Leader Formulas by Bo Cash

This is taken by permission from Bo Cash on the Winston Forum.

All written by Bo Cash, aka the Guru of Winston and all that relates. Enjoy.


I just finished typing up a more refined series of my hand tied leaders. Give these a try:::::::::::::::::::

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MAXIMA/RIO LEADER TIE FORMULAS © Table Rock Angler 2007 - “Bo” Cash

The following leader formulas have proven to turn over, out cast, and outlast any tapered leaders I’ve ever used. They were developed while experimenting with different length/diameter sections over a period of 36 years. The formulas may be varied slightly without loss of performance. On smaller streams, the shorter leaders tied with Maxima leader material are the most accurate for getting under overhanging limbs and rock structures. Maxima has the stiffness and scratch resistance that makes a perfect basic leader on which to attach chosen tippet sections. On long, flat pools and tailwaters, I use the longer formulas. The Maxima sections help to turn over the longer leaders well. I have changed to Rio for all the tippet sections. Rio has the breaking and knot strength, suppleness, and low visibility that I desire.

Unlike many leader formulas that have such short middle sections, tippets can be replaced several times on these leaders without having to replace the sections immediately next to the tippet. Some substitutions can be made. Damaged sections can be easily replaced without having to discard the whole leader. Try not to vary the sections more than .003” difference between leader sections to get proper turnover. If your leader is to be attached to a 7 weight line or larger, consider using a short 30 pound section of Maxima between the line and the 25 pound section. If your leader is to be tied to a 2 weight or less, you may want to start out with a longer 20 pound butt section instead of using 25 pound.

*Maxima leader material given in POUND TEST and unlabeled below. Rio tippet is labeled with name and “X” rating.

Tie your own leaders for performance and economy. You can tie a better leader, cheaper. Let’s go fishing !


1. 7’ – 4 X

14” 25 #
14” 20
14” 15
12” 10
12” 6
18” 4x Rio

2. 7 1/2’ – 6 X

14” 25 #
14” 20
14” 15
10” 10
10” 6
10” 4x Rio
18” 6x Rio

3. 7 1/2’ 5 X

14” 25 #
14” 20
14” 15
10” 10
10” 6
10” 4x Rio
18” 5x Rio

4. 6’ 1 X

14” 25 #
14” 20
14” 15
10” 10
10” 8
10” 6
*if using streamers larger than # 6 or heavily weighted, consider omitting the 6 # section altogether to get proper and accurate turnover.

5. 8 1/2’ – 5/6 X

14” 25 #
14” 20
14” 15
10” 10
10” 8
10” 6
12” 4x Rio
18” 5/6x Rio

6. 8 1/2’ – 4 X

16” 25 #
16” 20
16” 15
12” 10
12” 8
12” 6
18” 4x Rio

7. 9’ – 4 X

18” 25 #
18” 20
18” 15
12” 10
12” 8
12” 6
18” 4x Rio
add 5x Rio dropper tippet to dry fly


8. 9’ – 5/6 X

14” 25 #
14” 20
14” 15
12” 10
12” 8
12” 6
12” 4x Rio
18” 5/6x Rio


9. 10’ – 5/6X

18” 25 #
16” 20
16” 15
14” 10
12” 8
12” 6
12” 4x Rio
20” 5/6x Rio

10.11 1/2’ – 5/6 X

20” 25 #
19” 20
19” 15
16” 10
14” 8
14” 6
14” 4x Rio
22” 5/6x Rio

11. 12’ – 6/7 X

18” 25 #
18” 20
18” 15
16” 10
14” 8
14” 6
12” 4x Rio
12” 5x Rio
22” 6/7x Rio

12. 13’ – 6/7 X

22” 25 #
20” 20
20” 15
16” 10
14” 8
14” 6
14” 4x Rio
14” 5x Rio
22” 6/7x Rio

13. 15’ – 5/6 X

20” 25 #
20” 20
20” 15
16” 10
16” 8
20” 6
20” 4x Rio
48” 5/6x Rio

14. 3’ – HEAVY FLY

9” 30 #
9” 25
9” 20
9” 15
*when using 8 or 9 weights and heavily weighted flies over size 2, I generally drop the 15# section and go with the first three sections totaling only 27 inches. I use this leader with fast sinking sink tips (15 to 24 feet) to aggressively and rapidly jerk large weighted, saltwater type streamers from a moving driftboat. This takes place in the larger tailwater rivers of east Tennessee below TVA dams with turbines running. Some question the length and diameters. Once the predatory instinct and mood kicks into a large brown trout's head, he doesn't see the leader, only the big fly being rapidly moved. Once a solid hookup is made, the fish IS COMING to the boat. If the hookup involves a small log, it too may be brought into the boat.



# 4 = Streamer leader for # 10 – 4 size streamers
# 6 & # 7 = My favorite small stream leaders.
# 7 = Small steam leader for use with droppers tied to dry fly.
# 12 = My favorite tailwater leader for small flies over clear, still water.
# 13 = A leader designed for fishing dry flies “across and down” to drag conscious fish in large, very clear tailwater rivers.
# 14 = A special leader for # 6, 7, and 8 weights for jerking big, heavy streamers on sink tip lines.
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Making friends with the Long Rod since 1957.