Bass Leader Formula please?

**dtayl13** · 23-10-15

What I do is probably far lighter than it should be for bass. My leader is generally 1m 0.42, 1m 0.32 and then 1m 3x. It seems to work well though if you are fishing for 2kg bass in timber just straight 3m of 0.3 maxima should be fine.

**tombosis** · 23-10-15

Originally Posted by MR.GT

I have heard of super line, but never tried it.
I do slightly disagree with you about fly rods having zero pulling power. I think you need to match the Rod characteristics to the dam and its structure.
For example, Bivane dam (Northern KZN) has thick Timber and rock structures so would resort to a 9 weight with at least 20lbs tippet. You fish between the timber and rocks and once hooked into Mr Bass there you have to keep him high up to land else you kiss the fish and your fly goodbye. (Sorry about the off topic OP)

Ok, not zero but very little! I've been fortunate to fish dams like Darwendale and Mteri quite a bit in Zimbabwe. I have also tried to use my 10 weight (normally throw an 8 wt on those dams) up there and it still don't pull like a 7 ft heavy action bass pool cue! Much more fun though.

**MR.GT** · 23-10-15

Originally Posted by tombosis

Ok, not zero but very little! I've been fortunate to fish dams like Darwendale and Mteri quite a bit in Zimbabwe. I have also tried to use my 10 weight (normally throw an 8 wt on those dams) up there and it still don't pull like a 7 ft heavy action bass pool cue! Much more fun though.

Those 2 are still on my bucket list... Jis thanks for bringing up the jealousy...

**Shamwari** · 23-10-15

I fish a RIO Bonefish leader, tapered enough, strong enough and turns flies lekker.

**allsorts** · 23-10-15

Typically bass flies are heavy and seem to turn the leader over rather than vice versa. Consequently the risk is that the leader will be too thin/supple rather than too thick. A stiffer butt helps keep the leader loop open as the flyline straightens - a soft leader butt can result in the fly snagging the flyline if you are tired/sloppy/fly is heavy/waterlogged etc.

Rod Harrison says 'a flyline is a handline that you can cast' so bass in bad area = low rod angle and pull him out handline style whilst (if you are in a kickcraft) paddling backwards quickly....

Not pretty but effective.