Fly leader size for Clouser - need info today

[Loren]

I'm chucnking clousers tomorrow on a 6/7 wt rod, 6 wt line. What size leader would help me heave these lead-eyed wonders? I'll tie em tonight if get response.
Loren

[Hooker]

Loren,
I'm no expert on leaders, but for the larger baits like a clouser, I like 6lb test black Fireline which is a braid. It rolls over well, and it's very sensitive. The Hooch is real green right now and visibility is somewhat restricted, so it probably won't spook the trout.
If you're splicing mono, stepping down in increments of 2lb from 14lb to 6lb would work. It's tough to get a good hook set with anything less than than 6. Flyguy is the expert on tying up leaders, and he can tell you a bunch.

Hooker

[davida]

Re: leaders for clousers

The tippet size for fly fishing is determined by the size and weight of the fly. It also depends on casting style, line size, location and presentation requirements so it needs to be worked out by trial and error. However, the strength of the tippet should never exceed 1/2 the strength of the backing to protect from losing line and backing, as well as protecting the integrity of the rod.

The best rule is to use the heaviest test possible that does not adversely affect the presentation of the fly in the conditions fished. Best way to determine this is to drift the fly in a clear stream and note effect of the tippet on the fly. If that isn't available, a swimming pool can give information about the effect of the tippet on the action of the fly on the retrieve. To stiff a mono will visibly alter the presentation of the fly.

One of standard saws is to match the tippet to the fly by dividing the fly size by 3 to get the correct X match for the tippet. Example- size 12 use 4X, size 16 use 5X, size 20 use 6X, Size 6 would be 2X, etc.

Hope this helps, DA