Fluorocarbon XTR Leader Material

Cortland’s Fluorocarbon XTR Leader Material features a crystal clear, glass smooth finish, with a highly abrasion resistant coating. The XTR technology is an ideal blend of fluorocarbon resins creating exceptional knot strength while maintaining a perfect combination of suppleness and stiffness.

Find a Local Dealer

United States deliveries usually take 3-8 business days.

International deliveries can take up to 7 - 18 days.

If you have any question about shipping Contact Us our customer service department is here to help.

 P65 - WARNING: Cancer and Reproductive Harm
www.P65Warnings.ca.gov

BREAK STRENGTH (LB) DIAMETER (INCHES) SPOOL LENGTH (YDS)
6 lb. .007 in. 30 yds / 100 yds
8 lb. .009 in. 30 yds / 100 yds
10 lb. .010 in. 30 yds / 100 yds
12 lb. .012 in. 30 yds / 100 yds
14 lb. .013 in. 30 yds / 100 yds
16 lb. .014 in. 30 yds / 100 yds
20 lb. .015 in. 30 yds / 100 yds
25 lb. .019 in. 30 yds / 100 yds
30 lb. .020 in. 30 yds / 100 yds
40 lb. .023 in. 30 yds / 100 yds
50 lb. .027 in. 30 yds / 100 yds
60 lb. .030 in. 30 yds / 100 yds
80 lb. .033 in. 30 yds / 100 yds

Fluorocarbon XTR Leader Material is designed for anglers who build or customize their own leaders and need maximum abrasion resistance, low visibility underwater, and dependable strength in demanding conditions. Its fluorocarbon construction is well suited for subsurface fishing where contact with rocks, structure, or bottom is common.

Use it when: building custom leaders for nymphing, wet flies, or subsurface presentations.

  • Anglers who prefer to build their own leaders
  • Subsurface fishing where abrasion resistance is critical
  • Clear or pressured water where low visibility matters
  • Situations that require custom diameters or step-downs not available in pre-tapered leaders
  • Low visibility underwater
    Fluorocarbon’s refractive properties are closer to water than nylon, which can reduce visibility during subsurface presentations.
  • Abrasion resistance
    XTR fluorocarbon resists wear from rocks, gravel, and structure, helping maintain strength in demanding fishing environments.
  • Sink rate
    Fluorocarbon is denser than nylon and sinks faster, supporting better depth control and more direct contact when fishing below the surface.
  • Strength and consistency
    Leader material allows anglers to select specific diameters and strengths, creating leaders tuned precisely to conditions and technique.

Choose this leader material if:

  • You want to build or customize leaders
  • You fish primarily subsurface
  • Abrasion resistance near rocks or bottom contact matters
  • You want low visibility and faster sink characteristics

What is leader material used for?
Leader material is used to build or customize fly fishing leaders. It allows anglers to control taper, diameter, and strength rather than relying on pre-tapered leaders.

Is fluorocarbon leader material better than nylon?
Fluorocarbon is usually preferred for subsurface fishing because it sinks faster and offers abrasion resistance. Nylon is often better for dry flies due to buoyancy and suppleness.

Can this be used as tippet?
Yes. Fluorocarbon leader material can be cut and used as tippet, especially in subsurface applications where abrasion resistance is important.