Today we continue our Ask The Experts series, in which we pose questions somehow related to fly fishing to our panel of expert anglers.
Got a question you’d like to ask our expert panel? Leave a comment on this post, or send us an email at info@deneki.com. Our experts are at your disposal.
The question we asked our expert panel this week was “What’s your favorite leader material for chasing big fish in fresh water? Why?”
We knew there was an obvious answer or two, but were still surprised when 7 out of our 8 experts responded with Maxima Ultragreen.
We professed our love for the stuff in this post a couple months back…it looks like the experts agree.
Here’s what a few of our experts have to say about Maxima Ultragreen.
—
“My favorite leader material for big fish in fresh water is Maxima Ultragreen in either 10 or 15 lbs. It’s tough, it’s strong, and supple enough for good knot ‘grip’. It’s also fairly easy to find nearly anywhere when you run out. That includes your fishing buddies’ boat bag or fanny pack.”
[Note: Charles has been known to loan out spare spools of Maxima to folks who run out...like we did on the Dean last week...]
—
, the definitive modern book on steelhead fishing.“Maxima! As they say, ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Maxima has never let me down. It’s strong, tough, and reliable. I generally use the Ultragreen, but when I make long tapered leaders for dry line work it’s stiff Chameleon down to the tippet which is Ultragreen. I get great turnover with some personal aesthetic appeal.
Strong? I could winch my driftboat out of the Skagit River with 15 lb Maxima.”
—
“I’m going to guess that overwhelming response will be Maxima Ultragreen. Really, is there any other choice? It’s supple, strong, abrasion resistant, wears a nice groove in the teeth and tastes better than any material out there. Oh, did I mention it’s really strong?”
—
“I like long shot spools of 15 lb. Maxima because, well, it’s Maxima. It’s got great abrasion resistance, stays fresh in my bag and it knots well. Seems like you’re either happy with Maxima or you’re experimenting with something else temporarily, then coming back to Maxima. “
—
Let us know what you’d like to ask the experts!
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
been using maxima since the 75, as in 1975………back in the spinning rod days too. consistent, supple, knot strength, and best of all affordable!
Hey dudes, Big Phil and I will be back at camp last week of June. I have tried Seagur in Russia, 35/30/25/23.5 pound test but from time to time I get unexplained breakages, After visiting Kanektok, I bought Maxima Ultragreen and now use it exclusively, although I might give Chameleon a go for surface tricks like mousing, bombers, muddlers and riffling hitch. Russia in two weeks, so scope to experiment. See y’all soon !!!
Hi Philip, thanks very much for stopping by! We’re looking forward to seeing you this summer.
Hi Andrew,
Can I recommend a good single malt whisky (note no “e” in the spelling) for your insomnia !!! 3.18 am ?!!!!!!
Best wishes.
Philip
Dec….don’t hold your rod up the blank unless you have stock in a rod company that does’t guarantee their rods.
I also have used Maxima Line for leader and main line. I have always been pleased with the result. I have been told recently that Maxima also makes a Fluorocarbon Line that works well for leaders. Do the experts have any thoughts on this subject and also advice on where the line is sold.