what kind of leader would you use?

[Nigelman]

I'm going to be doing lots of fly fishing in Okinwa Japan and don't know what kind of leader I should use. Should I just use some leader line I have for casting lures of 16lb? How about some Japanese floral carbon of 20-30lb.........I'm really at a loss of what to do. I use a 9wt with SA quad tips.

I know it will really depend on what kind of fish I'll be targeting but at this stage I really don't know. I'll be on a boat for one day then probally a kayak for 2-3 days. I've seen pics so far of roosters, makerals, bonitos, baracudas etc etc. Any thoughts or ideas?

Nigelman

[Nigelman]

30 reads and no answear????

[Loopy]

Having never fished in Japan, I can't answer in regards to the fish. The usual leader would probably be a tapered 9' leader to about 10 lbs. I prefer RIO but they are all pretty good. If the fish were real particular, you could go to 12 ft or add a flurocarbon tippet. If they weren't so particular, you could go a bit heavier especially with the clear intermediate line.

You can tie your own without too much learning curve buy the easiest thing is to just buy or oder a handful of various sizes and weights. If you decide to tie your own, the easiest is a two stage progression (for non picky fish like bass, 6' of 20 lb tied to 3' of 10lb). I know some people who will just tie on a single peiece of mono and go fish, but I don't think it turns over very well.

There are formulas for three or more stages (I'm a slob and just start tying) but the general idea is keep the heavier line longer and then drop about 50% of the length with each smaller wt. You can tie them together with surgeons knots but they don't lie too straight and blood knots are usually recommended. I just built some with fairly stiff 50 lb to 30 lb to 16 lb using uni to uni knot connections. These were about 6' to 4' to 2'. They seem to turn over ok. If you have a tendency to throw wind knots, they invariably catch on these connections and make a remarkable mess.

After all is said and done, buy a handfull of leaders of various sizes and a roll of tippet, and see how you do.

[Nigelman]

thanks Loopy, great advice!

Much appreciated.

Nigelman

[peanuts]

I agree, but i would add some Rio Toothy Critters Leaders these are 9ft taper leaders with 7" of wire with a small clip which you clip your fly to. Perfect for Cuda's had some success with catching Cuda's using these with poppers in the Bahamas the fish don't seem to mind and it saves you getting bitten off by fish with teeth.

[Nigelman]

what pound test was the leader? was it a tapered style?

So far I know that'll we'll targeting grouper, perch and I'm sure some baras that'll be lurking about.

Good advice about the steel leader peanuts. I made some popovics poppers in various colors and sizes. Wish me luck, one weeeeeeeek to go!

Nigelman

[peanuts]

The toothy critters leader are made by either Rio,Climax or Mastery.
Mastery Barracuda/shark 9' with either 4" or 8" wire.
Rio Toothy Critter 7'6" with either 15lb,20lb,30lb.40lb wire.
Climax Cuda/Bluefish 8' 40lb taper with 15"wire.
Take your pick I use the Mastery ones and never had a problem with them.
Good luck and tight lines on your trip. Post a report on your return.

[Nigelman]

I will post a report when I get back for sure!!!

Nigelman