S4 E12 How To Use Sinking Leaders

In this episode of RIO's "How To" series, RIO R&D Product Manager Chris Walker explains how to fish sinking leaders. Sinking leaders (or VersiLeaders in the RIO stable) are great additions to a floating line to turn it into an instant, and temporary sink tip. Chris explains the difference between sinking leaders and sinking tips, how to attach the right amount of tippet to a sinking leader, and runs through the RIO portfolio of sink rates and VersiLeader options.
Clearly explained in Chris's easy-going, simple-to-understand style, this film gives you some great information about quick-fix options when a little extra depth is needed.
RIO's "How To" videos are a series of short films that explain all you need to know to learn a particular way to fish or cast. Where applicable, each film talks through the gear that you need, shows how to rig the gear, how to read the water, and how to fish that particular technique. These educational films are packed with information and top tips designed to improve the knowledge and skill level of all fly fishers. Each one is bought to you by a RIO employee or a RIO brand ambassador.

[@janefriend2279]

Excellent!

[@mmtkus]

*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.*

[@devinshook3289]

A good hack for these is cut off the loop on the tippet end of these and add a tippet ring. Then when you need to tie on your fly you just do an improved clinch to the tippet ring

[@VideoDreh1996]

It helps me a lot 🙋🏼‍♂️

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

Thanks :)

[@donlofting4268]

A complete beginner here and i certainly did learn something thanks

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

That's great to read, thanks Don

[@johanneshourula7570]

I use these leaders fishing for browns all the time, they are amazing. But I attach Mono 8-12lb at the end instead of flouro and have success. I wonder what the advantages might be if I switch to flouro? The rivers I fish are small, mossy bottom water (thus dark) waters so maybe it's not an issue using heavy mono there. I'm curious however about how the streamer would potentially move differently using flouro, both in sinking and throughout the water when I manipulate the streamer. Thanks for the help!

[@richardgallagher647]

Hey great informative video. I use Rio Scandi Versitip fly lines with 15ft tips. Would you use a poly leader on the various floating/ sinking versitips? If yes what length poly and tippet would you use?

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

We wouldn't recommend adding a poly leader to a versitip, as the weight of a polyleader could affect your cast. Just add a 3ft section of heavy mono or fluorocarbon in the 10-15lb range and you're good to go!

[@richardgallagher647]

@@RIOPRODUCTS Thank you for fast reply. I also use full sinking shooting/scandi heads. Would you use versileader with with full intermediatie or fulling sinking shooting/ scandi head?

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

Those you could definitely add a versi-leader if needed.

[@mdaley3102]

This was great information. What Versaleader(s) would you suggest for steelhead.

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

Depends on your fishery! Head in to your local shop and see what they suggest! Cheers! For a general recommendation a set of Medium & Heavy will have you covered for most winter applications. For Summer Light and Mediums.

[@sakanatsuri]

Since Sinking Leaders (Polyleaders or VersiLeaders) have different grain weight, it is not that easy to switch sinking leaders with the same fly line or shooting head. For example, Polyleaders have grain wieght from 30 ( 8' Slow Sinking) to 120 (10' Ex. Super Fast Sinking). It is not possible to cast 120 grain sinking tip with light fly line. You need 400-600 grain Skagit head to balance the grain weight to cast. It is not that easy to just change the sinking tips with the same fly line. You may need to change fly line itself (altermately, change rod too)

[@mervynbuller9779]

Help please.... Weight 7 Scandi which VersiLeader as the Scandi version says weight 8 and up? I look forward to a reply. Thanks

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

farbank.com/products/rio-medium-versileader These will work!

[@BrianFeesh]

For a 9’ 5wt with infinity fly line… what versi leader you think I can get away with for medium sized wooly buggers? What sink rate/length.

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

With a 5wt you want probably nothing longer than 10ft - 7ft would be easier to handle if you can get the depth, but you can make a 10ft work. As for sink rate, you can use any of the options available. If you want to get deep, the 7ips will do that best, and will certainly work on a 5wt, or an intermediate if you only want to be a foot or two deep.

[@stephenpiper4565]

What loop knot are you using on the versileader and if you use up the mono core how do you recommend exposing more

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

We actually recommend tying on a tippet ring to the end of the Versileader, then you never cut the leader back or shorten it. Just clinch knot the piece of tippet on. If you have to use a loop knot, the Perfection loop is the tidiest and smallest, so we'd recommend that. As for exposing more core, the best way is to dip the coated section you want removed in nail varnish remover, and leave it there for about 5 minutes. You can then simply strip off the dipped section with your nail.

[@stephenpiper6212]

Perfect. Thanks! Also a clinch knot for poly to ring?

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

@@stephenpiper6212 Absolutely - or improved clinch...

[@smokymountaindave-outdoora2124]

How much tippet (and what kind) should I use with a 7 foot 3ips versileader

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

Maximum 3ft of tippet is what we'd recommend. Usually fluorocarbon is preferred for it's abrasion resistance.

[@Detroit3Pistons]

So the correct way is to use loop to loop connections with a Perfection Loop?

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

For attaching it to the fly line? yes, definitely. FOr attaching tippet to the end, you can also use a tippet ring on the front end

[@johnbergles7904]

I assume I should be using Fluorocarbon tippet around 18-24" with your fast sink? I am fishing streamers. Thanks

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

We recommend fluoro for sure when fishing streamers. As to length, The general rule of thumb is that the heavier the streamer, the shorter that tippet section should be. A lightweight streamer would have maybe 4 feet, but a heavy conehead type would have only about 18".

[@barns.flydrift]

if you use a fast sink, how much of a 5wt floating line is going to be pulled under?

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

It will definitely pull some under, just depends on depth of water/current of where you're fishing. Generally, not more than a few feet.

[@Detroit3Pistons]

What’s the difference between the trout and freshwater VersiLeader? Is the freshwater to heavy for a 4 weight?

[@RIOPRODUCTS]

The Freshwater VersiLeader has a 24lb breaking strength, generally used for lake or ocean run fish. So, would definitely recommend the Trout Versileader with a 12lb breaking strength for your 4 weight.