Fishing Forum

I planning for a trip in July to Alaska with my son, brother-in-law and 2 nephews. They live in Florida and mostly use spinning rods but their dad has been teaching them to fly fish recently. So we are bringing both gear. Pulling together the 5 largest fly rods the 2 of us own we have a single rod in size 6 -9 except 2 of the size 8.
I'm not worried about the size 6 as if everyone happens to be fly fishing at once ( not sure if that will even happen) I'll use it. It's an Orvis Helios and will do OK with all but the biggest freshest salmon I've encountered with some finesse. What I what to know is what is the strongest leader recommended for these various rods. If it was just me I'd probable use 8-12 lb on them and not worry about it. However with the kids I don't want there too be too many break offs but would like to avoid broken rods if possible. Will probable mostly fish Copper River tribs. Besides advise if you're aware of a link with a table or something that would be great. I can't find anything googling it. I tend to use only fluorocarbon leader for what it's worth.
[signature]

8 to 12lb leader should do just fine. i used to use a 12lb leader with a 10lb shock tippet on kings way back when.
[signature]

But for the kids can I safely have them use 16 lb on the 8 wts or 16 or even 20 lb on the 9 wt? I'm afraid they'll have a ton of break offs with the 12 lb from past experience with them trying out fly fishing with mostly sockeyes.
[signature]

you will be just fine. are you swinging rigs or streamers? if your fishing streamers you could even go as far as useing a 20lb braid, but otherwise a 20lb leader on a 9wt will work just perfect
[signature]

Streamers. Thanks, I'll pick up a few 16 lb leaders for the 8wts and 20 lb for the 9 wts for the trip.
[signature]

You are welcome to my 2 8/9 wts. if you need them, the reels are loaded with Saltwater line though (not sure if good for the colder AK water?) Anyways just need them back before end of Sept. []
[signature]

Thanks for the offer. I really doubt will have to use the 6 or 7 wt that much, if at all otherwise I'd take you up on the offer. I can cast a spinning rod as well ( barely [] ) if all the kids want to fly fish and I'm getting stomped on. If my nephews get into fly fishing a lot more in the future maybe I'll check if the offer is still on the table.
[signature]

[#502800]Good choice on the 16 and 20 lb.[/#502800]
[#502800]If you are after Sockeyes take a good pair of polarized sunglasses.[/#502800]
[signature]