Leader Systems....
The prior topic, involving the twisted leaders prepared by Leo Guttierez brought to mind that this subject was discussed in a prior post involving a variety leader styles/systems. (That post was, "Loreto Leaders for Dorado and, etc.", dated 6-7-05).
In that and the latest post Leader systems from as simple as butt/tippet sections to as complicated as twisted butt/tippet leaders were discussed. In the earlier post, Gary Graham, Baja on the Fly, mentioned using a butt section to a 20# test, tapered leader for a class tippet/bite section leader. Gary accomplishes this by reversing the taper and tying a "small bimini" in the tippet end. Then attaching the bimini by loop to loop to the butt section. Simple but effective with no knot between bite/class tippet. I haven't used this system, as yet but it does seem to have potential.
I've used the twisted leaders in practice sessions but not on the water. I can say that this sytem will turn over a large fly, even in the wind, provided that you don't add too much length in your tippet.
In the latest post, there is concern that the actual pound test of the twisted leader may exceed the core strength of the line itself. I've had some questions about this, myself. My initial thoughts are that this leader system is only as strong as it's weakest point (like a chain). In a twisted leader using only a doubled section of material, the loop end is still a single strand. Therefore, if the material is 20# test, the leader will be 20# test. If the twisted section is doubled, I'm not sure what the pound the actual pound test of the leader is. The loop is double stranded. Assuming the knot at the butt end of the twist is a double or triple surgeons, this becomes a very stretchy/strong leader system
that could easily exceed the pound test of the fly line itself.
I guess the question that arises for me is, what is the optimal pound test to use in the construction of a twsited leader My assumption is that most everyone would want the weakest point in your line leader system to be in the leader.
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated
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