I find recently my casting much improved. Recently, I measured it in the garden, and I can get sixty five, maybe seventy feet (from my feet), which I'm guessing is okay distancewise. And while the line is straight, on water, I find the leader tends not to be. It can be straightish near the line, but the fly end will sometimes coil and plop in the water. I tend to use standard leader (untapered), about 4 or 5lb. Anyone know what the cause of this is? Should I be using tapered leader?

Thanks

Just my opinion, yes you should be using a tapered leader, preferably one about 9 to 12 ft for lake work.........
Plus a 3 t0 4 ft tippet, with a Roman Moser ring.

Consider one of Mr Trout's furled leaders - They're magic. They catch fish and flatter the most average of casters.

Is this what you intend to fish with your 8# line If so, might I suggest that you up it to at least 7lb.and keep your 4-5lb for your 8'.5'' rod.use a tapered leader if you want,I don't bother unless fishing single dry fly.

Jim

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The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

thanks for the input.

Jim, I hadn't actually considered upping it with the heavier line. What a fool. Thanks for that. Would you suggest a 7lb even with heavier dry flies (or ones that rest in the surface, anyway) such as hoppers etc where the leader is visible? I've tried sinkit on my leader before, but it never actually seems that effective at sinking it.

Phil

7Lb degreased will sink just fine.modern leader material is thin for it's strength.If you use flouro you might have to grease it to keep it floating. for stillwater fishing I use modern low dia flouro 8-10lb BS if using lures. with 7# rods/lines.and 6lb if fishing dries.

Jim

__________________
The Fishermans Friend is the Flirty Fly,Fickle Food for Fleeting Fish.

Thanks for that, Jim. I appreciate all the advice you're giving me. You're acquiring Yoda-like status.

Hopefully it doesn't all fly out of my head when at the water.

All the best

Phil