I actually didn’t tie a single fly today. I feel like that’s a step in the right direction. Instead, I tied up some leaders.
I’m not buying a single leader for Cuba. I’m tying all of them… the bonefish leaders and the tarpon leaders.
I’m trying bonefish leaders that are about 9 feet, 40 pound butt down to 15 pound fluoro.
For the tarpon I’m trying 9 footers, 40 pound butt down to 50 or 80 pound shock.
The general formula is 4′ of 40#, 2′ of 30#, 2′ of 20# and then either the shock tippet on a bimini or the 15# tippet.
I’ve used this formula before and haven’t had any issues with it. I like it because it is simple. I like simple. Simple is better than, well, not simple, which I kind of hate.
So… any fatal mistakes I’m making?
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Tags: Bimini Twist, bonefishing, fly fishing, hand tied leaders, Leaders, shock leaders, Tarpon Fishing
Try making a simple furled leader by twisting 12 feet of 12lb line and then twisting on to itself for 2/3 length of the line. Tie with a surgeon knot. Tie one or two feet of 20lb to finish the leader and attach the bite tippet. There is a video on YouTube. Great for fighting tarpon.
Just jump in the water and grab them. I see photos of guys holding them in the water all the time.
That, Mark, is the master’s way. Time must you spend to get there.
Bjorn, sounds good on the leaders. Good call on the 40-pound. Just curious — what knots? Please don’t say Surgeons.
Blood knot.