Leader

Leader materials include monofilament nylon (high abrasion resistance, some stretch), fluorocarbon (refractive index close to water making it near-invisible, low stretch), and wire (stainless steel, titanium, or coated multi-strand for ultra-toothy fish). Fluoro leaders are standard for clear-water, line-shy fish (trout, bonefish, snook). Short wire leaders (6–12 inches) prevent cut-offs from species like wahoo, barracuda, and bluefish. Leader-to-main-line connections require knots (Albright, FG knot) or swivels. In fly fishing, tapered leaders (thick butt, thin tippet) allow energy transfer from the fly line and presentation of small dry flies on fine tippet.