Still comfused about leader size.

[harryhh]

I have a 5wt. fly outfit and have read conflicting information (at least to me) about the size leader I can use. I'm mainly concerned with being able to cast streamers large enough for largemouth and smallmouth in both lakes and streams. Perhaps up to a size 4 hook and a streamer with long tail feathers.

I found a chart where the first entry says I can cast a 7.5ft. 0X leader that would allow me to cast fly sizes 1/0 - 4. The chart continues with smaller size leaders and smaller flies.

Do you folks fairly well agree with this chart, and that with practice I might be able to cast fairly large streamers on my 5wt. outfit?

(Hope the chart works properly in this post. Looks like you'll have to use the slider at the bottom to see the right side of the chart.)

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Leader Length & Size

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Line

Size

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Fly

Sizes

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Pound

Test

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Tied length of each individual section – {Diameter in thousandths of an inch}

[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 1]0.021[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 1]0.019[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 1]0.017

[/size][/font]X4 [font "arial"][size 1]0.015

[/size][/font]X3 [font "arial"][size 1]0.013

[/size][/font]X2 [font "arial"][size 1]0.012

[/size][/font]X1 [font "arial"][size 1]0.011

[/size][/font]0X [font "arial"][size 1]0.010

[/size][/font]1X [font "arial"][size 1]0.009

[/size][/font]2X [font "arial"][size 1]0.008

[/size][/font]3X [font "arial"][size 1]0.007

[/size][/font]4X [font "arial"][size 1]0.006

[/size][/font]5X [font "arial"][size 1]0.005

[/size][/font]6X [font "arial"][size 1]0.004

[/size][/font]7X [font "arial"][size 2]7.5′ Tapered 0X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]1/0 – 4[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]10 lbs.[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]24"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]9"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]9"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]18"[/size][/font]






[font "arial"][size 2]7.5′ Tapered 0X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]1/0 – 4[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]10 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]9"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]9"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]18"[/size][/font]






[font "arial"][size 2]7.5′ Tapered 1X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]2 – 6[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8.5 lbs.[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]24"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]9"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]9"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]18"[/size][/font]





[font "arial"][size 2]7.5′ Tapered 1X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]2 – 6[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8.5 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]9"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]9"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]18"[/size][/font]





[font "arial"][size 2]7.5′ Tapered 2X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 10[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]7 lbs.[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]24"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]9"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]9"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]7.5′ Tapered 2X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 10[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]7 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]9"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]7.5′ Tapered 3X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]10 – 14[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 lbs.[/size][/font]

[font "arial"][size 2]22"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]18"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]7.5′ Tapered 3X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]10 – 14[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]18"[/size][/font]



[font "arial"][size 2]7.5′ Tapered 4X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12 – 16[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]5 lbs.[/size][/font]

[font "arial"][size 2]22"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]18"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]7.5′ Tapered 4X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12 – 16[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]5 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]7.5′ Tapered 5X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14 – 18[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]4 lbs.[/size][/font]


[font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]22"[/size][/font]

[font "arial"][size 2]7.5′ Tapered 6X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16 – 22[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 lbs.[/size][/font]


[font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]8.0′ Tapered 2X

Nymph Leader[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]4 – 6wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 10[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]7 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]30"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]18"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]18"[/size][/font]




[font "arial"][size 2]9.0′ Tapered 0X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]1/0 – 4[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]10 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]20"[/size][/font]






[font "arial"][size 2]9.0′ Tapered 1X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]2 – 6[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8.5 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]9.0′ Tapered 2X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 10[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]7 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]20"[/size][/font]




[font "arial"][size 2]9.0′ Tapered 3X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]10 – 14[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]20"[/size][/font]



[font "arial"][size 2]9.0′ Tapered 4X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12 – 16[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]5 lbs.[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]26"[/size][/font]


[font "arial"][size 2]9.0′ Tapered 4X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12 – 16[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]5 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]20"[/size][/font]


[font "arial"][size 2]9.0′ Tapered 5X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14 – 18[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]4 lbs.[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]28"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]10"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]9.0′ Tapered 5X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14 – 18[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]4 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]28"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]10"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]9.0′ Tapered 6X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16 – 22[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 lbs.[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]28"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]10"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]26"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]9.0′ Tapered 6X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16 – 22[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 lbs.[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]28"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]10"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]26"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]12.0′ Tapered 3X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]10 – 14[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]25"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]17"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]28"[/size][/font]



[font "arial"][size 2]12.0′ Tapered 4X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12 – 16[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]5 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]24"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]7"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]12.0′ Tapered 5X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14 – 18[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]4 lbs.[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]24"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]32"[/size][/font]

[font "arial"][size 2]12.0′ Tapered 5X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14 – 18[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]4 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]24"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]7"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]12.0′ Tapered 6X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16 – 22[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 lbs.[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]24"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]8"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]32"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]12.0′ Tapered 6X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16 – 22[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]24"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]7"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]28"[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]12.0′ Tapered 7X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]3 – 5wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]20 – 26[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]2 lbs.[/size][/font]
[font "arial"][size 2]36"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]24"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font]
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[font "arial"][size 2]32"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12.0′ Tapered 7X[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]6 – 9wt[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]20 – 26[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]2 lbs.[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]28"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]18"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]16"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]14"[/size][/font] [font "arial"][size 2]12"[/size][/font]
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[flygoddess]

The chart looks like how to build a leader. The different lengths for different weight for a taper.
Are you building your own tapered leaders?

You have a 5 wt. rod , I would be using one leader in a 3X at 7' or 7'6" and adding 3X to 6X tippet to catch just about any fish around here.
If I need to go heavier then I would be looking at a 6, 7 or 8 wt rod.
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[harryhh]

Hello again flygoddess,

I see that the chart didn't come out right. When I copied and pasted it, it looked like a chart.

You'll have to excuse me please, I feel like I'm about to fall asleep. I'll have to get back to you tomorrow. Thanks.
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[DrewT]

Don't overcomplicate your leader for streamers. For example, if I'm throwing big junk, I use a sinktip line such as a Rio Streamertip with about 4 feet of 15 lb hard mono and a loop knot. Works well for trout and bass and turns over big streamers easily. Additionally, it allows me to horse fish away from cover. I use a minimum of a 7wt though as it gives me more punch and lifting power.
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[flygoddess]

Exactly. A 5 wt will work but generally not the ideal choice for Bass. And as I said in an earlier post, like Drew, I don't bother with tapered leaders on sinking lines.
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[harryhh]

Thanks a lot DrewT and flygoddess!

It does sound like I'm making this leader thing too complicated. One of the first things that I read was that you need a heavy weight rod and line to cast big flies, and I immediately became concerned with casting #4 and #6 flies.

I'm excited about being able to cast large enough flies to catch smallmouth that I've heard are in a nearby stream. I've only caught one or two smallmouths in my life.

From what you're telling me, with some knowledge and a little practice, I should be able to cast some larger flies with my 5wt. rod. That takes a load off my mind and really sounds good.

I've ordered a package of streamers from Walmart that came in last night. I don't really know whats in the pack, but I'll pick them up today, and if the wind isn't too bad, I'll go out and try them this evening.

If Walmart has it, I'll also pick up some fairly heavy line that I can add to what's left of my original leader, and I think will make a good leader for casting the streamers.

Again, thanks a lot. I feel better and more at ease about leaders now.

Harry
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[Dryrod]

[#008000]I exclusively use furled leaders. Have them on all my lines and never bother to change them out unless one breaks. I make my own so I can fine tune them to my line weight.[/#008000]
[#008000]The furled leaders do not wick water and they pick up very easily.[/#008000]
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