Selecting A Leader – Orvis Fly Fishing

Deciding which leader to buy is one of the least expensive but most confusing aspects of fly fishing. If you’re having trouble sorting through the many choices on our web site, just click here to see this new chart. It’s the newest addition to our Beginner’s Corner, designed to help take the mystery out of tackle selection.

> Choosing a Fly Line
> Selecting a Leader
> Choosing Leader Length
> Choosing Tippet Size
> Beginner's Glossary

Leader	Available Leader Lengths	Leader Material	Available Tippet Diameter/ Strength	Use this leader for…	Major benefits
Super Strong Knotless Trout Leader	6', 7.5', 9', 12', 15'	Nylon	0X - 7X	Trout in any situation. The best all-around trout leader made.	Our most popular trout leader. A great all around choice for any trout fishing situation. Floating properties of nylon material make it especially well suited to fishing dry flies.
No Knots Leader System		Nylon	3X - 7X	Anywhere you'd use a Super Strong leader but want the convenience of a loop-loop tippet connection instead of tying knots.	No more blood knots and tippet replacement guesswork. Simply replace broken tippets with new Bimini tippets, and you're back in the game.
Super Strong Leader and Tippet Combo Pack	9'		3X-6X	Anywhere you'd use a Super Strong leader and if you normally buy a spool of tippet material when you buy a leader, you save a buck when purchased this way.	A convenient and economical way to get a Super Strong leader and the correct tippet size. When your tippet gets too short and heavy, just tie on a new section from the included spool.
Mirage Knotless Trout Leader	6', 7.5', 9', 12'	100% Fluorocarbon (PVDF)	0X - 7X	Trout in lakes and ponds with any type of fly. In rivers for trout, streamer and nymph fishing without indicators.	Suitable for any trout fishing application, but is best for nymph and streamer fishing. Sinks better than nylon, provides greater abrasion resistance, and is more invisible to fish. Because of it's slighter better sink rate and transparency, Mirage is superior to nylon for stillwater trout fishing.
Mirage Leader and Tippet Combo Pack	9'	100% Fluorocarbon (PVDF)	3X-6X	Anywhere you'd use a Mirage leader but want the convenience of a loop-loop tippet connection instead of tying knots.	A convenient and economical way to get a Mirage leader and the correct tippet size. When your tippet gets too short and heavy, just tie on a new section from the included spool.
Original Braided Leader	7.5', 9'	Nylon	3X - 7X	Trout with dry flies and small nymphs where tricky currents are present and delicate presentation is needed..	Braided leaders are the ultimate in stealth because they land softly and can straighten very long, light tippets. Eliminates the need to rebuild leaders and tie blood knots. Broken tippets are quickly and easily replaced with pre-tied Bimini tippets. Braided, tapered butt section provides superior turnover.
Floating Braided Leader	7.5', 9'	Nylon	3X - 7X	Trout with dry flies and small nymphs where tricky currents and spooky fish are the norm. The floating braid works better in pocket water, where strong currents tend to pull the leader down. Leader throws less spray than the standard braided leader when flase casting so is preferred over very spooky fish.	The same advantages as Original Braided Leaders, but impregnated with floatant for a higher float and less spray.
Hy Flote Leader	7.5', 9'	Nylon	0X - 5X	Trout with dry flies in riffles and pocket water, nymphs with indicators	Nylon leader with six hollow chambers for tremendous flotation. Superior drag resistance, easier mending and subtle, quiet pickups. The best dry fly leader we sell. Couple it with a Mirage tippet for maximum effectiveness.
Mirage IGFA Leaders	7.5', 9'	100% Fluorocarbon (PVDF)	8,12, 16, 20 lb.	All big-game species where a potential record may be caught.	The abrasion resistance and invisibility of Mirage in the IGFA certified weight classes. If you're after a record book fish, this is your leader.
Super Strong AR - Leader Bonefish	7.5', 9', 12'	Nylon	8,10,12, 16, 20 lb.	Bonefish, redfish, sea trout, and other subtropical and tropical species. Sharks and cudas (combined with a bite guard). Best where fish are not very spooky (stained water, muds, riffled surface). Easier to knot than Mirage.	The most abrasion resistant nylon material available anywhere. Superior knot strength, and easier to knot than fluorocarbon material for those who are unsure of their knot-tying abilities. A special taper to for accurate and delicate presentations in any weather.
Super Strong AR - Leader Striper	7.5', 9'	Nylon	8,10,12, 16, 20 lb.	Stripers, bluefish (combined with a bite guard), false albacore, bonito, weakfish. Best where fish are not very spooky (schooly stripers, fish in rips and other strong currents or at night). Easier to knot than Mirage. Also a great leader for freshwater.	The most abrasion resistant nylon material available anywhere. Superior knot strength, and easier to knot than fluorocarbon material for those who are unsure of their knot-tying abilities Tapered to punch big flies into stiff winds.
Mirage Offshore/ Tarpon Leaders	10'	100% Fluorocarbon (PVDF)	16, 20 lb. class tippet. 60, 80, or 100 lb. shock tippet	Tarpon, sailfish, and other large saltwater species that have abrasive mouths and gill covers.	Our best leader for tackling the biggest fly rod game fish. Available in a variety of IGFA class tippets with Bimini twists on both ends, with abrasion resistant Mirage shock tippets to stand up to the big brutes.
Mirage Salmon/ Steelhead Leaders	7.5', 9'	100% Fluorocarbon (PVDF)	8,10,12, 16, 20 lb.	Atlantic and Pacific salmon, plus steelhead	Mirage sinks better than nylon to get your nymphs and streamers down quickly. Highly invisible to fish, and tapered for easy casting and mending.