FLYMPH FORUM

I know that some of you use these and eve I have dabbled in them.
But I have found them lacking when using really light lines and if there is any substantial wind. Also, the ones I see are just too short for my style.
However, my mate Steve Parkes (Atomsix Rods) is an engineer and he has been experimenting with making longer ones (up to 12 feet) using a number of non Uni Thread materials.
The one I am currently testing is working very well and I must say I am surprised.
This one is made of Maxima Chameleon too which I add three tippet sections with two droppers.
If you are interested in one and you drop him a note, he may send you one to test out.
Philip

This is very interesting Philip as I was considering (when I can find some time) experimenting with something like very fine Fireline. I don't know if it's comes fine enough. It has a certain amount of stiffness without becoming too kinky. I haven't had a chance to check into it yet but this is encouraging and interesting. I have used it as a straight leader and is very tough. You definitely need a mono tippet with it or would probably end up breaking it off at your line if you snag up.

Thanks



Vicki

Philip, I know we touched on this earlier when you were discussing your very long leaders. That thread seemed to diverge and I don't recall a satisfactory discussion of the use of furled leaders used for different purposes. Long leaders, yes, we had that conversation, but I'm curious about the subtlties of the furled leaders. Especially today as I used a 9' 6x Orvis furled leader with about 18" of 7x flourocarbon tippet added to fish #18 midges on the Gunpowder early this morning. (9' 4wt graphite rod with S/A mastery WF 4wt line, if that were a question) I hadn't used these leaders other than messing about, but this morning's fishing called for a more serious approach and some stealth. I was so pleased with the turn over and ease of presenting this leader configuration. There was a bit of spray on lift off as I was fishing in the film and below, not attempting to stay on top of the surface, but the presentation was so nice I would have appeared a competent caster if anyone had been watching. I took two 8-9" browns in very calm, very clear water in the film, so I'm not too concerned about ill effects, but I always second guess, might it have been better using my nylon leader to 5x with 6x and 7x of flouro added? I did use this second arrangement later in riffles and runs and took two more but felt the difference in the less elegant turn over (not a factor in these conditions).

I'm interested in the longer leaders, especially with droppers, but like to hear more about the nature of the furled leaders. I know they can be comprised of any number materials and at every level of quality. Some very cheap and I suspect you get what you pay for, but aside from my recent usage, I'm quite naive to the leader type. I understand these are popular with dry fly types because of the delicacy possible in presentation with small dries. Are there limitations to using these for wets or for softies fished as emergers or cripples, as I tend to fish them?

I'm not looking for a dissertation of theory...just some basic info.

w

William,
I am using these leaders on a 3 weight at the moment. Steve has the ability to make them a little thicker for larger line weights. He is al experimenting with making them with a Stren Hi Viz Gold tip.
I spent 3 hours yesterday testing a new 3 weight 10 foot rod for him (another story but this rod is very good) and using the 12 foot furled leader. It performed perfectly with and into the wind.
Vicki, that is the benefit of using mono instead of thread. It is a little stiffer and performs more like thick mono/nylon.
William, I will be river testing this leader on Sunday (our opening day) and what I have done is add 30 inches of .25mm line then another 30 inches of .18mm line followed by the actual tippet which is 30 inches of .12mm line. I have added droppers at each knot.
Now the reason I have done this is to get away from the thicker leader when fishing. I know that some of the guys who are using the basic standard 5 foot furled leaders and just adding a tippet section to it feel that the fly is still too close to the furled leader which, if done on thread, is quite a solid colour.
Jury is out and will be back on Monday.
Philip