Bass leaders vs Trout leaders

[td566]

Hi everyone.
When purchasing a leader for warm water fishing, is there any advantage to buying a leader labeled “bass” vs “trout”? I mainly fish streamers, buggers, and smallish poppers/sneaky Pete’s.
I usually go with my 7.5’ glass rod with a 7.5’ leader on the smallish warm water streams I fish. Also, what x leader is a good choice?

BTW, I tried the wet wade option yesterday with my wading boots and a pair of light work pants and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Good tips from that wet wade earlier thread!

 

[hooker-of-men]

If I'm throwing big streamers or gurglers/foam bugs - which is pretty much all of my bass fishing - I just use 3-4 feet of level 20 lb and then 3-4 feet of level 15 lb. If I throw smaller streamers, I'll put on a foot of 10 lb. as a janky sort of tippet.

The fish don't seem to mind, and, if the bigger flies don't turn over or they twist, then I shorten the leader sections.

 

[BrookieChaser]

In regards to store bought leaders, for bass you want a stiffer, heavier leader to turn over the heavier bass flies. Usually they're shorter oal, stiffer in the butt section and don't taper down as far.

 

[Duriensbane]

ive been using 2ft of 20lb maxima ultragreen, 1ft of 12lb maxima ultragreen and 1ft of 2x tippet. If the hook size permits i also put on a mustad fastach clip to make swapping out streamers and larger poppers easier. The only issue i had on my last outing was not being able to hookset on smallies that are less then 10in, they just grab what im throwing and i throw them across the creek.

 

[TimMurphy]

Dear td566,

From the description of the rod and where you are fishing, I am guessing you are using a 5 weight. If that is the case, just buy 7.5-foot leaders ending with 8 or 10# test tippet. It will work down to size 6 flies. Bass specific leaders generally are more useful with heavier or bulkier flies. Trout leaders will be fine if they are the proper # test. Tippet size by X value varies widely by brand but generally 1X or 2X will work.

Regards,

Tim Murphy