Glenn: I'd love to have that formula.. I have an 8ft 2 pc rod, that is a 5 wt rod (but, I want a 9ft 4wt rod)and I use a 6wt weight forward line. I do like my furled leaders better than I did the tapered ones I was using, but
This alone may cause some of your turn-over problems, as I've found out by experience... Even though a rod may say it is rated 5-6 weight, it may be better suited for one weight line versus another... Case in point, my "Walley World special" rod is 8'6" and supposedly 5-6wt, but for whatever reason a DT4F (double-tapered, 4wt floating) line (generic brand - i think sci anglers) works best on it. It depends on a rod-by-rod basis, but in my personal experience (albeit limited and quite possibly off), a change in line weight changes the leader's turnover. I also found that I wasn't using a stiff enough butt section on my hand-tied leaders... the result was a "wind cast" knot or (worse in my opinion) a sudden pile-up of leader at my feet with the line still shooting in a loop on the water with a resounding 'plunk!' ;) I guess my point is don't be discouraged, as it could be anything, but personally I'd try matching the rod weight to the line weight as a start, then tinkering with other factors (the leader itself), if that doesn't help. Again, just my opinion from personal experience, and I may be completely wrong on that one. Tight wraps, Pete
