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Fly Fishing Gear | Leaders & Tippet | All

Have the best connection possible to your fly.

Your leader and tippet need to spot on for excellent presentation. If you need a monofilament, fluorocarbon, a sinking or floating tip; with a broad range of leaders and tippets from RIO, Maxima and Scientific Anglers we have the right system to suit your presentation.

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WHAT LEADER IS RIGHT FOR ME?

Choosing the right leader can be confusing, especially with the range of options available. However, selecting the proper leader is crucial for optimizing your fly fishing experience. Here are a few key factors to consider before making your purchase:

BREAKING STRAIN AND DIAMETER

In fly fishing leaders and tippet are labeled with an "X" rating, which refers to the diameter and relative strength of the line. with the system becoming thinner and lighter as the number increases. As the X rating increases, the diameter and breaking strength decrease, making higher X ratings (like 5X and 6X) better suited for delicate presentations with smaller flies, while lower X ratings (like 0X and 1X) are better for larger fish and heavier flies. For example, larger fish or heavier flies require a leader with a higher breaking strain. Keep in mind that thicker leaders, while stronger, may be more visible to fish and could potentially spook them. The diameter of the leader also plays a role in how well it turns over and how delicately it lands flies on the water. Thicker leaders are stiffer, offering better turnover for larger flies, while thinner leaders are more supple, providing a gentler presentation for smaller flies.

LENGTH

Leaders come in various lengths, typically ranging from 7.5 to 12 feet, with some specialized leaders being even longer. The length of the leader you choose depends on several factors, including fishing conditions, the size of the flies, and personal preference. Longer leaders, often 9 to 12 feet, are generally preferred for delicate presentations in calm, clear water where stealth is essential. These longer leaders allow for a more subtle approach, reducing the chances of spooking fish. On the other hand, shorter leaders, typically 6 to 7.5 feet, offer better control and accuracy in windy conditions or when casting heavier flies. They also help turn over bulky or weighted flies more effectively, making them a good choice for streamer fishing or in turbulent water.

MONOFILAMENT VS FLUOROCARBON TIPPET

Monofilament tippets are made from a single strand of nylon, making them versatile and widely used in various fly fishing applications. They generally offer better abrasion resistance, meaning they are more durable when fishing around rocks, logs, or other obstacles. Monofilament also has more stretch, which can act as a shock absorber when a fish strikes, helping to prevent break-offs. Additionally, monofilament is buoyant, making it an excellent choice for dry fly fishing. It also typically has higher knot strength compared to fluorocarbon, ensuring secure connections. However, one downside is that monofilament is more visible underwater, which might make it less suitable in clear water or when targeting particularly wary fish.

Fluorocarbon tippets are made from a denser material with a refractive index close to that of water, making them nearly invisible when submerged. This low visibility can be a significant advantage when fishing in clear water or when targeting finicky fish that are easily spooked by visible lines. Fluorocarbon also sinks faster than monofilament, making it ideal for nymphing or streamer fishing where getting your fly deeper is crucial. Despite these advantages, fluorocarbon tends to be more expensive due to its specialized manufacturing process and properties. It also has less stretch than monofilament, which can be a disadvantage in some situations, as it provides less shock absorption. Additionally, while fluorocarbon is generally more resistant to UV light and water absorption, it can be more prone to slipping at the knot, requiring extra care when tying.

Choosing between monofilament and fluorocarbon tippets ultimately depends on the specific conditions you'll be fishing in and the characteristics you value most in your tippet material.

NEED HELP CHOOSING A LEADER OR TIPPET? CONTACT US TODAY

If you have a particular leader in mind but would appreciate some additional advice, get in touch with our friendly sales team. Contact us at our Tumut store on (02) 6947 4062 or by email.


Scientific Anglers Euro Nymph Kit

Scientific Anglers
Original price $79.99 - Original price $79.99
Original price
$79.99
$79.99 - $79.99
Current price $79.99

Whether you call it tight line nymphing, Czech, French or Euro nymphing. There's no denying that it's a deadly technique for catching Trout. Euro n...

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OPST Head Wallet

OPST
Original price $79.95
Original price $79.95 - Original price $79.95
Original price $79.95
Current price $48.00
$48.00 - $48.00
Current price $48.00

The Key to keeping your Commando Heads in check. The OPST Head Wallet has seven accordion style pockets that allow you to store and organise your c...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Leader Wallet

Scientific Anglers
Original price $39.99 - Original price $39.99
Original price
$39.99
$39.99 - $39.99
Current price $39.99

Get organised and have your leader in your fingers the second you need them. When your boat or pack is full of leader and you can never find the co...

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Scientific Anglers 7' Sonar Leaders

Scientific Anglers
Original price $39.99 - Original price $39.99
Original price
$39.99
$39.99 - $39.99
Current price $39.99

Improve your fishing game with the Scientific Anglers 7' Sonar Leaders. The Scientific Anglers 7' Sonar Leaders are a high-quality fishing accesso...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout 9' Tapered Leader - 3 Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $39.99 - Original price $39.99
Original price
$39.99
$39.99 - $39.99
Current price $39.99

The Standard leader for Trout You can't go past the good old nine-foot leader for versatility and reliability. You can add a few feet of tippet and...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout 7.5' Tapered Leader - 3 Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $39.99 - Original price $39.99
Original price
$39.99
$39.99 - $39.99
Current price $39.99

From Sneaky Streams to Bow and Arrow Casts If you live for tiny creeks, dry-flies, 7X tippets and wily trout, you've probably already come to the c...

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RIO Shooting Head Wallet

RIO
Original price $39.95 - Original price $39.95
Original price
$39.95
$39.95 - $39.95
Current price $39.95

Organise and dry your shooting heads with this handy wallet. The RIO Shooting Head Wallet is a handy case to store and organise your various shooti...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Shock 30M

Scientific Anglers
Original price $79.99
Original price $59.99 - Original price $79.99
Original price $79.99
$39.00 - $59.99
$39.00 - $59.99
Current price $39.00

For the Fly-Fishing heavyweights Absolute Saltwater Fluorocarbon is for the big dogs, the brawlers that want to run you into a coral reef, a mangro...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Saltwater Tippet 30m

Scientific Anglers
Original price $34.99 - Original price $34.99
Original price
$34.99
$34.99 - $34.99
Current price $34.99

Scientific Anglers Fluorocarbon Saltwater Tippet has superior abrasion resistance and excellent clarity for stealthy presentation, allowing for a l...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Saltwater 10' Tapered Leader - Single Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $34.99 - Original price $34.99
Original price
$34.99
$34.99 - $34.99
Current price $34.99

A strong, abrasion resistant leader you can rely on Scientific Angler's Saltwater 10' tapered leader holds a 15% higher knot strength compared to p...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon 9' Tapered Leader - Single Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $34.99 - Original price $34.99
Original price
$34.99
$34.99 - $34.99
Current price $34.99

Super Tough, Super Versatile Fluorocarbon leaders No matter if you're throwing Crazy-Charlie's at Bonefish, Crabs at Permit, Clousers at Flathead o...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Tippet 30m

Scientific Anglers
Original price $34.99 - Original price $34.99
Original price
$34.99
$34.99 - $34.99
Current price $34.99

Fluorocarbon Gets It Done. High power-to-diameter ratio, abrasion resistance and pretty much invisible underwater; Absolute fluorocarbon is the las...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Fluorocarbon Tippet 30m

Scientific Anglers
Original price $34.99 - Original price $34.99
Original price
$34.99
$34.99 - $34.99
Current price $34.99

Trout Fear Fluorocarbon If you need to get your nymphs down and stay in contact, bulk up your streamer game or even throw that massive dry and be a...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Saltwater 9' Tapered Leader - Single Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $34.95 - Original price $34.95
Original price
$34.95
$34.95 - $34.95
Current price $34.95

A fantastic saltwater-specific leader for a huge range of species. The Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Saltwater Leader is a must-have for...

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Rio Fluoroflex Trout Leader - 9ft

RIO
Original price $32.95 - Original price $32.95
Original price
$32.95
$32.95 - $32.95
Current price $32.95

Rio's Fluoroflex Trout Tapered leader is made from 100% fluorocarbon and is the ideal choice when a nearly invisible presentation is required in Cl...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Euro Nymph 13.5' Leader - Single Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $29.99 - Original price $29.99
Original price
$29.99
$29.99 - $29.99
Current price $29.99

Scientific Anglers Absolute Euro Nymph leaders are designed to drastically reduce water absorption while maintaining an optimal suppleness for high...

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Scientific Anglers Tri-Colour Sighter Tippet w/ Interlocking Spool & Cutter - 10m

Scientific Anglers
Original price $29.99 - Original price $29.99
Original price
$29.99
$29.99 - $29.99
Current price $29.99

Hi Sticking, Czech Nymphing, Euro Nymphing, whatever you call it, this line makes it easier. Designed to be used in concussion with nymphing rigs, ...

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Rio Two Tone Indicator Tippet

RIO
Original price $29.95 - Original price $29.95
Original price
$29.95
$29.95 - $29.95
Current price $29.95

Your underwater eyes in a euro-nymph rig. The Rio Two Tone Indicator Tippet is a hi-vis, nylon tippet material useful for creating euro nymphing re...

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RIO Medium VersiLeader

RIO
Original price $24.95 - Original price $24.95
Original price
$24.95
$24.95 - $24.95
Current price $24.95

Achieve perfect depth and presentation with the RIO Medium VersiLeader.  The RIO Medium VersiLeader is the ultimate tool for fly anglers seeking pr...

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Rio Tippet Rings

RIO
Original price $21.95 - Original price $21.95
Original price
$21.95
$21.95 - $21.95
Current price $21.95

Make rigging simple with these strong and lightweight Rio Tippet Rings.   They might be small, but what they lack in size, they make up for in st...

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RIO Powerflex Plus Tippet - 50yds / 46m

RIO
Original price $21.95 - Original price $21.95
Original price
$21.95
$21.95 - $21.95
Current price $21.95

Radically strong nylon, up to 20% stronger than other tippet. RIO's Powerflex Plus Tippet is the strongest nylon tippet material ever made, with te...

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RIO Trout VersiLeader (7ft)

RIO
Original price $19.95 - Original price $19.95
Original price
$19.95
$19.95 - $19.95
Current price $19.95

Perfect your presentation with the RIO Trout VersiLeader (7ft). Introducing the RIO Trout VersiLeader (7ft), the ultimate tool for fly anglers targ...

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Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout 9' Tapered Leader - Single Pack

Scientific Anglers
Original price $17.99 - Original price $17.99
Original price
$17.99
$17.99 - $17.99
Current price $17.99

The Standard leader for Trout You can't go past the good old nine-foot leader for versatility and reliability. You can add a few feet of tippet an...

View full details

Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Tippet 30m

Scientific Anglers
Original price $17.99 - Original price $17.99
Original price
$17.99
$17.99 - $17.99
Current price $17.99

Keep Your Tippet Fresh; Like Your Fishing Style  Good tippet is crucial to fishing with confidence; when you can really rely on that final connecti...

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