Note: John Nagy offers a "Hot Butt" Leader and Indy Kit that is designed for the Right-Angle-Floating-Indicator Technique and also Short Line Nymphing presentations. Think like a Steelhead to Find (and Catch) more Steelhead, Weather Junkie Steelheader's catch more Steelhead, Top 10 Do's and Don'ts when Swinging Flies for Steelhead, Top 10 Do's and Don'ts when Indicating for Steelhead, Wading Strategies for Great Lakes Steelhead, Locating Tributary Steelhead Using Water Temperatures, Steelhead Technique, Equipment and Fly Selection, The Do's and Don'ts of Fall Steelhead Fishing, Fly Fishing Tail-outs for Tributary Steelhead. 4. With its extremely supple formulation, P-Line Salmon & Steelhead is flexible enough to make knot tying easy, yet retains its superior knot strength. The butt section should be made from stiff monofilament in order to transfer energy well. Nymphing for steelhead is a great second option as a follow up for stubborn fish. I’ve found it to be highly abrasion resistant, and sometimes stronger than the higher-rated mono mainline I use. Maxima Ultragreen is a great alternative. Great price fast shipping for this high-quality Fluorocarbon leader spool. In general, the 10’ leaders with a 24 lb core strength are the most popular for both steelhead and trout fishing. The chart below shows a scale from 1 to 5, with 5 being the most ideal condition for each technique. Always been a P-Line fan upon my first try using P-Line. I use P-Line for all my reels, and I haven’t used anything else since except for when I just need a cheaper line. It is also costly in more ways than the wallet. Use this for steelhead fishing leaders. Line and leader choices are important for Winter Steelhead float fishing. 3. I like this line! Leader for steelhead. If you hook a fish, mark the spot because it will hold fish again and again, year after year. 9’ or longer ? Visibility is good and has low memory. If you are familiar with conventional fishing methods, the leader is pretty much the same as the fishing monofilament used on … Please go to, (Note: refer to John Nagy’s Steelhead Guide book for custom steelhead leader formulas. This is a great fluorocarbon line!! If you monitor the fluorocarbon line periodically and change it our when is shows signs of wear, you won’t have any bad experiences of losing a big one. I received some inquiries about the Euronymphing leader I used on last week’s steelhead trip to the Salmon River’s Lower Fly Zone. and not had any problems with snapper, grouper and other fish of 15 kg. The tippet is the section that presents the fly to the fish. It is the first time I use this kind of line, but he has responded very well, as indicated by many is very strong, has almost no memory, does not absorb water and has very good performance for the price, quality and durability could recommend widely. This line outcasts all my other reels by far. I actually forgot about this line until this spring. I definitely will continue to use this line indefinitely and exclusively when I need fluorocarbon. Those are great. 3. both in open water and surfcasting. Buzz Ramsey shares 5 tips for catching steelhead on plugs ... Use a clear leader as well, making sure each is the same length. Roderick Haig-Brown, A River Never Sleeps, 1946, Steelhead guide, author and photographer John Nagy, All the photos and articles on this website credited to John Nagy are the exclusive property of John Nagy and. For short-line nymphing: Frog Hair’s Great Lakes Steelhead and “Hi-Vis” Transition Nymph Leaders, Rio’s Indicator and Steelhead/Salmon Leaders, Scientific Anglers Steelhead/Salmon Leader, Cortland’s Climax Nymph Leader and John Nagy’s custom … It has worked great. We moved & he followed & took the next same sized bass, & my Kast King FlourKote held on for 10 mins with three long runs till I finally had to cut the line. In my opinion, this line performs better than its 100% fluorocarbon. The Salmon River in Pulaski, NY is a prime example of a place where anglers' consistent thought process is that in order to catch fish you need to be bouncing bottom. The Steelhead Guide Book is also available in an eBook version here. Debt Management: Tips for Managing Business Loans, 5 Tips for Starting an Engineering Consultancy Business, Review: The Best Free Work Order Software Apps of 2020. Tradition also says steelhead are not leader shy and you can fish leaders as thick as you want. Braided line is not as popular for steelhead fishing unless you are throwing spoons or spinners. The lighter the line, the deeper the plugs will run. Tapered leaders, monofilament and fluorocarbon tippet, and specialty leaders for Alaska. Here it is, along with the fly line and backing I used: 150 yards of 30# backing Royal Wulff #6 Triangle Taper floating fly lineContinue Reading I like this line! Thread starter Bmac7; Start date Today at 9:19 AM; B. Bmac7 New Member. Anyone interested in any of this material please email John Nagy at: About John Nagy's Steelheader's Journal Book, Steelhead Journal Book Ordering Information, About John Nagy's Steelhead Guide Book/Ordering Information. I’ve found it to be highly abrasion resistant, and sometimes stronger than the higher-rated mono mainline I use. Leaders for beads when used as a secondary lure should be long enough to have a separation, usually around thirty-six inches. In the simplest terms, the leader is the main clear material that is connected to the end of your fly line. 4. Recently while fishing for Stripers near Cuttyhunk, a large bull Grey Seal tried to snatch a 15 lb Bass next to the boat. Float fishing isn't the answer to all the steelheader's dreams. Because I go through so much I prefer to buy my leaders in large spools which often works out to be much cheaper in the end. Get the best deals on Fly Fishing Steelhead Leaders when you shop the largest online selection at eBay.com. I recently caught a 35lb Atlantic Ray and a Sand Tiger Shark without a nick on the line. 2. Stiffer materials in the back half or 2/3 will dramatically improve your ability to turn over the leader- especially in the wind or with larger flies. Basically, this is my go-to line. Scott Baker-McGarva writes about steelhead and salmon leaders from BC West on the Dean River in British Columbia. Still is in my book! Seaguar produces a good product; the leader is virtually invisible, and it’s strong. Summer-run steelhead spawn in longer, more inland rivers such as the Columbia, Snake, and Salmon. This is a tough invisible line. For short-line nymphing: Frog Hair’s Great Lakes Steelhead and “Hi-Vis” Transition Nymph Leaders, Rio’s Indicator and Steelhead/Salmon Leaders, Scientific Anglers Steelhead/Salmon Leader, Cortland’s Climax Nymph Leader and John Nagy’s custom-made “Hot Butt” Leader. Like any fluorocarbon, make sure to lube the knots while cinching them down to avoid burning the line. It is the first time I use this kind of line, but he has responded very well, as indicated by many is very strong, has almost no memory, does not absorb water and has very good performance for the price, quality and durability could recommend widely. The fish will hit your bait, and you don’t have to worry about them getting off as you reel them in. and not had any problems with snapper, grouper and other fish of 15 kg. I started using the braided line about a year ago, and only recently have I added a fluorocarbon leader line. I lucked up and came across this while shopping for a braided line. There are multiple presentations you can use to allow your nymph to get in the right zone and drift in a natural way. Use this for steelhead fishing leaders. Like 9 to 12 feet long? Erie and her tributaries unequivocally offer the best chance, be it East or West, for an angler to get his or her steelhead fix. Rio Salmon/Steelhead Leaders match up very well with Maxima Ultragreen Tippet or FC Sniper Fluorocarbon Tippet. and seasoned steelheader everything he needs to know to hook-up with these magnificent fish! Pair all sizes with 2-7 weight rods for optimal performance. Leaders with a 40 lb core are useful when casting #8, #9 and #10 weight Spey rods or when using them in conjunction with skagit style lines ranging from … A lot of anglers will choose a brightly colored monofilament and attach a fluorocarbon leader. The Seaguar can only take so much abuse. Use this for steelhead fishing leaders. Never lost a fish due to the line with P-Line. I have been using this as a leader line for flounder fishing. Float Fishing Line & Leader I love Seaguar fluorocarbon for leader but it is a bit expensive. (Trip details here; my personal lessons learned here.) A dry line and an unweighted fly took this bright early season fish. Can’t say a bad thing about this line. Specifically developed for salmon and steelhead fishing, P-Line Salmon & Steelhead Fluorocarbon Leader boasts the invisibility and abrasion resistance needed to bring these fish into the net. I’ve found it to be highly abrasion resistant, and sometimes stronger than the higher-rated mono mainline I use. Whenever possible, do not connect monofilament pieces differin… Good stuff. I’m always trying new lines but I will keep the Floroclear close by. Take note though, like any other leader, don’t make the mistake of putting too much trust in any fluorocarbon leader, even Seaguar; I used it for 2-days catching aggressive fighting inshore and lost one right at the shoreline. Fluorocarbon Vs Monofilament, why i fish fluorocarbon leaders for steelhead and salmon! Steelhead aren’t normally too leader shy so don’t get crazy with light weight mono. Can’t say a bad thing about this line. For steelhead, I’ll have one leader roll full of egg leaders, one with bead leaders, one with shrimp leaders and another with pre-tied yarnies. Leaders used for “short-line” nymphing methods, where you are fishing in close proximity to steelhead lies and using “high-stick” rod positioning, should have stiff butt and mid-sections (about 60 to 75% of the overall leader length) to turn over split-shot, indicators and weighted flies. I’m surprised that KastKing is even selling this much line for dirt cheap!!! 3. It’s superior: pliable, strong for its diameter, holds up to abrasion, transparent & is reasonably priced. The fish will hit your bait, and you don’t have to worry about them getting off as you reel them in. Wow! Steelhead can hit lightly, so if you feel a tip or tap, put the fly back to the same spot on the next cast. The fish will hit your bait, and you don’t have to worry about them getting off as you reel them in. I’ve used this line from 3lbs to 10lbs and everything in between. Winter-run steelhead leave the ocean ready to spawn, sometime between November and April. how ever you can put your fly on a dead drift in their face you can hook up. Should I Hire a Lake Erie Steelhead Guide? Or if you are casting large heavy streamers, a Salmon Steelhead Leader is your best bet. I’ve used Seaguar fluorocarbon, and after about four solid flounder bites, I have to retie my leader, or else the next one will break the line (judging from the abrasions). Seaguar produces a good product; the leader is virtually invisible, and it’s strong. That is impressive! The breaking point of this line at any size is very good. I started using the braided line about a year ago, and only recently have I added a fluorocarbon leader line. I am a huge fan of this Pline Floriclear. Seaguar has proven its worth when it comes to fishing, Strong, and can hold up to the fight with large in-shore predators. The fluorocarbon is not as robust as the braided line, yet it is nearly invisible to the fish. Never lost a fish due to the line with P-Line. Can I use a factory tapered mono leader on my floating line? I can pull on it to cinch down my Palomar knot and no memory, which is amazing! This allows me to quickly grab a leader, tie it on and be fishing. Thicker leaders are designed to cast heavier flies and catch bigger fish. both in open water and surfcasting. Since I own so many rod & reels, I label them with what kind of line I’m using and when it was put on. As a rule of thumb, don’t use Trout Leaders to fish for salmon or steelhead. I can’t say the same about the other brands I’ve used. 3. (Less than 5 feet in length). There's more to your leader than break strength! 2. The Leader – For steelhead and as a river guide I go through a lot of leader material. The butt section is 60% of the total length. One of your first questions is probably what is the difference between a fly fishing leader and tippet. This line outcasts all my other reels by far. For sub-surface swinging presentations: Rio’s VersiLeaders, Airflo’s Trout and Salmon Polyleaders.). Back in the 50's, 60's and even into the 70's Mason Hard Nylon was our go-to for steelhead leader butts. This line sinks better than mono, so it’s great for fishing sinking soft plastics. Free shipping on many items | Browse your favorite brands | affordable prices. Steelhead Guide, Fly Fishing Techniques and Strategies for Lake Erie Steelhead. If you need longer leaders, pay attention to the stiffness of the butt. I have used Mono for years and thought about trying this line out. The traditional method of bead fishing required long leaders, weighted floats, and just enough weight to keep the bead near the bottom. I do get more strikes with Seaguar fluoro than other fluoro’s I’ve used. On the other hand, experience has taught me to adapt to the river conditions I fish. This line is new, but don’t let that keep you from trying it out, especially since it’s half the price of other major name brand lines (i.e., Seaguar). High strength, small diameter, and nice long and accurate casts. We moved & he followed & took the next same sized bass, & my Kast King FlourKote held on for 10 mins with three long runs till I finally had to cut the line. Today at 9:19 AM #1 Anyone have any suggestions on making there own steelhead nymph leaders. Want to catch steelhead in the Lake Erie tributaries and elsewhere in the Great Lakes? I own a lot of fishing rods & reels with a different line on them. When fishing a yarnie or even drift fishing a corky or eggs a steelhead will often move over to grab the bait or lure and miss but a bead trailing behind gives you a second chance the the fish often grabs it quickly. 1. There is an updated float leader setup on the Best Leaders For Steelhead page. Oh, and I forgot to mention that there is very little memory in the line. 1x – 3x: Great for large predator fish like bass, large trout, carp, and steelhead. … "Perhaps fishing, is for me, only an excuse to be near rivers." I use P-Line for all my reels, and I haven’t used anything else since except for when I just need a cheaper line. The fluorocarbon is not as robust as the braided line, yet it is nearly invisible to the fish. Each leader has high abrasion resistance, excellent tensile and knot strength and a long butt section that will turn over flies effortlessly. 3 Responses to Fluorocarbon and Mono steelhead leader options – all good? But that’s why I got it, it’s holding up just fine and results in bites when they are being picky. Leaders and tippet material are all part of the well equipped steelheaders arsenal. Like any fluorocarbon, make sure to lube the knots while cinching them down to avoid burning the line. I’ve used this line from 3lbs to 10lbs and everything in between. The author shows off a big Great Lakes steelhead, as his fishing buddy looks on. 4. This … Now I know to retie a new line sooner rather than later. My quota of lost leaders almost always came before I hooked a fish. For most anglers, monofilament is the popular choice for a main line year-round. It has a shelf life of perhaps 2,000 years and will remain in the environment for centuries. John Nagy's Steelhead Guide eBook Now Available! 2 in 2020. I’m always checking for nicks and scrapes on the leader and change it daily. I own a lot of fishing rods & reels with a different line on them. 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