Building Furled Leaders Without Jigs or Tools

Furled leaders are becoming more popular all the time. But they can be costly if you buy them, or most require jigs or other tools if you want to build them yourself. We will demonstrate a method of constructing your own twisted (furled) leaders from ordinary monofilament fishing line and the only tools needed are your two bare hands (no cumbersome jigs to set up or drills to use.) It only takes a couple of minutes to build one and you can make hundreds of leaders from a single spool of mono for just pennies each.

[@Nassangler]

I looked everywhere for instructions like these!! Thank you ever so much

[@whaler1-150]

Just did this with 14lb Trilene XT, was super easy and took about ten minutes. Worked wonderfully first try! Thanks so much for the awesome video, I've been wanting to try furled leaders for a while, now I've got the ability to make as many as I like!

[@codyparnell]

So do i need to bring my own shit(which i currently do not posses , but whatevs)?

[@codyparnell]

p.s. Love ya home slice

[@ernieflynn5124]

Great instruction, thanks so much, this was just what I was looking for.

[@mikejames663]

Excellent info, will have to have a go at this method.

[@safoxmulder]

Thanks

[@yareelohim77]

Great tips! I tied a few and it's very easy if you keep the tag ends separated. My question: what size mono should I use for a 5wt fly line leading into a 5x tippet?

[@gregh4284]

Great video, keeping it clear and simple.

[@captsodie]

Yes, if you wanted to you could attach a tapered leader. However, you need to keep in mind the transfer of energy. As long as the butt section of the leader is between 75 and 100 percent the diameter of the attachment point and the taper continues it should work. I don't see any reason to waste a leader on an already good leader system that just needs a tippet.

[@teeberg30]

Line Twisting? I had the same problem at first. Two things that I discovered: First, the free ends of the line (after being folded in half) have to be free to twist and spin as the line is furled. I was able to see this in the video. If they aren't, then those loose ends get tangled into each other, looped into itself and it's a mess. I finally opened a cupboard door (below the counter) and hung the two ends, one over each side. The cupboard kept the two lines apart. I also hung a light weight on the end of each line, which helped it hang down and stay separate from the other. The second thing I discovered, was which direction to twist the line. When I did the first step, separating the line in half I did fine. However, when you move to the second part (folding some of the already-furled line over onto itself) I had to pay very close attention to which direction I twisted. If I didn't then the first half started to untwist and the lines got tangled. It took me two or three tries to get the hang of it, but it works great. The video is excellent.

[@AmeriFanPicker]

How does it not just start to come undone?

[@captsodie]

Thank you for the positive feedback. We think they are easy to build and the only leaders we use. More details on building these leaders are on our web site. We plan to post more informational videos soon.

[@mnovo]

I made this leader in 10# for an 8wt fly rod with some success. I tied 8# and 10# tippets with a "cheater bimini knot" which is the first furled process without doubling it over and just adding a double surgeon's knot about 3" below the loop and 24" of single strand mono (or floro if you wish) as the tippet portion. You can adjust the butt portion also to fine tune for presentation. The longer the butt, the more power to turn over a fly.This leader turns over big flies! Great for Bass bugs!

[@KAYAKERSTAN]

First of all a very big thank you to captsodie's channel for posting one of the best DIY fly fishing related videos here on KZbin! I have been making my furled leaders like this ever since the video was posted. I was using jigs to make them before viewing this video. I have also customized some with added loops for tying on 2 - 4 flies. Some of you posted about the problems with the 2 ends becoming entangled with 1 another. In the beginning i had the same problem and found a simple fix. After you have straightened out the leader and you make the bend in the middle to start spinning, tie 1 oz sinker to each end and place each end in opposite direction from one another. As you twist the weight will prevent the line from getting tangled. When you get within 3 - 4ft of the sinkers lift one end up at a time and let the sinkers spin the twists out and do the same with the other then continue until you reach the sinkers. Clip sinkers off then continue doing the second set of twists.

[@ptfunnypoet]

My experience following this technique is that it's useful only to some point. In the video, he used a pretty thick and short line. Imagine you're using a 20ft 6x line. You fold in half and start twist it using the thumb as in the video. Soon you'll see that the rest of the 10ft very thin line doesn't twist with your thumb. The line ends up twisting like hell. Just a heads-up.

[@83JustSomeGuy]

I had the same problem.

[@adamkonkle138]

*I bought these and used them at the river where I get snags often they have done a **enjoyable.fishing** recommend great job of not breaking along with some strong line I purchased as well. They are super durable and easy to use.*

[@bboy9955]

Beside the audio cancer being emitted from this video it's a good video. Phonographs are clearer.

[@captsodie]

Furled by hand or furled by using a drill or other tool is still furled. At less than two cents per leader with this method (depending on price of mono) rather than dollars for a purchased one or time and effort to build one with a home made jig and drill, I prefer this method. No one leader is perfect for every situation or for every angler. This method provides just another option for anglers when deciding on leaders.

[@Eugeneisthesex]

This method allowed me to make the best bass leader I've ever used, and it only took a few minutes to figure out. Thanks again!

[@captsodie]

As I mentioned in another post the ratio of the sections is a variable you can control to your own needs. I am glad to hear the leaders are working well for you and the cost for building one can not be beat! Keep me posted as you make adjustments/changes. I always like hearing how folks modify these for their own use.

[@Dorsolateral1]

You got my attention....I LIKE THIS METHOD! Sharing with my nephew. We are both new to FLY. Very unhappy with the extruded tapered leader. Just experimenting in short sections of 4 lb mono I instantly recognized that this should be better. I like the HACK angle on it because I can instantly twirl up variations to fit the needs of the moment / situation instead of being stuck with a packaged leader and even better, it is 1/10th the cost, so I can burn through them without stressing over the cash every time I snap the small end or whatever...Leave it in a tree behind me while I am learning this method of angling. I am also so cheap that I will tie onto a broken tapered leader section as long as the connection to the fly line is still good and not getting too beat up. THANK YOU FOR THE INFO! Happy Holidays! Stay safe! FURL ON!

[@stancooper9801]

I know you kindly put this video up some years ago however I have just found it. Thanks very much for the upload, I made two in a matter of minutes. Thanks

[@BlackWarriorLures]

Nice! Very nice. Simple compared to what others are doing.

[@chuckHart70]

Old video but i got to say its a good one. We can all buy what we need, but most of us got into fly fishing cause its different so we are always making our own stuff. thanks!

[@kerryevans3208]

The sixty lb/thirty lb figure is in error. You still have a single strand on the tippet end and a double strand on the fly line end. Or 15/30. Same would apply to whatever strength tippet or mono used. I've been making my own furled leaders for a dozen years using a jig I made from some scrap lumber and dowel rod. Also, I use the Shorb loops on each end for connection to fly line and tippet.

[@josel008]

One question on the strength of the loops compared to the leader itself. Let's say I used 15 lb mono. Initial loop we start off with (the tippet connector loop) is is 15 lb (single mono strand) compared to the leader which is around 30lb (2 twisted 15 lb mono strands) The butt section above the surgeon's loop is made up of 4 twisted strands of mono (around 60 lbs) but the loop connector to the fly line is only 2 twisted strands of mono or around 30 lbs. Is this correct or did I miss some additional twists along the way (as if I wanted 30 lbs loop tippet connector and 60 lbs loop fly line connector). I know this was a bit long winded but hopefully it makes sense. Thanks for sharing.

[@ranawayfromsanity]

just a question..if you`re simply twisting mono...what keeps it from unwinding?...Certainly with a fish on twisting and dodging in the river it would come unwound above and or below the surgeons knot

[@scapeuce]

One of the most useful DIY videos, for fly fishing, I've ever seen ... Using monofilaments with different strengths, I am able to build leaders that work flawlessly with big saltwater flies or tiny nymphs ....Thanks a lot ...

[@skipblu3508]

Tried this with 6 pound fluorocarbon P line. I have the problem with the ends tangling and the loop tangling during the first twisting. After doing about three twists I would run my hand the length of the twisted material and then down each of the bitter ends to clear twists. The ends will twist upon themselves if this is not done often. The longer the line you're dealing with more difficult this becomes. Everything works much easier on the second twisting, but the same procedure is recommended. I'm finding ratio of 3 to 1 works well for estimating size the finished product, for every 1 foot of leader you want you will need 3 feet of mono.

[@captsodie]

The great thing about custom building furled leaders is you can make them to your own needs. I usually go approximately two thirds four strand to on third two strand. Heavy flies generally need a longer butt section to turn them over lighter flies could be turned over with less. These leaders can be made for only a few cents each so make several different ones and see what works best for your casting style.

[@bored9boy]

hello, cool video mr captsodie, i just have 2 questions : if the final leader is 7 foot how long should be the but section and how long for the tip section. and, is there a technique for making leaders with smaller diameter mono because its kind a difficult? thanks, excellent video.

[@bcphotographer]

Hot Damm! ....... if these fish anywhere as nice as they tie, I'm hooked! ......a couple points: - on the discussion on lb test of sections etc.....unless you switch to a different material for the tippet (ie. fluorocarbon)......the weak part of the flyline to fly is just about always the knot to fly ...... in "sectional" leader design, the various lb tests are to get the taper and the turn over, not really about the strength of each section - I did 3 practice ones on a shorter length of 15lb test and found the better you stretch the line the better is furls ......... and as far as loose ends twisting, i just sat at the end of the table and placed a cup half way up the side..... one line behind the cup, the other over the front of the table, almost in my lap

[@РоманКуклин-в3и]

very good video and the method and the practice I can say that this method is many times better in all respects and ponimanichh than the method of twisting the cone undergrowth of thin woods on a nail, it is a chore, and this method does not justify yourself, your video the most perfect method, I advise everyone to try at least

[@GnSmith85]

What size tippet for bass to attach to these leaders? 2x or 3x for 8 wt line? Thanks.

[@captsodie]

Who fishes for trout?? Just kidding but we are carp guys around here. There is no more likely hood of the trout (or other species) seeing these leaders than any purchased furled leader. Yes, there are probably some fish which have been fished a lot and get spooky around some leaders/tippet but the the vast majority of fish are not leader shy. At the very least give these leaders a try and if you don't like them you are not out anything.

[@doctorxring]

This works surprisingly well. Managing the tag ends while you are twisting is a bit problematic on lighter lines. As long as you have a spool of mono you will never be without a leader. Cool.

[@captsodie]

There is no perfect leader for every situation. What we like about building our own furled leaders is that they turn over a fly very well, they can be customized to your own needs, this method allows a tippet to be added easily by loop-to-loop connection and these only cost two cents to make rather than several dollars for a purchased one.

[@mnovo]

The key to building this leader is keeping the tag ends from twisting up during the process. The longer the leader proposed, the more diligent you need to be. I tied the tag ends to barrel swivels and attached them spread apart on a chair to keep the apart. "The greater the job, the greater the satisfaction when done"

[@captsodie]

Thanks for the feedback. I have never used fluorocarbon--never had a reason to. Folks tell me that it works just fine for making these leaders. Very soft mono or very hard mono is a little difficult to work with but not impossible to make leaders with them. Let me know if I can be of any further help or answer any other questions.

[@captsodie]

The diameter of the leader should not be larger than the fly line but at the same time it should not be significantly smaller either. If it is between 75-100 percent the fly line you are OK. This allows for a proper transfer of energy during the cast without a “hinge” effect while casting. With that said you could build these leaders out of several different pound test monos and make an acceptable leader. My suggestion is try 10 lb mono for the leader and adjust the tippet to the fly size

[@captsodie]

Sorry to hear you are having trouble with the process. The ends are suppose to twist that is why we suggest keeping the apart by one of several methods (ex. place them on either side of the kitchen counter) Once built these can last a couple of years as well. If you are ever in the NE Kansas area I will be happy work with you on the leader building process. Our web site has some extra information.

[@captsodie]

@imisscarlsagan As far as using nylon thread I have never used thread. We suggest using the lb. test of mono that matches the rod weight as a starting point. In other words Use 8lb mono for an 8 weight rod. However, you will probably need to go a little heavier on the mono to get a good transfer of energy. The butt diameter of the leader should be about 75-100% the diameter of the tip of the fly line for good energy transfer. I hope this helps. If not drop me an email.

[@captsodie]

I understand what you are suggesting and think it might be worth investigating. The knot just makes it easy and fast to build. However, with a little practice and patients the ends should be able to be hidden within the twist. I guess I will have to give this a try and see what happens. Thanks for the feedback.

[@captsodie]

The ratio of four strand section to two strand can be varied as needed. One of the things we like about this method is the ease of customizing the leader to your own needs. We prefer loop to loop for the tippet but some folks have built these leaders with a built in single strand for the tippet. This does not allow exchanging sizes of tippet as easily but they work well. We enjoy hearing of different modifications that folks come up with to make the leaders work for their own needs

[@imisscarlsagan]

Hi captsodie, I just returned from a fishing trip to Patagonia and tried your leaders on BOTH dry flies and streamers. They rocked! I faced the strong wind conditions much better while keeping outstanding presentation on long and short casts. On streamers, I feared that the furled leader would not favor proper sinking of the fly, but it was not the case. Thans again for the advice, I even took with me some leaders that I gave as presents to my partners, they were all very much impressed. R

[@door2yourheart]

What a great post! Thank you! These leaders would also allow a length of indicator yarn to be inserted if part of the furl is opened up first. Not sure if it would stay there tho, but worth a try.

[@oktroutbum]

how do you rate these as far as 5 wt or 6 wt, i see most furled leaders are rated for specific rod weights

[@mikehuntsmels9680]

i know how to do a knotless tapered leader with uni thread

[@TheChewbee]

Very instructive but not as easy as it seems , I cannot get one right either the stands scrambles before me furling them or somewhere during the furling I got got some loose loops during the furling . To me it seems very difficult to do

[@johncraine6626]

I've tied a number of these. I put a couple of cup hooks into a door frame and put a swivel on each. I then tie a loop in each end of my piece of mono and clip them both into the swivels. I then stretch the mono out to find the mid point and begin twisting. I then proceed exactly according to this video. The key is to keep just enough tension on the mono to allow you to twist. Still experimenting with the relative length of each section. My early attempts did not lay out well.

[@imisscarlsagan]

... Your advice is pure gold, thanks so much for sharing this. I have been trying to learn about furling techniques for a while and was just about to conclude that the only way was to build those clunky artifacts with hooks and spikes... You not only taught me something great but also saved me hours of hard work. I made my first 3 leaders in under an hour. What weight of nylon thread do you recommend? I tried with a 0x, a 3x and even a thicker one. I use #6 and #7 lines. Thanks again for

[@angelo69jes]

Oh man, This took hours to do. I kept holding the line too tight too light loop was too small too large....But after practice and practice I was able to make 2 perfect ones. One mono and one fluorocarbon, Darn my fingers hard!

[@tonyc5504]

Greetings from the U.K. a superb posting. Can you use other materials such as fluorocarbon. Kind regards

[@redshaftedflicker]

....and here i thought that i'd need to have a ph.d in basketweaving in order to furl my own leader. thanks for the info--very informative and i'm extremely exited to give her a try.

[@imisscarlsagan]

Hi Captsodie, you're right, I meant mono, not thread. Thanks for the advice regarding lb. tests and rod weight, very clear, simple and helpful. Regards!

[@christophercook723]

Excellent clear and to the point. Thank you muchly.

[@seasand67]

Loving this info, thanks for sharing your knowledge and providing a great video making this an easy technique to learn. I've been practicing all evening and now have a decent set of half a dozen made up. Thanks again.

[@seasand67]

Fantastic information, been practicing making these all evening and now have half a dozen I'm reasonably happy with. Can't wait to put one on my new 7' 4/5 to see how they perform. I was looking at making a board to make leaders, not sure I'll bother now! Thanks for the wonderful knowledge and a great video making it easy to try.

[@toolman560]

I've been working on these for a couple of weeks now and I've built dozens. They work great and are a lot of fun to make. So easy and very effective. Thanks for the information.

[@redwoodtrees1]

Thanks for the video tuition. Great information. At a recent ( yesterday ) Fly Nymph Czech Fishing Clinic , one instructor reccommended using 4 strands of natural horse hair and furled as in your demo , which can be used as an intermediary between fly line and leader. The Horse hair when Mucilined floats all day.

[@derekscardino579]

Nailed it also on the first go! I have been looking at jigs and confusing directions and ran across your video! Thank you for making you video so detailed and easy to learn!!!!

[@pullharderbaby]

thankyou so much for this 'how to vid' , works superbly, great turnover with a nice delecate presentation. top man!

[@dawsoncoates]

Is it possible to make one by hand that is knotless and tapered?

[@tom87pate]

Hey, thanks a lot!! I think I'll make a few and head to the creek to try them out.

[@gtsc]

thank you very much, now i don't have to buy so many varient of leader.

[@pobe]

Wow! It looks sooo easy :-) I have to try these out, looks great.

[@MudWalker]

Great presentation! Simple question. What keeps the furled line from untwisting after setup and after repeated cast?

[@captsodie]

Mono has a short term memory. When you stretch it the first time to get it straight you take out the memory from the spool. After building these leaders you introduce a new memory into the mono and they hold together very nicely. I have never had one come untwisted through repeated use.

[@Kekermonger]

Wow I never thought it would be this easy. Great video!

[@12ernie]

Good video! If you were to use a tipper ring would you just twist all the way to the ring?

[@captsodie]

Yes, that would work just fine. I have done several variations on this technique and need to make a newer, updated video.

[@TheFisherman232]

thank

[@penguinshamrock777]

can't the trout see the line?

[@BacalaoBrad]

great video , thanks for posting

[@imisscarlsagan]

Wow Captsodie! Tour

[@papajuanxxlll]

EXCELENT WORK,THANK YOU.

[@danielfunk7769]

Will this work with braided line?

[@captsodie]

I have never tried it with braided line so, unfortunately, I can not provide you with an answer. If you try and it works, let me know.

[@etamaman]

I have tried this method about 6 times now using 12 pound test and can not get it to work. the tail ends twist while trying to build the twist and come up into the hand that is not twisting. Wasted too much line trying to tie this. Buying a $10 leader that lasts about two years or more is worth it in my book. Good video though.

[@MrEgeecc]

Great idea, thanks friend :)