I have been using Orvis leaders and tippet since the 70’s. Orvis makes great leaders and tippet. Other companies make great leaders and tippet. There has not been a reason for me to change, so I continue to use Orvis.

When fly fishing for smallmouth bass, I use Mirage Fluorocarbon leaders and tippet at times, mostly when fishing with sub-surface flies. Mirage is denser and more abrasion resistant than monofilament. I think it’s just a confidence thing for me. Abrasion resulting in losing a big smallie is something I try to avoid.

Additionally, scientists say, fluorocarbon is not as easily seen by fish, as monofilament is. Theoretically, you can use a larger diameter and higher pound test leader if it is made from fluorocarbon material.

Fluorocarbon does not stretch like monofilament. I believe I get a better hook set with this material.

I use 8 pound Mirage leaders in very clear water, and 12 pound test in most rivers I fish. Fishing with large heavy flies, I always use 10 to 12 pound tippet.

There are disadvantages using fluorocarbon. First, this material is very expensive. And, because fluorocarbon is dense, it tends to sink faster and deeper than monofilament. For that reason, I don’t normally use Mirage leaders with floating flies. When I make a backcast, and snap the fly off the water, the leader pulls the fly under water temporarily. In a shallow stream, the fly can snag something on the riverbed. For floating flies, I usually use monofilament leaders and tippet.

These leaders are available in 2-packs. They are 9 feet long and have a pound test strength of 8 pounds.

Byron

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Little River Outfitters is a fly shop and mail order company located in Townsend, Tennessee, a gateway to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. We have been family owned since 1994.