Choosing the correct leader material is just as important as choosing the correct length or breaking strain.
Different materials have different characteristics. Some float more readily, some sink more quickly, some are more abrasion resistant and some are more supple.
No single material is best for every situation. The right choice depends on the type of fishing you are doing and how you want your fly to behave.
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## Nylon (Monofilament)
Nylon is the most commonly used leader material and is suitable for the vast majority of fly fishing situations.
It is supple, easy to knot and offers excellent all-round performance.
Because nylon is less dense than fluorocarbon, it sinks more slowly, making it particularly well suited to dry fly fishing where you want the fly to remain on or close to the surface.
### Advantages
- Excellent all-round leader material.
- Supple and easy to cast.
- Floats better than fluorocarbon.
- Easy to knot.
- Usually the most economical option.
### Disadvantages
- Less abrasion resistant than fluorocarbon.
- More stretch.
- Gradually deteriorates with prolonged exposure to sunlight.
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## Fluorocarbon
Fluorocarbon has become increasingly popular, particularly for subsurface fishing.
It is denser than nylon, allowing it to sink more readily. It is also more abrasion resistant, making it a popular choice for nymph fishing and fishing around rocks or weed.
### Advantages
- Sinks more readily.
- Excellent abrasion resistance.
- Durable.
- Good sensitivity when fishing below the surface.
### Disadvantages
- Usually more expensive.
- Stiffer than nylon.
- Less suitable for delicate dry fly fishing.
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## Furled Leaders
Furled leaders are made by twisting or braiding many fine strands of material together rather than using a single tapered strand.
They transfer casting energy exceptionally well and produce very delicate presentations.
A length of tippet is normally added to the end before attaching the fly.
### Advantages
- Outstanding turnover.
- Very delicate presentation.
- Long service life.
- Easy casting.
### Disadvantages
- More expensive than standard tapered leaders.
- Require tippet to be added.
- Not suitable for every fishing method.
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## Polyleaders
Polyleaders are constructed differently from traditional leaders.
Instead of tapered monofilament, they have a coated core similar to a miniature fly line.
They are available in floating, intermediate and a range of sinking densities, allowing anglers to alter the fishing depth without changing the main fly line.
They are particularly popular for salmon, sea trout and stillwater fishing.
### Advantages
- Excellent turnover.
- Allows quick changes in fishing depth.
- Available in several sink rates.
- Extremely versatile.
### Disadvantages
- Not designed for delicate dry fly presentation.
- More specialised than standard tapered leaders.
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## Which Material Should You Choose?
As a simple guide:
**Dry fly fishing**
Nylon is normally the best choice because it is supple and sinks slowly.
**General river trout fishing**
Nylon remains the most versatile option for most situations.
**Nymph fishing**
Many anglers prefer fluorocarbon because it sinks readily and offers excellent abrasion resistance.
**Stillwater trout fishing**
Both nylon and fluorocarbon have their place depending on the method being used.
**Salmon and sea trout fishing**
Nylon, fluorocarbon and polyleaders are all commonly used depending on the water conditions, fishing depth and presentation required.
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## Common Mistakes
Some common mistakes include:
- Assuming fluorocarbon is always better.
- Using fluorocarbon for every dry fly situation.
- Ignoring abrasion when fishing around rocks.
- Choosing a leader material before considering the fishing method.
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## Key Takeaways
- Nylon is the most versatile leader material.
- Fluorocarbon is an excellent choice for many subsurface methods.
- Furled leaders provide exceptional presentation for delicate fishing.
- Polyleaders allow anglers to control fishing depth without changing fly lines.
- The best leader material depends on the fishing method rather than one material being universally better.
In the next section, we'll look at the **essential fly fishing knots** that every angler should know for connecting fly lines, leaders, tippet and flies.
