Tying Leaders - Smallmouth and Carp

Bonefish...here?!

I was invited by a friend to fish a local lake on his boat this weekend. So, in typical ADHD hyperfixation fashion, I started getting ready. Over the past two weeks, the weather has been all over the place, along with the atmospheric pressure. No idea what that does to the fish here, but in Florida, that meant either (1) some of the best fishing you could get into, or (2) a total skunk. No in between. So what am I going to be taking?

The lake is known for having decent smallmouth and crappie, as well as the potential for carp and drum. I could bring my five-weight rod and probably be fine. But we had a short cold snap, I don't know where these fish will be in the water column. It's possible I may need to throw some heavier flies and/or a sink tip. Also, one of the goals I've set this year is to land a big carp. So, the eight-weight is coming along for the ride.

As you can see, I've got a fancy new bonefish line for the carp, which means I've got to tie a set of leaders for it. Always tie two for a backup. I followed the advice of Brian Flechsig of Mad River Outfitters for contact leaders. I added an extra step in the butt and mid sections, which hopefully results in a smoother turnover and landing in the water. It won't matter much for the smallmouth, but I could see it helping with the carp.

Here's the formula I'm going with:

• 36" of 30# Maxima Chameleon (.022 dia.)

• 24" of 20# Maxima Chameleon (.017 dia.)

• 9" of 15# Maxima Chameleon (.015 dia.)

• 9" of 12# Maxima Chameleon (.013 dia.)

• Tippet Ring (2mm)

• 18" of 10# Maxima Ultragreen (.012 dia.)

  • OR 18" of 0x Flourocarbon (.011 dia.)

Usually I tie on the tippet ring while it's still on the swivel snap, but with this thicker line, I had to remove it from the snap before tying it on. So I threaded the ring onto the Ultragreen, formed a loop in my hand, and tied the clinch with the Chameleon, then tied the clinch on the Ultragreen. DO NOT try to hold the tippet ring with a pair of pliers; that will score the ring, which will score your line and result in a break. Once I'm done, I write down the formula on a Post-It (make sure to fold over the sticky bit so it doesn't gunk up your hard work) and store them in these small plastic baggies.

Next up is fly selection. I've got a set of clousers and conehead wooly buggers ready to go, and I plan to tie up some leech patterns tomorrow or Saturday.