Hi all.
My casting has improved a lot over the past few weeks, since getting some good coaching, (Although I have a long way to go ! )
I intend to concentrate more on presentation than on distance. So far I only fish on small stillwaters, so I don't need huge distance casts yet!
I am thinking of 2 new things now. First, using a tapered leader, not sure whether to buy ready made or make my own yet; second, I want to start fishing a "team" of flies.
My main question is when using a tapered leader with 2 droppers attached, doesn't this affect the turnover of the fly? My thinking (Which I am happy to be corrected on) is that a tapered leader, especially a shop bought one is designed to be used "as is", and if a couple of droppers are attached it will interfere with the smooth "unfurling" of the leader.
If this is the case is there a "best" type of tapered leader to use which copes with this phenomenon?
So can someone enlighten me please?
Sorry this is more than one question.
Thanks in advance to all those members who have answered my questions in the past, and to those who will help me grow in the future.
Regards,
Gary.

Okay Gary,
This may help.
Firstly, good to see that you are into tapered leaders and I think at this stage you can stay away from making your own. However, if you do want to them PM me and I will give you some help.
In the meantime, let's try and answer your question.
Adding droppers to a knotless tapered leader will not significantly hinder its performance. In fact, a couple of knots at the business end help to stiffen the leader and aid keeping the flies away from the leader.
One thing you don't want to do is to try and cast tight loops when using droppers. Some people can get away with it but most will end up with a tangle as the droppers hit the main part of the leader.
The simplest way for you to do this is to just get a normal leader (I would suggest about 12') and 30" above the tip, add a piece of tippet the same thickness of the tippet. Do this using a 'figure of eight knot'. Leave the dropper 4" to 6" in length.
I would begin with the single dropper until you get confidence with it all.
If you want to go the next step and add another dropper, then come up 30" from the first dropper and repeat the exercise.
This way you will get droppers that are not too stiff. If you are uncomfortable with that, then use a tippet thickness 1 or 2 greater than the tippet.
This should work fine for you.
There are other alternatives but try this first.
NOW, what you will find is that your dropper length will decrease as you change flies. The first thing that comes into most peoples mind is that they will need to either replace the leader or add further knots.
Don't worry about this. Instead, just cut off the dropper at the knot. Then take a pice of tippet the same thickness and make a small 'perfection loop' on one end. This loop can then be used to attach the dropper ABOVE the knot. You do it this way. Assuming that the leader is level, place the loop behind the leader and then bring the other end through the loop and pull tight. This will slide down to the knot and you are away.
In fact I make my own leaders and don't bother with adding droppers in the knot. I do it this way.
Hope this helps and PM me if you want any specifics.

__________________
"A traditional wet fly addict"

Uk representative and Instructor for Fly Fishing Masters - www.flyfishingmasters.co.uk

Distributor for Terenzio Silk and Artificial Silk Fly Lines - Pay distributor retail price.

Thank you Philip for the concise and very helpful answer.
I haven't yet bought any tapered leaders, so I am not sure yet which one(s) to go for. I know there are a multitude of posts on this subject, so I will do a bit of research before I splash some cash. I don't see myself making my own, as it seems like a bit of a minefield!

If I could just trouble you to explain one thing in your post ~:
By how much should I open my loops up? I can see why they need to be opened up, so which is the best way to do this? I am assuming that by tracing a "convex arc" with the rod tip this should open up the loop?

Thanks again.
Gary

Gary,
Most leaders are made for casting a single fly and probably an unweighted one at that. Most people try and emulate good casters who want tight loops.
You can't do that with droppers. The way that I do it is to simply open up my cast a little by drifting the back cast and dropping my rod down a very small amount at the the end of the cast. Opens the loop for me.

__________________
"A traditional wet fly addict"

Uk representative and Instructor for Fly Fishing Masters - www.flyfishingmasters.co.uk

Distributor for Terenzio Silk and Artificial Silk Fly Lines - Pay distributor retail price.

I,ve got a 9ft taperd leader coming out my line tip it goes down to 5lb. at the end i atached a 1.5 mm joining ring. i can add 2/3 ft of 3 lb if i want to fish dry fly. or put 2/3 ft of 4 lb with a dropper for wet fly and tie the other dropper onto the joining ring. "perfect"

That sounds like a good way for me to try. Is there any particular make of tapered leader which you use?