Leader for Spanish?

Got some flies for Spanish last year and never got a chance to throw them. Going to get to it this week or next and was wondering what so you use as leader for Spanish? I use the loop to loop connection to the store bought rio leaders. Do I just need to tie a loop in some mono and connect the same way? What test mono would you recommend or another method.

I would get rid of the loop to loop for leader/tippet connection and blood knot an 18" piece of 20lb flouro as tippet to your leader.


A long long slow walk in the spartina gives you time to think big thoughts and put your mind back into order.

  • Flatscaster

I think I worded that a little confusing. I use loop to loop for connecting leader to fly line. Have one of the loops that you slide over the line and heat it up so it adheres to the line. So can I just blood knot onto the store bought leaders like you said?

Yes, just blood knot (or double surgeons) the tippet to the leader material.

I am not familiar with any loop that you heat, I either use a line that has a pre-made loop in the end or whip finish a loop into it myself, then loop-to-loop the leader to that.


A long long slow walk in the spartina gives you time to think big thoughts and put your mind back into order.

  • Flatscaster

http://www.orvis.com/store/product.aspx?pf_id=1051
These are the loops I was referring too. Thanks for the help on the tippet material.

When you target the bait school (birds) get your fly in there and strip FAST.

I’ve had good success with 20 pound flouro tippet and a short 4-5 inch tracer of 40-50 pound mono. If you aren’t worried about losing a few flies, stick with just the 20 pound flouro. Gummy flies (silverside/anchovy imitation) work well. As mentioned, cast to edge of the school and strip as fast as you can.

Cortland Toothie Critter.