Most Recommended Leaders and Tippet of 2023
Updated
There are a lot of great leaders and tippets out there, but how do you know which one is the best one for you? Here at Curated, our independent experts recommend leaders and tippet to customers just like you every day. Check out this list of our experts' top-recommended leaders and tippet, then chat with a Fly Fishing expert to make sure you find the perfect match for you.
By Fishing ExpertsAaron, JJ, Lawson and others
The Orvis SuperStrong™ Plus Combo Pack is a must-have for fly fishing enthusiasts. It's available in various sizes, making it versatile for different fishing needs. The pack includes both leader and tippet, making it an economical choice. It's particularly recommended for trout fishing, tying on flies, and new lengths of tippet. However, it's not ideal for battling large fish or saltwater fishing, as stronger tippet is required for these scenarios.
by Curated experts Joseph Smith, Aaron Tate
Ideal for
- Fly fishing enthusiasts
- Trout fishing
- Tying on flies
- New lengths of tippet
Not ideal for
- Fighting large fish
- Saltwater fishing
The Orvis SuperStrong™ Plus Leaders 2 Pack is a top choice for freshwater fly fishing anglers. Its high retained knot strength and knotless taper design make it perfect for turning flies over for increased distance and accuracy. Ideal for larger nymphs, dries, and small streamers, it's particularly useful when the water flow is high or slightly stained. The pre-tied loop to loop connection and the two-pack offer make it a great value, especially for those new to the sport.
by Curated experts Joseph Smith, Baily Dent, Jake Gronholz
Ideal for
- Freshwater fly fishing
- Fishing with larger nymphs, dries, and small streamers
- High water flow or slightly stained water conditions
- Beginners in fly fishing
- Value seekers
Not ideal for
- Clear water or finicky fish
- Saltwater applications
- Streamer fishing due to less abrasion resistance
Rio Freshwater Leaders Powerflex Plus
See Price and DetailsThe Rio Freshwater Leaders Powerflex Plus is a versatile and reliable choice for anglers. Its easy-to-use, tapered design ensures a smoother cast, making it ideal for trout fishing. Available in a two-pack, these nylon leaders are perfect for dry fly fishing and nymphing with added split shot weights. They offer a clean presentation and are great for connecting smaller tippet onto the end. However, they may not be suitable for fishing larger species like steelhead.
by Curated experts David W., JJ Miller, Hannah Morel
Ideal for
- Trout fishing
- Dry fly fishing
- Nymphing with added split shot weights
- Connecting smaller tippet onto the end
- Bass fishing with bugs
Not ideal for
- Fishing for larger species like steelhead
What is your level of fly fishing experience?
Rio Freshwater Leaders Powerflex Trout Leader Selection
See Price and DetailsThe Rio Freshwater Leaders Powerflex Trout Leader Selection is a versatile and reliable choice for anglers. It comes with three different weight leaders (3x, 4x, and 5x) in one pack, making it suitable for both larger and smaller water bodies, as well as for leader-shy fish. Its supple mono straightens out well and holds little memory, making it a tried and true choice for most trout and bass/panfish flies. However, it's not recommended for heavy streamer fishing or saltwater use.
by Curated experts Kendrick Wilson, Stefan E.
Ideal for
- Anglers looking for a versatile leader selection
- Fishing in both larger and smaller water bodies
- Catching leader-shy fish
- Most trout and bass/panfish flies
Not ideal for
- Heavy streamer fishing
- Saltwater fishing
Rio Freshwater Leaders Powerflex Trout
$3.84
$4.67
18% off
The Rio Freshwater Leaders Powerflex Trout is a versatile tool for any angler. It's particularly effective for all-around trout fishing, from nymphs to dry flies, and is also suitable for bluegill. The 7.5-foot long size 5x trout leader is perfect for shallower streams, creeks, and ponds. While it's not fluorocarbon, hence not as clear in the water, it's still a great leader to use in all freshwater, especially for trout. It's also excellent for turning over heavier streamers or building out a heavier nymph rig.
by Curated experts Andrew Pfaffinger, Joe Price, Lawson T.
Ideal for
- All-around trout fishing
- Fishing in shallower streams, creeks, and ponds
- Turning over heavier streamers
- Building out a heavier nymph rig
- Fishing for bluegill
Not ideal for
- Fishing for large-sized fish
- Dry fly fishing
Rio Freshwater Bass Leaders
See Price and DetailsThe Rio Freshwater Bass Leaders are a top pick for 2023 due to their easy attachment and solid tapered design, saving anglers precious time on the water. They are particularly effective for bass fishing, with the right mix of strength and lower stretch for optimal hook setting power. These leaders are also clear, reducing the chance of spooking the fish. However, they may not be suitable for delicate presentation or trout fishing due to their thicker diameter.
by Curated experts Jeff Henderson, Dusty R., Stefan E.
Ideal for
- Bass fishing
- Anglers seeking a time-saving, easy-to-attach leader
- Fishing in areas where largemouth bass reside
- Anglers who use top water poppers and streamers
Not ideal for
- Delicate presentation
- Trout fishing
Rio Freshwater Leader Fluoroflex Trout
$11.19
$13.59
18% off
The Rio Freshwater Leader Fluoroflex Trout is a top pick for 2023, thanks to its solid tapered design that's perfect for trout fishing. It's easy to attach, meaning you can spend more time on the water. Ideal for targeting Brook, Brown, and Rainbow trout, its 5x strength can handle a big trout while its thin diameter prevents spooking wary trout. The fluorocarbon material provides extra strength and low visibility.
by Curated experts Jeff Henderson, Kevin Griffin
Ideal for
- Trout fishing enthusiasts
- Anglers targeting Brook, Brown, and Rainbow trout
- Those who value easy-to-attach fishing gear
- Anglers seeking strong yet low-visibility fishing gear
RIO Saltwater Leaders Saltwater
See Price and DetailsThe RIO Saltwater Leaders Saltwater is a top-notch leader material, ideal for inshore species. It's highly recommended by Rio, a leading name in the industry. This extruded tapered leader is perfect for turning over just about any fly your 7-9wt rod can throw, making it a versatile choice for all saltwater scenarios.by Curated expert Joe Price
Ideal for
- Inshore species fishing
- Turning over any fly a 7-9wt rod can throw
- All saltwater scenarios
Rio Freshwater Leaders Suppleflex Trout
$4.89
$5.94
18% off
The Rio Freshwater Leaders Suppleflex Trout is a versatile choice for anglers, particularly those who need to replace their leader. Its all-purpose tapered design makes it a great starting point, and it can be adjusted with different tippets to fly. However, it's not suitable for saltwater or big game fishing.by Curated expert Kendrick Wilson
Ideal for
- Anglers needing to replace their leader
- Those looking for an all-purpose tapered leader
- Users who need adjustable tippets to fly
Not ideal for
- Saltwater fishing
- Big game fishing
Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Leader
$8.48
$16.95
50% off
The Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Leader is a top pick for 2023, offering everything you need to get started with fishing. This all-in-one solution comes with a tapered leader and a pre-tied butt section, allowing for direct connection to your fly line. It's a versatile choice, perfect for dries, nymphs, and small streamers. Plus, it's biodegradable, reducing water waste. Ideal for size 20-26 flies, it's a solid all-around option for freshwater trout fishing.
by Curated experts Jeff Henderson, Tellan Lloyd, Jonathan K.
Ideal for
- Beginners in fishing
- Freshwater trout fishing
- Fishing with dries, nymphs, and small streamers
- Environmentally conscious anglers
- Fishing with size 20-26 flies
Not ideal for
- Saltwater fishing
- Big game species fishing
Other lists to consider
Curated experts can help
Have a question about the article you just read or want personal recommendations? Connect with a Curated expert to find exactly what you are looking for!Result Summary
- Orvis SuperStrong™ Plus Combo Pack
- Orvis SuperStrong™ Plus Leaders 2 Pack
- Rio Freshwater Leaders Powerflex Plus
- Rio Freshwater Leaders Powerflex Trout Leader Selection
- Rio Freshwater Leaders Powerflex Trout
- Rio Freshwater Bass Leaders
- Rio Freshwater Leader Fluoroflex Trout
- RIO Saltwater Leaders Saltwater
- Rio Freshwater Leaders Suppleflex Trout
- Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Leader
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