Good rod specs for small streams, native brookies

[TimMurphy]

I'll have to consider using shorter leaders then. It seems the 9ft premades are very common, but I suppose I'll have to make my own if I want a specific length.

I've decided to make this build a 3wt, 7.5ft. With that in mind, what length of leader should I make for the small stream situation? Do you have a formula you can recommend? Is there any brand of mono you prefer?

Fwiw the one part of my set up I wasn't worried about is fly size. Brookies are hungry and the little guys will readily hit on a spoon nearly their own size. I had no trouble getting them to bite down on my nymphs. Just couldn't get them to stay on there while stripping in!

Dear SleepySheep,

Just buy a 4 1/2-foot furled thread leader with a tippet ring and add 3 feet of tippet. For small stream brook trout fishing anything else is just a waste of time and effort.

Regards,

Tim Murphy 🙂

 

[wildtrout2]

Just buy a 4 1/2-foot furled thread leader with a tippet ring and add 3 feet of tippet. For small stream brook trout fishing anything else is just a waste of time and effort.

Ther you go! I just start out with a 7.5' tapered leader. Then, when I lose enough length from changing flies, I tie on a tippet ring with 3' of tippet. The original leader butt section and ring stay for the rest of the season.
I just use 4lb test straight mono as tippet, it's MUCH cheaper in the long run.

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

I'm pretty handy with a uni-uni knot, I tie them all the time. Is there an advantage to the blood knot over a double uni?

I've only used a double uni-knot to tie ropes together. I only know the blood knot is easier to tie while seated in a comfortable chair at home than at streamside. Most of my in-field leader repairs use a double surgeon's knot, unless the lighting is right.