Leader twist

[chris kowaleski]

So I've been fly fishing with a length of 8lb test fluorocarbon tied onto my fly line, and it worked great until i finally ran out. I put on some 6lb test mono, and I have been using poppers. Since the switch to mono, the line gets super twisted after several casts whereas it would not do this with the fluorocarbon. Is it because it's mono or 6lb test?

[Ray Ditzenberger]

It sounds like your popper is causing the twist while in the air. I am not sure why but mono is less stiff than Flouro. I do believe the popper is the problem. I fish poppers on 6# mono a lot with no problem.

[chris kowaleski]

It's weird because i've used the poppers before on the fluorocarbon with no problems. The line is Trilene XL.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

"XL" means 'extra limp' if I'm not mistaken. This could be the problem with that Trilene.
Maybe try switching to "XT" Trilene, which is 'extra tough.'
Or go back to the fluoro... I mean, if it ain't broke, don't fix it.

[chris kowaleski]

Yeah that's what I've read and started to figure was why it was doing that. I was just using these lines because they're partial spools I have left over, and didn't want to waste them. But I might need to invest in something else since it's not working well.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

At my Walt Mart they have 4# fluoro@ $4.96/ 100

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

...yards. That's a lifetime supply for $5. They also have 6,8,10.
The brand I'm looking at is Steen.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Sorry, that's Stren.
damn cellphone always making corrections....

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

. I figured it was something like that Chris. keep the partial rolls, but don't use them for popper tossing. Use them for sinking fly, nymphs, streamers, spinners so on.
They are also useful for making other leadera, of course. But, it is probably going to be in your best interest to get some fluorocarbon. I balk at the cost, too, so I feel you there.

[Ray Ditzenberger]

Your post does not detail what the fly line wt you are using or the size popper or the popper design. I still find it unusual that your popper causing line twist at all. In all my years of FF I can not remember a line twist problem. It also sounds like you are using a straight leader of xxxx length. There is nothing wrong with a straight leader. I used them for several years before starting to tie tapered leaders. I did not like the price of manufactured tapered leaders plus they were not available locally. You might also try using a heavy butt section of about 4' and 3' of whatever tippet size you deem required. If you are casting a 5wt a 30# butt would be just about right. If you are using a 8wt or so 40# butt would be more appropriate. A loop to loop connection from the line to butt and a loop to loop from the butt to tippet. The butt section will last a long time and you will only need to change the short tippet section with some regularity. I sometimes use this very same leader setup when I am not using my normal short furled leader of 5' and the same tippet of 2 to 3'. I am still of the thinking that there is a design flaw in the popper.

 

Come to think of it, I do remember a line twist problem many years ago. I had a real small 'Rebel minnow' that just would not swim properly and would just spin when I retrieved it. That was back in about 1970. Does the Rebel lure company even exist any longer?

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Rebel is alive and well!