Braided leader (?)

[NickConwall]

hi guys.
Recently I was reading about something called "Braided Leader". It claimed that it attached right onto your standard floating fly line and has two built in loop-loop connectors on either end of it's anywhere from 4'-8' length depending on your preference/needs so that a shorter (3'-6') section of fine tippet material (also sold with a loop connectors) can be attached. They claim it is many times stronger than a regular single taper leader despite the smaller dia.; has a smoother/more delicate cast and presentation the surface for slow, clear water wherein presentation is paramount and is less visible once wet for long leader shy fish.
The stuff was rather pricey (approx. ~3 to 1) but it is supposed to last longer.
Anyone ever here use this stuff, hear of it used or have any opinions on it?
Thanks gang!

[Brent Elliott]

www.blueskyfly.com/

like that? a furled leader?

I've used them. they turn over flies really nicely, don't twist or bunch up much, and are strong. I would say that they are much more visible than a normal tapered leader. It's nice to have when you're fishing with just the leader out of the rod because there is a bit more mass.
you can treat them to make them float better, too. I think mucilin works and if you search the interwebs you'll find a product that you can buy in bulk from mal wart that also works. fly floatant works, too, but is costly.

[johnbenish]

Be careful when false casting, they can carry a little water and especially if you do a stop cast you can spray. they turn over great for me especially when casting with a slower rod.

[DaveSiejka]

I use the furled leaders for bass/carp/pike. They turn over flies really good and you can make them yourself out of regular tippet material (and its not too hard to do). You can make them with the jigs and all that razamatazz ..... but I find this way works just fine

[DEGallineau]

G78,

I've used them. and still have one on my 4 weight which is probably 20 years old. Up until a a little bit ago they were handled by **vis (I think they dropped the plain ones and added 2 Bimini tippets). The original ones I have are a light/med dun color. I like them for my smaller weight rods 3-5 weight. I feel they turn over bigger flies better, but imho they are not smaller diameter than a regular leader butt section, although I never put a micrometer on them. They do a better/quieter presentation on slick water, They seem to land softer and float okay if you treat them from time to time.... but the ones I have I don't feel are invisible...any more than a regular leader. They are expensive though.

-ff

[NickConwall]

Thanks guys, I was curious about them as maybe they would help with my "splashy" casts... also I saw that same video where the guy makes'm out of 15lb. mono.... gonna hav'ta try a few as they look like they would help get some big buggers out in the river/lake.
Thanks guys!

[Nick Pionessa]

big difference between furled and braided as far as construction goes. furled leaders are twisted like in the vid above while braided are just that, braided mono. just like the loop sleeves for the end of the fly line. i've not used furled except for the ones i twisted myself and i do like them. the braided i use all the time for small stream fishing. they do throw spray but as long as you keep it away from the fish it's fine. the aren't particularly expensive at like $6.50 i think we have them for. they basically will last an entire season or many more if you don't ruin them yourself. i like the 5' and add about 4' of tippet in two sections. the 8' seem too soft for good turnover or resistant flies.