I go back and forth on this issue. Like Ard, I had multiple kits 30-40 years go. Back then tying one’s leader was, as S&S wrote, something of an art like fly tying. I used red amnesia just below the hard butt section as a strike indicator. I tied in shock tippet material because 6x and 7x was so weak. I nail knotted hard leader material to new lines and blood knotted the connections. Some of the longer leaders I tied had 8-10 blood knots. What changed?
First I started experimenting with braided leaders. I really liked the turnover of a well built braided leader. I noticed, however, the braided leader flicked micro spray and seemed to spook leader shy fish. I cut back the braid and added mono sections, but I was never totally satisfied. Second, flouro tippet material, while something of a game changer on flat water, added complications such as increased stiffness and the fact it sinks. It’s also harder for me to knot correctly. Third, high quality extruded leaders came on the market. One Fall day, out of frustration with the weeds on the RR section of Henry’s, I bought a long extruded leader. I cut it back and added a few sections of tippet to get the leader to turn over to my satisfaction. I was very happy with the results — supple, good turn over, accuracy and minimal drag.
So, today I split the baby. I prefer a leader which is longer than the stock sizes offered in the shops. I buy soft or hard, flouro or regular mono, tippet material depending on what I am doing. I then cut the leader back and add sections. Depending on the fishing application I may cut back as far as 0x-1x. In the old days I used a leader gauge, but I’ve either gotten lazy or really experienced as I now do this by feel. I blood knot all but the smallest connections which I connect with a double surgeons knot. I always hated straightening leaders and hard butt sections tend to curl. I also felt the multi knot, long leaders created micro drag on flat water.
My style fits me, but I’m always experimenting. In fact I’m toying with going to a furled/flouro set up for a spring creek I like to fish. The point is don’t be afraid to experiment. You may not decide to own a leader kit or ever sit down and tie your own leaders, but I think it valuable to learn proper leader construction. One last example. A quartering stack cast is my “go to” for difficult rising trout. I can’t find a stock leader which accomplishes what I want. I use a really long tippet section on this cast. Getting the tippet to turn over with the accuracy I desire requires me to tinker with the butt-mid sections of the leader. I want a fairly stiff butt and mid section for accuracy but not so much that I end up with a hinge as the leader progresses to the tippet. I want accuracy and a two foot or so drag free drift. Current speed, wind and micro currents all have to be considered in deciding on the final construction of tippet section of the leader.
I reread the above and decided I am turning into one of those “crusty old *******s”. Where did the years go? I’ve reached the point where I would rather spend my time attempting to catch a few tough fish. I’ve got no issue with hoovering water. I can and occasionally do pull out my nymphing bag of tricks. Who doesn’t like to pick pockets on a mountain stream? Stripping a big bugger on a Fall day is crazy exciting. These days, however, I just prefer to sit on a bank, watch a sipper and decide how to catch it. And, I can build a leader to do any of the above!
