The taper is obtained by a special braiding process that eliminates fibers gradually along the length of the braid, so that the diameter of the braid decreases. These leaders have loops on both ends. The heavier loop attaches to the fly line and the finer loop is connected to a tippet section. You can make your own looped tippets by putting a Perfection Loop in the end of a piece of tippet material, or you can buy pre-made bimini tippets, which because of the long bimini knot give the tippet a little extra taper for a slightly smoother transition.

Braided leaders offer an extremely delicate fly casting presentation, and many anglers prefer them for smaller flies and spooky fish. They cast easily because the stiffness of a braided leader is similar to that of a fly line, so the nice loop formed on a good cast gets carried along better. Because they are so supple, braided leaders also help avoid drag in tricky currents, and they are also capable of turning over a very long tippet, even a tippet that is four or five feet long.

Drag, in describing the behavior of a fly on the water, is where a dry fly or nymph does not act as though it is drifting naturally. Drag usually occurs when the fly line and leader skate the fly across conflicting currents. It can be avoided be using the correct leader and proper fly casting and mending techniques.

In a fly fishing reel, the drag is a mechanical system that puts smooth pressure on a running fish to help slow it down. In essence it’s the brake on your fly reel. Drag is applied by putting pressure on plates made from metal, cork, composites, or a combination of the three.

Examples of Dry Flies
Adams Parachute Dry Fly	Elk Wing Caddis Dry Fly	Hare's Ear Parachute Dry Fly

Dry fly floating on top of the water