Hello im brand new to fly fishing just went out for the first time today just to practice casting. I was wondering is there any way to prep your leader so it lays straighter? My leader kept getting crazy tangled. Also my loop to loop where my leader attached looks like its already getting ripped up after just casting it for the first time today. Is there something I did wrong?
Posted by Sorry-Statistician45
3 Comments
Unless you’ve egregiously mismatched your fly line and leader weights, the tangles are a result of your mechanics.
Also, put that foam indicator away until you’ve become a proficient caster. All it’s going to do is catch wind and foul your presentation.
Watch some YouTube videos on casting tips then get back at it 👍
yep! it looks like you might not have steaightened your leader before casting. you’ve got to create a little bit of heat through friction and stretch it. They make leader straightening tools, but I’ve had no problem with just my hands. Start where it connects to the fly line, grab it somewhat tight and pull it through your hand quickly a few times until you notice it starting to get warm (this will just be the top couple of feet that you can reach, don’t try to straighten the whole thing at once). Then grab it even tighter so it’ll barely slide through and do the same motion. That should straighten the top section. Repeat same steps starting from within the section you’ve already straightened.
I’m sure there are good youtube videos where you can see someone do this if my explanation doesn’t totally make sense.
I personally prefer using my hands over the straightening tools, I’ve actually damaged leaders because they can create too much friction.
Also, usually you’re going to want your indicator quite a ways farther down your leader, the closer it is to the fly line junction the more issues you’re going to have.
Learn to roll cast, and river loaded casting. This keeps your bobber, weight and flies in a straight line and went done correctly will help prevent fouling