What types of fly fishing leaders do you sell?

Drift Outfitters offers tapered nylon and fluorocarbon leaders in a range of lengths and strengths for trout, bass, steelhead, salmon, and saltwater.

How do I choose the right leader length?

Long leaders (9–12 ft) are ideal for clear water and wary fish, while shorter leaders (6–8 ft) are better for larger flies, bass, or salmon.

What is the difference between tapered and level leaders?

Tapered leaders cast smoothly and help turn over flies, while level leaders are a single thickness and less common in traditional fly fishing.

Which leader brands do you carry?

We stock leaders from RIO, Scientific Anglers, known for knot strength, consistency, and performance.

How should I care for my leaders?

Store leaders neatly coiled in their packaging or a wallet, and replace any that are frayed, kinked, or shortened from use.

Maxima Leader Line

$6.95

$6.95 ~~$6.95~~

Sale

Sold out

In stock, ready to ship
Inventory on the way

Color: Ultragreen

Ultragreen

Chameleon

Product variants

Quantity

Free Shipping for orders $200+ (Excludes oversize and consignment items)

Refund available within 30 days, exchange until 90 days.

Product Description

Maxima Leader Line – Unmatched Strength and Durability for Demanding Waters

Maxima Leader Line is trusted worldwide for its toughness, reliability, and fish-turning power. The Chameleon variant features a unique formula that adapts its hue to match water and light conditions, making it ideal for steelhead, salmon, and other powerful species. With brutal knot strength and incredible abrasion resistance, it’s built to perform in the harshest environments. Maxima Ultragreen offers the same legendary strength in a subtle moss green colour that disappears underwater, perfect for stealthy presentations on trout, bass, or big game. For serious anglers, Maxima is the leader you can rely on.

Fly Fishing Tippet FAQ

Q: What types of fly fishing tippet do you sell?
A: At Drift Outfitters, we offer nylon and fluorocarbon tippet materials in a full range of diameters. Nylon tippet is affordable, flexible, and perfect for dry flies, while fluorocarbon is nearly invisible underwater and excels for nymphing, streamers, and saltwater fishing.

Q: How do I choose the right tippet size?
A: Tippet size is based on both the fish you’re targeting and the fly you’re fishing. Lighter tippets (5X–7X) are best for small flies and wary trout, while stronger tippets (0X–3X) are used for bigger flies, bass, salmon, and steelhead. Choosing the right diameter ensures a natural drift and better casting dynamics.

Q: How is fluorocarbon tippet different from nylon?
A: Fluorocarbon sinks, is more abrasion-resistant, and is harder for fish to see underwater, making it perfect for subsurface presentations. Nylon floats better, is easier to knot, and is often the choice for dry fly fishing. Many anglers carry both to match changing conditions.

Q: Which tippet brands do you carry?
A: We carry leading brands RIO, Scientific Anglers and more. These spools are built for consistency, knot strength, and performance whether you’re fishing freshwater or saltwater.

Q: How should I store my tippet spools?
A: Keep tippet spools out of direct sunlight and avoid leaving them in hot environments, as UV light and heat can weaken the material. Use a tippet holder or tender to keep spools organized and replace older tippet regularly to ensure strength on the water. Nylon leaders and tippet will dry out and become brittle over time, it’s recommended you replace these each season.