Bass in the Forest

August 13, 2024

Special Delivery | Absolute Leader and Tippet

Absolute Leader and Tippet

The leader is the final connection between the angler and the fly.The end of the leader is called the tippet and if all other connections are made properly, it is the final and weakest link in the system. Unfortunately, most big fish are lost by breakage at the leader tippet. This is due to either material failure and/or poor knot tying at the leader to tippet connection or tippet to fly.

Based on this, we need to make sure that we are using the best material available for the application and tying our connection knots correctly. By incorporating the best material along with a thorough knowledge of knots, Scientific Anglers’ catch phrase for leader and tippet has become “Failure is not an Option”.

The first step in “Failure is not an Option” is having the highest quality material for the application. SA’s Absolute Leader and Tippet selection features proprietary copolymer blends that drastically limit water absorption while maintaining optimal suppleness for high knot strength. A post-production coating further reduces water absorption and UV degradation while increasing lubricity to manage heat build up from knot tightening friction. This results in a 29% higher wet-knot strength for nylon, 15% gain in standard fluorocarbon, and 33% gain in Supreme Fluorocarbon over previous materials. These results are from independent, 3^rd party testing.

SA now offers an extensive selection of specialty leader tapers for specific, demanding applications. Butt diameters have been updated to match modern fly line designs. SA has leaders available for most any fly-fishing situation imaginable.

There is also an intuitive color scheme on leader packaging for quick and simple material and use identification.In addition, leader packaging is 100% biodegradable- including both the clear window and ink used in printing.

Absolute Trout

General purpose trout use, supple material
Available Sizes | 7.5’ and 9.0’ 0x to 6x | 1 and 3 packs
There is nothing more important in my trout kit than a quality leader. SA Absolute Trout Leaders are second to none – the gold standard of trout angling.
Josh Hutchins | SA Ambassador

Absolute Trout Tippet

Average 40% stronger wet knot strength than competition, supple,
Available Sizes | 30M 0x to 7x | 100M 3x to 6x
Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Tippet is the workhorse in my tippet material lineup. Whether it’s for my stillwater kit, the techy water sections, or our numerous thin blue lines, the daily driver is the Absolute Trout. It’s strong enough for all of the situations my guide day could bring. From skating large dries to presenting size 22 spinners, this tippet covers my needs in the dry fly presentation game. Absolute Trout material has the strength desired without losing the suppleness these waters demand. The knotability is excellent. Even with a variety of air/water temperatures Absolute Trout strength is consistent throughout. For myself, grabbing 100m spools of 3X-5X is super convenient and the built-in tippet cutter is just a bonus.
Todd Towles | Kingfisher River Guides

Absolute Trout Stealth

Light olive tint to reduce line flash
Available Sizes | 7.5’ 3x to 6x | 9.0’ 0x to 7x | 1 Pack
For myself and my clients, sight fishing for trout is the most effective way to catch more and larger trout. This starts with the “stealth” mindset to not be detected by wise and wary trout. Increased knot strength during battle, less water absorption, and my personal favorite feature—a light olive tint to reduce light reflection—make Scientific Anglers Trout Stealth Leaders a must-have in my tool bag every day!
Landon Mayer | SA Ambassador

Absolute Leader Wallet

Is your boat bag so full of leader that you can never find the right size when you need it? If so then get all of those leaders organized at your fingertips the second you need them.
Available Sizes | 7″ x 4.5″ | 10 pouches

Absolute Trout Stealth Tippet

Average 40% stronger wet knot strength than competition, supple with olive tint
Available Sizes | 30M 3x to 6x
When presenting dries to selective trout I will take any advantage that I can, the olive tint in Absolute stealth Tippet reduces line flash from above, increasing the odds of hooking spooky fish.
Joe Wolthuis | Scientific Anglers

Absolute Trout Presentation

Longer length, supple material, delicate delivery, easy turnover
Available Sizes | 11.0’ 0x to 6x | 14.0’ 3x to 5x | 1 Pack
When fishing the famous Harriman Ranch of the Henry’s Fork, or other super-technical dry fly fisheries, it’s essential I have a long leader that delivers tiny flies. Hands down the Absolute Trout Presentation Leaders by Scientific Anglers are the best yet. While the 11ft usually gets the job done, I can trust the 14ft for the ficklest of trout. Despite its length, the large leader butt along with the progressive taper turnover and carries my fly delicately with ease. And the supple tippet slides along for the perfect drag free drift.
Jeff Currier | SA Ambassador

Absolute Creek Trout

For tight quarter presentations, supple material, easy turnover
Available sizes | 6.0′ 3x to 6x
Everything we do here in the Driftless is short distance. It is essential that our casts are accurate at distances from 10-30 feet maximum. The SA Creek Trout leaders were tailor made for the short-distance, super-accurate fishing we encounter here daily. The solid turnover makes the leaders feel like an extension of the fly line making tucking that ant pattern underneath the overhanging grass super simple. When the fishing gets a bit more technical, and the fish fussier, we couple the turnover ability of the creek trout leader with a segment of Absolute tippet. We can trust the knot strength and suppleness of even the finest tippet to fool our selective spring creek trout.
Geri Marten | Driftless Angler

Absolute Trout Stealth Finesse

For slack line presentations and long drag, free drifts
Available Sizes | 10.0’ 4x to 7x | 12.0’ 4x to 7x | 1 Pack
Scientific Anglers is leading the way in leader technology with their innovative Absolute Finesse Leaders. Aside from facilitating easy turnover of small flies when fishing for finicky trout, they’re more buoyant because they don’t absorb as much water as other leaders. And their wet knot-breaking strength is 40% stronger than the competition! All this translates into more hook ups and more fish landed! And to top it off, their packaging is 100% recyclable and biodegradable! What’s not to love?
Pete Corbett | Creekside Angling

Absolute Trout Supreme Fluorocarbon Tippet

100% fluorocarbon, supple, high breaking strength for diameter
Available Sizes | 30M 0x to 7x
Absolute Trout Supreme Fluorocarbon Tippet is well named since it is absolutely the best! Strong yet subtle, it allows the ultimate freedom for our flies to get that perfect drift. For nymph fishing, it cuts through the water column like a laser and since contact with our flies is an important nymphing goal, the sensitivity of Absolute Trout Supreme means more fish. It’s all I use!
Jason Randall | Fly Fishing Guide

Tippet Rings

Tippet rings create a strong connection between your leader and tippet, that don’t require you to cut back your leader every time you need to add additional tippet.
Available Sizes | Small, Medium

Absolute Fluorocarbon

Tapered fluorocarbon
Available Sizes | 9.0’ 0x to 7x | 8 lb. to 20 lb. | 1 Pack
The risks I take hunting large trout with clients is exploring new water and fish. Sometimes, the fish are not in some days, and it takes patience to wait for the reward. With that in mind, every cast, presentation, and fight matters. When the moment does arrive, failure is not an option! This is why I choose to fish with Scientific Anglers Absolute Fluorocarbon Leaders and Tippet. With some of the highest breaking strength, non-reflecting of light, and abrasion resistance. I trust this product for every client and fish.
Landon Mayer | SA Ambassador

Absolute Trout Fluorocarbon Tippet

100% fluorocarbon, supple
Available Sizes | 30M 0x to 7x | 100M 0x to 6x
testimonial
I’m proud to be working with the industry’s leading 100% fluorocarbon tippet for my professional and personal trout fishing across the county for the last several years. Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout Supreme Fluorocarbon Tippet 100% means no coating and 100% stealth, which is important for the technical trout fisheries found near my home water. It’s also supple enough for dry fly applications, which means carrying less tackle and just focusing on my task- to catch fish. I feel confident dealing with any trout fishing scenario in the world with my tippet caddy carrying my 0X-7X selection.
George Daniel | SA Ambassador

Absolute Fluorocarbon Tippet

100% fluorocarbon, stiff and abrasion resistant
Available Sizes | 30M 4lb. to 20lb.
My office is the open waters of the Great Lakes and their tributaries. Dealing with Mother Nature and her unpredictable big waves and storms is a reality. As a guide having confidence in all your equipment, from your boat all the way down to fly selection, is key to having a successful trip. The most important connection of the day is between you and the fish. Choosing the right leader and tippet material to complete the link is crucial. Every day when I tie on 16 lb. Absolute Fluorocarbon Tippet and attach it to my flies, I know it will perform to the high standards I expect. It’s my go-to tippet material that has never let me down even in the toughest fish fighting showdowns on the big water to swinging flies on the tributaries.
Jeff Liskay | SA Ambassador

Absolute Euro Nymph

Small diameter butt, integrated Absolute tricolor sighter, attached tippet ring
Available Sizes | 13.5′ 2x, 4x | 30.0′ 2x, 4x | 1 Pack
In the Euro nymphing game, a lot of people build their own leaders and spend a lot of time both researching and testing different setups as well as fine tuning existing leader setups. One of the bigger obstacles to Euro nymphing we see on a daily basis is people who would prefer to have the convenience of a pre-built leader but still maintain that versatility and quality of a hand-tied custom leader. That’s where the Scientific Anglers Euro leaders come into play. They make it easy to attach and begin fishing with the leader without having to be familiar with and tie a bunch of pesky knots. The leader is good to go out of the bag with a built-in tri-color sighter and tippet ring already to roll.
Curtis Fry | Fly Fish Food

Absolute Tri-Color Sighter

0x, 2x, 4x, 10m spools, low memory, high abrasion resistance
Available Sizes | 10M 0x, 2x, 4x
Having used bi-color sighter material for a number of years, when Scientific Anglers came out with their tri-color sighter, it was a game changer. As I’ve aged, my eyes aren’t super great with keeping tabs on the sighter during a drift. Because of this, I’ve found that the tri-color combo sighter is much easier for me to see and track during the drift. This results in more hookups and less missed fish.
Curtis Fry | Fly Fish Food

Absolute Indicator Stillwater

Hot-orange butt section, short butt with extra-long tippet
Available Sizes | 12.0′ 2x to 4x | 1 Pack
The Absolute Stillwater Indicator leader is designed to allow vertical fly presentations at precise depths. Trout and other fish species often feed in very narrow depth zones. Chironomid or midge pupal fishing is a classic example of your fly having to be in the depth range the fish are feeding. This 12 ft long indicator leader offers a very visible, short hot orange butt section followed by level leader in 2X to 4X diameters. Pegging your indicator just below the butt section eliminates the hinging effect of having the indicator too far away from the fly line. Fishing deeper water simply means adding more similar diameter tippet to get your fly in the right zone.
Brian Chan | SA Ambassador

Absolute Streamer

For use with sinking lines, heavy butt
Available Sizes | 4.0′ 8lb to 20lb. | 1 Pack
The Absolute Streamer leaders are an effective and simple solution for angers fishing streamers on sinking fly lines. The larger butt diameter and short taper design help with turning over heavy or wind resistant streamers without creating a hinge between the fly line and the leader butt. The short 4’ length of these leaders aid in getting the fly down as the fly line sinks, even with unweighted streamers, and helps keep the fly in the target zone during the retrieve.
Brad Befus | President | Scientific Anglers

Micro Swivels

Micro Swivels will help prevent line twist when throwing streamers and other large flies.
Available Sizes | Small, Medium, Large

Absolute Tippet

Average 40% stronger wet knot strength than competition, medium stiff for turnover, increased abrasion resistance,
Available Sizes | 30M 4lb. to 20lb.
The Absolute Tippet material from Scientific Anglers is a super-versatile nylon copolymer blend that can be used in a wide range of applications, from trout to bass to bonefish. It is medium stiff with good abrasion resistance and exceptional wet knot strength. It is available in 4 lb. to 20 lb. on 30 M spools. If you are looking for one tippet material that covers the most fly fishing situations, Absolute Tippet fills that need. You can fish it with confidence anywhere you go.
Jerry Darkes | SA Advisor

Absolute Bass

Heavy, stiff butt, extra abrasion resistant,
Available Sizes | 8.0’ 8 lb. to 20 lb. | 1 Pack
Fly angling for bass often involves large flies, some of which are very air resistant and difficult to deliver. Similar to bass specific fly lines, bass leaders need to have significant mass and an aggressive taper. SA’s Absolute Bass leader provides just that. With the largest butt diameter and shortest taper of any leader we offer, Absolute Bass is the perfect solution for accurate and authoritative delivery of all bass bugs.
Josh Jenkins | R&D Manager | Scientific Anglers

Absolute Salmon/Steelhead

Medium stiff, low memory, swing or strip flies, use with indicators, 9’- 8 lb. to 20 lb.
Available Sizes | 9.0′ 8lb. to 20lb. | 12.0′ 12lb. to 20lb. | 1 Pack
I have used SA’s Absolute Salmon/Steelhead Leaders chasing migratory fish in a variety of situations. They can be used chucking weighted rabbit streamers and Wogs for Alaska coho, skating for BC steelhead, dead-drifting an indicator rig on a Great Lakes tributary, swinging a wet or drifting a Bomber for Atlantics. These leaders get the job done the right way. Medium stiffness and a strong butt section helps turnover heavy rigs or air-resistant flies, low memory in cold water keeps flies tracking straight on the swing, and a high-strength-to diameter ratio with great wet knot strength make Absolute Salmon/Steelhead leaders as versatile as possible. Available in 9-foot and 12-foot lengths in 8 lb. to 20 lb. in recyclable and biodegradable packaging they are the best choice when migratory salmon and trout are the target.
Jerry Darkes | SA Advisor

Absolute Saltwater

General-purpose use
Available Sizes | 10.0′ 8lb. to 20lb. | 1 Pack
Absolute Saltwater Leaders provide the performance and versatility required for a successful day on the water. The 10′ length accounts for spooky fish and the taper turns flies over. Finally, a pre-tapered saltwater leader that really delivers the fly where it needs to go!
Ben Austin | Tidewater Sales

Absolute Permit

For tropical climates, increased abrasion resistance, 10’- 12 lb. to 20 lb.
Available Sizes | 10.0′ 12lb. to 20lb. | 1 and 3 Packs

Absolute Bonefish

For tropical climates, increased abrasion resistance, 10’- 8 lb. to 12 lb.
Available Sizes | 10.0′ 8lb. to 12lb. | 1 and 3 Packs
When I’m on the flats chasing bonefish, my leader of choice is Scientific Anglers Absolute Bonefish Leader. It offers me a finesse presentation in skinny water but has a taper that will turn over the bigger, heavier flies that I tend to use at destinations like Andros Island where really large bonefish are present. I also have complete confidence is the Absolute leaders toughness when bonefish are in rough bottom areas or when they are rubbing their faces in the bottom trying to get rid of the hook. Absolute Bonefish Leaders from SA are my go-to leaders.
Pat Ehlers | SA Ambassador

Absolute Redfish

Increased abrasion resistance, good in a wide temperature range
Available Sizes | 10.0′ 12lb. to 20lb. | 1 and 3 Packs
The Absolute Redfish Leader was designed to turn over heavy flies and withstand the rigors of the marsh. Increased abrasion resistance protects from stiff spartina grass and razormsharp oyster shells. Scientific Anglers developed this leader with a keen understanding that fishing for redfish is a year-round pursuit. These leaders fish straight all the time. They won’t wilt on sweltering summer days or coil up on cold, crisp winter mornings alike.
Ben Austin | Tidewater Sales

Absolute Saltwater Fluorocarbon

100% fluorocarbon, high abrasion resistance, 10’- 10 lb. to 20 lb.
Available Sizes | 9.0′ 10lb. to 20lb. | 1 Pack
SA has found a way to marry stealth and strength. There’s no compromising toughness for stealthiness. Now when something goes wrong, I’ll know it was my fault and not an equipment failure.
Hilary Hutcheson | SA Ambassador

Absolute Inshore Leader

Absolute Inshore Leaders are designed to make accurate presentations in tight places for snook and small tarpon. They feature a heavy butt section tapered to 20 lb. The 24” shock tippet is premium 40 lb. fluorocarbon to help minimize abrasion from sandpaper-like mouths and nicks and cuts on mangrove roots.
Available Sizes | 8.0′ 40lb | 2 Pack
The SA Inshore leader is the perfect leader for anglers traveling to Mexico/Belize and fishing for baby tarpon, snook, and other rough mouthed inshore species. It turns over smoothly offering pin-point accuracy against the mangroves and is an absolute must-have for these anglers.
Rick Anderson | Fly Fishing Specialties

Absolute Supreme Saltwater Fluorocarbon Tippet

100% fluorocarbon, ultra-supple, highest breaking strength per diameter
Available Sizes | 30M 10 lb. to 20 lb.
Scientific Anglers Absolute Saltwater Fluorocarbon Tippet helps me and my anglers connect to fish of a lifetime day in and day out. When they say “Failure is not an Option”, they mean it!
Justin Rea | SA Advisor

Absolute Saltwater Fluorocarbon Tippet

100% fluorocarbon, stiff and abrasion resistant
Available Sizes | 30M 10 lb. to 20 lb.
It’s pretty nice to not be surprised when I make the cast I want, thanks to the excellent turnover of the Absolute Saltwater Fluorocarbon Tippet. The stiffness gets me the delivery and the abrasion resistance seals the deal.
Hilary Hutcheson | SA Ambassador

Absolute Fluorocarbon Shock Tippet

100% fluorocarbon, extreme abrasion resistance
Available Sizes | 30M 25 lb. to 80 lb.
When the fish of a lifetime is “on the line” I need to know I’m using the strongest material made. SA’s Absolute Fluorocarbon Shock tippet is the strongest, most abrasion resistant material I’ve ever used.
David Magnum | SA Ambassador

Absolute Leader Material

General-purpose saltwater mono, medium stiff for leader building
Available Sizes | 30M 20 lb. to 80 lb.
The wrist spools for the shock are an added bonus allowing for easy use and storage. One more thing, I have a saying “No Changer Left Behind “ as everyone knows I tie some of the most intricate and time consuming flies for some of the most discriminating fish on the planet. I wouldn’t trust these prized possessions with any other tippet or leader material!
Blane Chocklette | SA Ambassador

Absolute Hard Mono

For saltwater leaders, medium stiff mono, extra abrasion resistant
Available Sizes | 50M 25 lb. to 80 lb
Absolute Hard Mono is the perfect blend of stiffness for transferring energy and laying out long leaders with big flies yet supple enough o ensure proper seating and strong knot strength.
Joel Dickey | SA Ambassador

ABSOLUTE PREDATOR 7×7 KNOTTABLE WIRE

7×7 stainless steel construction limits stiffness for exceptional knot stability and natural fly movement. Nylon coating locks in knots and protects wire from abrasion.
Available Sizes | 25ft 25 lb, 40 lb.
When you’ve been casting all day for a fish that may or may not exist, you want to be sure your wire is going to be up to snuff when a Musky decides to eat. That’s why I trust SA’s Absolute Predator 7×7 knotable wire for all my leaders. Second chances don’t exist in the musky game.
David Litten | Blue Sky Outdoors

ABSOLUTE PREDATOR FIGURE 8

Designed specifically for finishing musky retrieves with boat-side figure 8s to convert more follows
Available Size | 30″ 50lb Fluoro | 15″ 40lb 7×7 Wire

Absolute Predator Toothy Fish Stealth

Musky Stealth Stuff- do not pass go- go directly to Musky Jail
Available Sizes | 8.0′ 20 lb. Tapered Leader | 15″ 80 lb. Fluoro

Absolute Predator Toothy Fish

For saltwater leaders, medium stiff mono, extra abrasion resistant
Available Sizes | 8.0′ Tapered Leader | 35 lb. Niti | 55 lb. Niti

Absolute Predator Esox

Proven, bombproof design for toothy predators such as pike or muskie
Available Sizes | 48″ 40 lb. Fluoro | 15″ 35 lb. 1×7 Niti
The Absolute Predator Esox Leader is my go to when stripping streamers for pike. The stiff fluoro helps turn over the larger flies with ease, even in the wind. The 35# 1×7 Ni-Ti wire is super thin and incredibly durable, allowing me to catch a bunch of fish without retying. The locking snap is the cherry on the top, totally bombproof.
Jeff Pierce | OUS Sales Manager | Scientific Anglers

Absolute 1×7 Niti Wire

Holds up against fish with sharp teeth and strong jaws
Available Sizes | 10.0′ Coil | 35 lb. | 55 lb.

Predator Leaders

For saltwater leaders, medium stiff mono, extra abrasion resistant
Available Sizes | 7.5′ 20 lb. Tapered Leader | 15″ 20 lb. 1×7 Stainless Wire | 15″ 45 lb. Stainless Wire