What type of material is typically used to make leaders?

Monofilament or fluorocarbon is typically used to make fishing leaders due to their specific properties that enhance fishing performance. Monofilament line is favored for its flexibility, ease of handling, and low visibility in water, which is crucial for not alarming fish while submerged. Fluorocarbon, on the other hand, offers a similar low visibility advantage while also being more resilient to abrasion and sinking slightly in water, which can be beneficial in certain fishing conditions. These materials provide the strength necessary to withstand the tension when reeling in fish, as well as the needed stealth to avoid detection.

Other materials, such as leather or cotton, are generally not used for leaders because they do not have the durability or water resistance required for fishing applications. Steel wire is strong and used for specific purposes, typically when fishing for larger or toothy species, but it lacks the subtlety of monofilament or fluorocarbon. Braided nylon is robust and has its applications in fishing, but it lacks the same level of invisibility in the water compared to monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders. These distinctions highlight why monofilament or fluorocarbon is the preferred choice for leaders in fishing setups.