

Scientific Anglers
Original price $39.99 - Original price $39.99
Original price
$39.99
$39.99 - $39.99
Current price $39.99

Improve your fishing game with the Scientific Anglers 7' Sonar Leaders. The Scientific Anglers 7' Sonar Leaders are a high-quality fishing accesso...

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