[natepetes]

Hi, first post!

Just wondering if anyone else is having bad luck with the new Maxima leader. I have lost 2 big fish so far with the line breaking at the fly knot. I also snapped the line myself just by tightening the knot with my hands several times.

I am using 6 pound Maxima Chameleon leader and have bought 2 different spools from 2 different stores, so far I am very unimpressed with the strength of the product.

The worst part is that it seems I can no longer get the old stuff with the black label/gold font on the package in 6 pound test

 

[Twinfan]

! bought a couple of new spools this Spring. 6 lb and 4 lb, no problems so far. What are you using for a knot?

 

[threeD]

I used some this past week (10 lb) and is was solid! In fact,on one fish, I did everything your "not supposed to do" trying to CandR land a grilse by myself with no net, and was actually surprised that not only did the fly not pop out, the leader would not break. I was impressed as heck with the strength of the leader. IMO and from personal experience, it's a good product.

RH

 

[Bonasa_U.]

That's what I use for leader material as well - no problems - 6lb. is light for big fish though - I'm not surprised they broke you off. I personally like 8 lb. - you have to pull really hard to break it - I've been quite lucky I guess, but I've never broken a fish off using it. I usually only use 6 or 4lb. in really low/clear water conditions for that very reason - it is much easier to break than 8lb. When using 6lb I too have broken my leader while tightening the knot - you get used to pulling tight to a certain strength and it's easy to forget you're using lighter leader. I would say just don't pull quite so hard - make sure you wet the knot before you tighten all the way - and you should be fine.
I use the improved clinch - has always worked for me. I would bump up to 8lb. and I'm sure you'll have no issues - plus you'll be able to play and land MSW salmon in a decent amount of time without tiring him to exhaustion. With 6lb. you'll probably end up playing the (MSW)fish way too long in order to get him landed - so probably breaking him off would be the way to go anyway if you want to continue using that strength leader.

Good luck!

 

[Bill Gass]

I'd chuck that roll of 6 lb maxima or return it to the store wher you bought it from and get a refund. Hard to say how they've had it stored probably in a windown with lotrs of sunshine. Then I'd go to a flyshop where they have lots of turn over of products and will likely have newer line. Ya I'd have to agree that 6lb is a little light for bigger fish, I'd go that light for trout but for larger river/larger fish I'd go with 8 or 10 depending on how finicky they are.

Bill G.

 

[natepetes]

Hey guys, thanks for all the responses.

I got to say it must just be me having a little bit of bad luck. Thought I would ask since I have been using Maxima leaders for many years and never remember breaking the line while tying the knot. Maybe I am just getting stronger

 

[owenheathcote]

To test your line and knots, attach the line to a scale and pull on the line or scale and watch where the scale indicates when it breaks. This is a form of a poor mans force gauge. It is not all that easy to see exactly what the scale is at when breaks at but at least you can get an approximate.

 

[MATPAT]

Hi, first post!

Just wondering if anyone else is having bad luck with the new Maxima leader. I have lost 2 big fish so far with the line breaking at the fly knot. I also snapped the line myself just by tightening the knot with my hands several times.

I am using 6 pound Maxima Chameleon leader and have bought 2 different spools from 2 different stores, so far I am very unimpressed with the strength of the product.

The worst part is that it seems I can no longer get the old stuff with the black label/gold font on the package in 6 pound test

I hear ya! I lost a big salmon on friday morning using the 6 pound maxima chameleon. Took it and my favorite green machine

 

[Dragon]

I usually use the 6 pound Maxima Fluro with a uni-knot. I make my own leaders than glue all the knots and use fluro for the tippet. Never had one break off but I have never fought a big salmon on that either. I have caught a few 18-19 inch sea run rainbows and never had a prob. Use heavier gear for the bigger fellows.

 

[natepetes]

Was it always called 'chameleon'? I just noticed when they changed the packaging colors.

Anyway the main thing I am noticing is that I can break the line easily with my hands on either of the 2 spools I bought this year. I remember feeling like the line was going to cut into my hands when I tried to break 6 pound maxima before.

I picked up a spool of 10 pound and it is freaking strong, however, now my problem is the line doesn't fit through the eye of some of my small flies

Oh well, only takes a minute to switch leaders anyway.

 

[flymart.ca]

One Ghillie i know has been using the same 1000yd spool for 10years and its still good! .

 

[zamboni-guy]

One Ghillie i know has been using the same 1000yd spool for 10years and its still good! .

I as well tie my own leaders and go from 20lbs to 4lbs ..the best way to avoid breaking is tie a fly on.. hook it on your bumper or something and play it like a fish .. set your drag to the the pull that will not allow it to break ... doing this you must keep in mind that playing a fish too long is not good if you feel that you can't land the fish lose the fish and the fly .. and be happy . it's all about knowing your line limit .. and not stressing the fish .. sounds dumb but knowing your limit .. you'd be impressed how well you can make a fish swim to ya

 

[canada mike]

Is it the brown colored stuff or that ultra green? IMHO the newer ultra green stuff doesn't come close to brown stuff. Most shops have both available.

 

[flymart.ca]

I usually carry both unless i know for sure the water colour, green for clear water and the chamelon for stained. If it makes a difference or not i dont know . But it adds a little confidance ,to ma anyways!

 

[natepetes]

Is it the brown colored stuff or that ultra green? IMHO the newer ultra green stuff doesn't come close to brown stuff. Most shops have both available.

I think you hit the nail on the head there. That ultra green stuff is very weak, at least, in 6 pound test.

Picked up a jumbo spool of black 8 pound a while back, very pleased

 

[ipop]

i broke off on a salmon? big trout? it happened yesterday using the brown maxima leader up just above papeneaux falls, although i'm not sure it was the leaders fault. i had just gotten hung up twice in a row, having to wade out into the river to get my fly back, and probabaley should have retied. i was just thinking i might have to break off on purpose, as it went down stream towards the falls right after the hit, and the falls are no fishing allowed...
i'm sort of glad the fish made the decision for me, but i would have liked to at least see it. no jump, that's why i'm thinking a big trout.