Collapsing leaders

Walter & Group...

 

On collapsing leaders by Dennis Grant :-

 

 

Hi Gordy

 

Hope the storm missed you and all is well.

 

I am intrigued by your response on leaders --

 

"Two modifications among several stand out as yielding a collapsing leader layout when one is desired....1. Adding a short segment of lighter leader material in the body of the tapered section and ... "

 

I add a short 'STIFFER' section in the 60 to 80% section to make the leader kick up and collapse the leader (tippet)  ???

 

Very interesting, 

 

Dennis  

 

 

 

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Dennis....

 

Good point !

 

Yes....that will do it, also.  Notice that I didn't say, "only two".  Even a grossly elongated leader will collapse as the energy dissipates before it has a chance to straighten.

 

That, "stiffer" section also works by changing the otherwise smooth tranfer of energy down the unrolling leader.  It can be a segment of more stiff mono of the same diameter or of soft mono of greater diameter.

 

Another way to look at it is that a leader of moderate length with a rapidly decreasing stiffness of it's segments (a, "fast" taper) will be least likely to collapse , especially if its butt section closely matches the stiffness of the end of the fly line.  Matching that, as I see it, is what's important.  You can do it with stiff mono of lesser diameter or soft mono of greater diameter.  This helps give insight into the never solved arguement as to whether soft or hard mono is best used to make a leader which turns over well.  Stiff mono of lower diameter is preferred by many for a different reason.....it forms a smaller, less bulky connection with the line.

 

The storm was weak....no more than 50 mph winds and 2 days of rain.  No damage, thank goodness.

 

Gordy