No doubt it is easier to floss with long leaders, just like it is easier to floss your teeth with long floss than one that is to short. But in different fisheries long leaders don't necessarily mean your flossing or intending to floss.

I have fished the Cowlitz with 24" 8lb leaders and switched to 48" and received more bites. I'm not flossing. Going to 6', I'm not confident there is that much difference, might be on the verge of flossing (unintentionally)

I have also flossed (just ruined my rep) and find that it is much easier to control 3' to 4' leaders in clear water than the 11' leaders I see on the Frazer. 11' that is definately flossing when there is 1-2' of vis. (much different than clear water on the Cowlitz with 4' leaders). But if you are into flossing, the 11' leader in colored water is the route to go, you can cover a lot of ground.

It comes down to intent and style. If I see steelhead at Reiters I can usually hook that steelhead if I want, even in the mouth, if I am patient (force feeding) but my intent is to hook the fish (legaly). If I want it to bite I will use a technique that passes the offering in front of the fish, not right down (or around) its mouth.

It all comes down to intent not leader length ( even though we know folks who like to floss prefer long leaders)
And then there are the ones we don't even know we flossed?, how do we deal with that?

I have to go with a legally hooked fish is a legally hooked fish. Unless we start giving out tickets for intent (which some gamies do, pretty gray area)


my 2¢