Q&A | #9 - Leader & Tippet Casting Solutions, Casting Large Flies

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We've officially deemed these questions as answered. Let us know what you think!

[@ErikLarsen83]

This was absolutely game changing. I had no idea I was making so many of the mistakes you addressed. Makes complete sense now why all of a sudden my cast falls apart, and clears up when I add a new leader.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

@@ErikLarsen83 Awesome! Happy to help.

[@ChrisUong.English]

Indeed

[@JoshuaBurch]

Hi Brian, I've just started fly fishing here in the UK. I have done the same mistake as your viewer in the letter. Honestly the first five minutes has opened up why I have been struggling to cast with my 9ft 4 weight whilst fishing a narrow chalk stream from the bank. I have been double tipping and this video made so much sense and looking forward to going back to the river with this new knowledge. These videos are brilliant and next year I will be moving to Canada so getting in the practice here in the UK. Keep up the videos and so glad I found the channel and can't wait to watch more of your videos ! Josh, United Kingdom

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks so much for watching. Stay tuned and stay in touch.

[@EddyP313]

I have literally been looking through hours of your videos. Just saw the new video you posted today. This is definitely the most helpful flyfishing channel. Thanks for hours of video making.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

We appreciate you being here.

[@lincolnparmer9708]

When is the book "End of the Line" coming out?. Asking for a friend. Great channel Brian. I appreciate all the time to help the new to the sport. Thanks again. Linc

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. You'll have to e-mail or call Brian at the shop for info on the book. He hasn't given us any updates recently.

[@projectpat0]

I recently submitted a question about managing tippet and this video literally hit the nail on the head. Thanks

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Awesome! Glad to help and thanks for watching.

[@jeffdurocher8669]

Guru Brian! Master of the leader The fly fishing whisperer Incredible teaching, thanks again.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@roadvoyagerlife1759]

I feel like such a fool! I've only been fly fishing for about a year (not consistently!) and I JUST NOW learned that I've been tying my leader/tippet all wrong! I have been tying the tippet at the end of the leader and even started using a ring at the end of the leader to "save my leader" or a swivel at the end of the leader and then the tippet to stop twisting but now I learn that I'm doing it wrong! Can't wait to hit the water with the CORRECT line setup and see how my flies land!! I better catch way more fishies! :-) THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU for these extremely helpful videos!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks so much for watching Jim. Stay in touch and let us know how it goes.

[@TorjiMan]

This is probably the most helpful video and demo for beginners like myself trying to understand leaders and tippet, and the extent to which you can modify leaders within reason and to which degree. Super helpful video, thanks as always!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@michaelbacile8439]

Glad I found this. It explained everything I was racking my brain over that was left out of episode 9. This was almost like an in depth version of #9. Perfect and thank you!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Always feel free to call the shop when you have questions.

[@RiojaRoj]

Hi Brian, Just came across your channel the other day, mooching around for info on flylines, knots and leaders etc, WoW ! Yes theres lots of guys out there doing the same or similar stuff but I've Homed-in on you guys because of your style and explanations etc. Just like Ken in Ep 9 I've never really understood the importance of leader and tippet sizing or length. I'm off " t'chuck some fluff " tomortow, so hopefully my casting will improve 10x ( pun intended !). I've forwarded your channel to some of my mates, some of whom have fished forever, but you never stop learning. Thanks very much for the knowledge, time and effort you put into sport, its much appreciated. Regards Roj Duffy Preston Lancashire Uk

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here and please stay tuned.

[@icefisher1171]

I must have a pair of those glasses!!! I absolutely LOVE your videos. All of them. I've never seen one I didn't care for or that didn't make me chuckle. Thank you. You are appreciated. Peace.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Here you go: www.madriveroutfitters.com/m-45-clic-goggles.aspx Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@flyfish_Dad]

Thank you! Brand new to fly fishing and currently building a rod but I’ve been researching for line/leader. This clears a lot of things up!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and happy to help.

[@tjlqk3]

I just wanted to say that I greatly appreciate all your videos. Thank you

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Tyler Lucas Thanks for being here and please stay tuned.

[@keithhaungs4420]

I'm starting to tie articulating flies and this video helps when it comes to tying my leaders. Thanks Brian

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching!!!

[@quantumaquatic1767]

Good stuff. I was using a tapered premade leader for streamers on a sink tip, no wonder it wasn't going down!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Quantum Aquatic Can’t do that. Now you know! Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@manifestgtr]

It’s gonna be like a revelation from the sky when this dude throws a normal length leader and it lies down flat on the water’s surface in front of him. I’ve had a few of those moments over the years (mostly in the 90s, back when we didn’t have such beautiful informational resources)...you realize you’ve been doing something wrong or making life difficult for yourself in some way. Then you smack head on into the solution and for 10 minutes or so, you’re the greatest fly fisherman on the face of the planet.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@christopherkwasny5333]

Dude you just took everything I thought I knew about streamer leaders and flipped it upside down! Thanks I’m definitely going to rebuild my leaders that’s so awesome! I’m super stoked to get back on the river

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Christopher Kwasny That’s the idea here. Let us know how it goes!!!!

[@kevinjtoner]

Very informative!!! Learned a couple things regarding leaders and tippets. Thank you.......

[@Madriveroutfitters]

kevin j. toner Thanks for watching and glad to help!

[@thebigroy]

Just got off the phone with MRO staff, which was VERY helpful. I had a question about tippet choice with wooly buggers. This is a top notch company. Great video here and a MUST see for a brand new fly fisherman like myself...I look forward to buy that book "End of the Line" when it comes out!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks so much for being here and for the support. Stay tuned.

[@scottmarriott1902]

Thanks for the tippet info, all the way from the UK

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching!

[@gerhardstrydom5249]

Thx again Brian! Simple, understandable explanation...will use it for sure👏

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@ChrisUong.English]

Good question Ken, for a good answer

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here!

[@nhbrown84]

Thanks for these videos they're really helpful! That first question cleared up all my confusion about leaders and tippets.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and happy to help. Please stay tuned.

[@bhnolen]

Simply magnificent. Please also address (1) how to install computer printer ports; and (2) practical ways to accurately mix oil/gas whilst standing in my garage with a less than full gas can, a partially used bottle of 2-stroke engine oil, a rural Midwest public school education and no calculator. First-time caller, long-time listener, love what you do.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Will pass those requests on and see what we can do. Stay tuned.

[@TheBoolio]

Thanks for clearing up those leader questions, that was helpful.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Excellent! Thanks for being here and please stay tuned.

[@michaellawson2797]

I use maxima too for my saltwater leaders they work great

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Same here. Maxima Clear for butts and mids and Ultragreen or Fluoro for tippet.

[@Highsmokepoker]

Thanks for the help, if the book is out I’ll for sure need one, love your videos, always helpful information, thanks again!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks. We'll keep you informed.

[@SuperNagz]

Another great q and a! Cheers Brian! I’m keen to get hold of your new book when it’s good to go, but hoping shipping to Australia doesn’t slaughter me!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Here's the link that will tell you how much the shipping will be- www.madriveroutfitters.com/t-shipping.aspx

[@SuperNagz]

Make sure it’s not too heavy and lock me in for a copy :)

[@MRR_Shadowolf]

Outstanding tutorial!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@glideman]

For better casting I always use olive oil on the leader and tippet, casts like butter . . . . . A good way of looking at tippet X is to think about it like if you have a 10” manhood with a 1” slack bit in the middle! Makes the whole thing useless 🙈

[@Madriveroutfitters]

AND you get your daily dose of Omega-3s. Good anaolgy but this is a family friendly channel. Can't say shit like that.

[@speedgraphic290]

Brian,Great Channel,very informative, well produced....I use a Very short leader ( 3'-4' ) for my Big streamers as the predatory fish I'm after are keyed in n the streamer . I have better controls of where the Streamer is in relation to the sinking fly line or sink tip, versus a longer leader when nymphing with a much smaller fly.....Just a thought...

[@Madriveroutfitters]

speedgraphic290 Of course. A leader for a sinking tip should never be more than 4’.

[@Anthony-eg7pw]

💡 it all makes sense now!!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and happy to help. Feel free to call or e-mail the shop if you have any further questions.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Happy to help and thanks for watching.

[@emorgan8881]

Great topic! Well presented! Thank You!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@jph2948]

Great video. I’m new to fly fishing and found this information straight to the point and easy to comprehend. In the video, you and the gent who emailed the question reference a previous Episode 9. Looked all through your videos and didn’t find it. I see, however, that this is Q&A #9. Can you provide a link to the referenced video? Thanks!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and stay tuned. Here is the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6W7gX2pr8mKb9U

[@jph2948]

Mad River Outfitters thank you for the quick reply. Really appreciate it!

[@scottrobinson8590]

thank you for this video, I have been doing it wrong for years.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here.

[@matthewcrist4158]

Love your videos super helpful for all us beginners. Question on these large streamers. Do you go strait from the fly line to the maxima? Or do you still put on a tapered leader? If so which size leaders?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

The Maxima is part of the tapered leader. Size of leader is determined by the size of the fly. Pretty sure he talks about that in the video. Thanks for watching and feel free to e-mail or call Brian at the shop if you have any further questions. He's always happy to help.

[@FlyRiderFishing]

have fun fishing the Bahamas, Brian!! catch a big one 💪🎣🐟

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@Auz541]

Can you do a video on setting the hook and fighting fish with a fly rod??

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jWOQi2Weoa6No5o kzbin.info/www/bejne/jmjOfXyKqLpqf7c

[@Auz541]

@@Madriveroutfitters Thanks for the response! Always on top of it, thanks!

[@billburk9458]

Outstanding!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@rickysimmonds2681]

Never knew leaders were ready to fish I have always looped on extra tippet hahaha thanks for the info.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Leader = Butt + Tippet. No need to add tippet to a leader just out of the package. You have been "double tippeting". Make sure to watch this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6W7gX2pr8mKb9U

[@matthewlentz6008]

So I am new and yes I tied a tippet ring to a new leader with 2 ft tippet. I got done with it and then seen this at 4:43. However I have a 7.5 leader and 1 1/2 ft tippet it equals 9 rite? Lol.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

But that 7.5 leader already has tippet on it, assuming you pulled it out of a package. You are "double tippeting". Feel free to contact the shop directly if they can help further.

[@tomocarroll2755]

Hi Brian. Great video. What's your tippet set up for different density poly leader. I mainly fish double handed for salmon

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for being here. As stated, please send questions over to the shop at [e-mail]. They will get back to you there.

[@0074craig]

Brian I have a question about leader lines and tippets ,,,1st off I would like to ask if tippet and leader lines are tapered How can it come on a roll ?? 2 If I am out fishing and say my tippet breaks of and i am short of leaders or Tippets can i not just use some reg monofilament aka such as Im using assorted fly size and a 5 weight 9 ft rod and fishing small trout can i not use like 6 ft of 8 pound test off my roll Trilene and add some 4 pound test Trilene which is the same diameter as my tippet size ?? I know you get this question alot I bet but where I Live The tackle shop really does not carry a lot of well lets say much of anything ,,,Then all we really have is a Ctire Store and Wall Mart for tackle ,,,,Yes I shop online and on many places but to buy just leaders and tippet can get expensive for shipping ,,,

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. As he states here though, you’ll need to send those questions directly to the shop via email. He or someone there will be happy to answer and help.

[@Charsept]

As a rule of thumb, should the leader be about the length of your rod? For example, my 3wt is 6'6". Does the standard 9 foot leader work well or is it wise to shorten it?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Just a guideline, especially geared towards beginners. You can make it as long as you want but might make sense to go a bit shorter for that rod. Feel free to contact Brian at the shop if he can clarify further. He does it better.

[@allkite]

Quick question : for the casting large flies portion of the video, is the 12, 13 or 15 line tied directly to the fly line ?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

No....that's the tippet.

[@allkite]

@@Madriveroutfitters so what would be the ideal leader for larger, heavier flies ?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Daniel Steiner Please contact Brian directly at the shop and he can help. 614-451-0363 or [e-mail]

[@rgonzales9382]

My light bulb went off with the tippet info. I never understood why my line was a crumpled mess and would not go any further than the 15-25 feet mark. Now I know! I’ve been adding 5x or 6x tippet to my 5x leader. Too much tippet, DUH!!! Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!!!!!!!! I’m heading out to the river tmw and won’t be adding tippet to my leader. I think those 20-22 nymphs will still work with 5x? If not, I’m putting on a new leader, don’t wanna waste a whole leader unless I’m down I the butt section.... AMAZING!!!! Thank you again

[@Madriveroutfitters]

R GONZALES Thrilled we could help you out. You will cast and fish better now.

[@refaiabdeen5943]

Cheers Mate!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Cheers!

[@pbgd3]

Do you guys still sell a tippet/leader gauge? Mine walked off with someone but that really helped me when I was starting out

[@Madriveroutfitters]

None on the market right now. We are working on it.

[@pbgd3]

@@Madriveroutfitters I'll be watching, those are super helpful healing in and reclaiming tattered leaders

[@pbgd3]

Will be watching for it!

[@h.ya.1702]

just bought a 9 foot rod with type 6 sinking line. it does not have a loop at the end of the line for attaching leaders. What should i do to attach leaders

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXqTpmyLh6iVhK8

[@catonhlee]

Thanks again!!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks as always for watching.

[@DanielOBrien_Argentiumfox]

Very helpful, thank you.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching. Glad to be of help.

[@Snowball-ey5xq]

So can I just use tippet or do I have to use a leader as well

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Here you go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIXEXqqYZ6h4nqM

[@andyclark2711]

Thank you so much for these videos

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching and please stay tuned.

[@uelstewart3339]

Is there any thing I can do to strengthen my dropper m8. I fish for salmon in Ireland but I keep losing fish on the dropper as its weaker than main leader . Any suggestions will be great pal .

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Try keeping the dropper tippet the same strength as the main tippet.

[@uelstewart3339]

@@Madriveroutfitters hi yes I use 10lb leader and both on droppers to I do a 3 turnip but my knot just keeps breaking into fish. Iv tried using 12lb leader but my flies don't work as properly as required 😉

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Don't know what brand you are using but maybe seek out a brand that has a higher breaking strength while still maintaining the diamteter needed. What diameter is the 10lb you are using?

[@uelstewart3339]

@@Madriveroutfitters yes that's a good idea I'm using airflo 0.19 or soo . Cheers pal great video Uel .

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Uel Stewart There’s the problem! Switch to something stronger per diameter.

[@alwynvanderlinde9507]

Do you replace the whole leader with the maxima ultragreen for streamers? Or do you just replace the tippet? Thanks

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Alwyn Van Der Linde Please send your question to Brian over at the shop and he will get back to you there. [e-mail]. Thanks.

[@tomlagatol4448]

Great Vid! Thanks

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching!

[@elyselapalme7040]

Just have one interrogation about casting big flies... You use monofilament for your all leader?? Because I understand what you say about the size of the tippet needed, but is there tapered leaders with such big tippet?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Absolutely. Scientific Anglers A/R, Rio Bass, many Saltwater options. Plenty out there. Check our website for options or give us a call.

[@mikriv8579]

Brian, based on the information you gave about leader diameter and the importance of having the leader taper; in a previous video, you showed how to make a loop on the fly line using 20lb mono with perfection loop on the end. I have found that store-bought leaders seem to be thicker than the 20lbs loop, doesn't that affect your casting of that line?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

For sure best to contact Brian directly through the shop. He'll be happy to answer your question there. [e-mail] or 614-451-0363. Thanks

[@daviddembrow6346]

What is the background music you're using?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for checking with us. Always just stock music for videos....we can't use copywrighted material for videos.

[@christopherkwasny5333]

Wow I never realized how important my leader build is

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Christopher Kwasny Most important, only behind the fly and probably a tie in reality. Stay tuned.

[@shepleonard8695]

Stupid question.....what and where did you get those bracelets? Never seen those before.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

You would have to check with Brian at the shop on that question. We don't know the answer here. You can e-mail or call him and he'll be happy to answer that.

[@jamescooper2618]

I like the blue Clicks much better than the Sally Jesse Raphael red ones

[@Madriveroutfitters]

It's time to stop watching Sally Jesse Raphael, James Cooper.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Here at MRO, we don’t see color. Just CLICs to us.

[@jamescooper2618]

@@Madriveroutfitters LOL! luv u guys!

[@Madriveroutfitters]

James Cooper Thanks for being here.

[@carlosvalladares1429]

Fat and skinny kid analogy is comedy gold

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Hopefully it makes sense too! Thanks for watching.

[@martydemille391]

So, with large streamers are you using a butt section or is the tippet tied directly to the fly line? If you are using a butt section, how is it constructed (line diameter and lengths)?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Marty De Mille Always need a butt section. Can’t ever tie tippet directly to the line. Stay tuned for more or you can call Brian directly at the shop. 614-461-0363.

[@stormysampson1257]

I was told by a fly shop to always add tippets. I had to call Brian and learned that a LEADER is formed by a BUTT section and a tippet section. The lesson learned is that even professionals can make huge mistakes.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Leader = Butt + Tippet. If you add tippet out of the package you are "double tippeting". That is illegal in 48 states. Just because they work in a fly shop doesn't mean they are "professionals". Thanks for watching.

[@stormysampson1257]

@@Madriveroutfitters I went back and explained to the GUYS all about Butt + tippet = leader. You could have heard a hook drop! They now call me Trouble when I walk through the door. Grins.

[@michaellawson2797]

Don't u need a shock section essp if ur fishing saltwater ????

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Depends on the species.

[@davidmorrill2943]

Excellent . lots of errors corrected

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Happy to help. Stay tuned.

[@phollomon999]

What is that shirt Brian is wearing?

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Peter Hollomon Probably Howler Brothers?

[@precicorona6586]

What’s bigger than zero x

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Any diameter larger than .011'. .012", .013", 014" etc.

[@rickhambric9737]

I can’t even see 2x tippet. The smallest I use chasing reds/trout is 15# flouro.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@tomocarroll2755]

Hi

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Hi!

[@michaelwade9199]

Great video. Hahaha 'cant ask a skinny kid to push a fat kid up the hill. Just can't do it.'

[@Madriveroutfitters]

Thanks for watching.

[@landonkatello7112]

You failed me brian when you didn't say this is America after saying you can do what you want.

[@Madriveroutfitters]

This video might be before those precedents?