I'm a complete beginner—where should I start?

Start with the "Understanding Fly Lines" section in the Academy. It's the engine of all fly fishing—understanding how a line works will give you the foundation for choosing your equipment and improving your cast. Then, the "Casting Techniques" section will guide you from your first roll cast to advanced techniques.

How to choose between a #4, #5 or #6 rod?

The rod number corresponds to the weight of fly line it is designed to cast. A #4 is ideal for small streams and light flies. A #5 is the most versatile—it’s the best-selling size in the world for good reason. A #6 is suitable for larger rivers and bigger fish. If you're a beginner, start with a #5. Our Academy explains all of this in detail for free.

What's the difference between your fly lines?

Every Axon line is built for a specific job. The Perception is our versatile freshwater line — ideal for starting out and progressing. The long-head Windcutter rewards precision and technique. The Impulse and Outbound Short are made to cast big streamers to predators, and the Velocity SW is for saltwater. Not sure? Check out our free guide in the Axon Academy or email us.

How to choose the right reel size?

The reel size should match your rod’s line weight. A 3/5 reel is suitable for #3 to #5 rods, a 5/7 for #5 to #7 rods, and so on. The balance between the rod and reel is important for casting comfort. Our Premier Lancer Complet kit includes pre-calibrated components—everything is already matched for you.

Is Axon Academy really free?

Yes — completely and permanently free. All Axon Academy content is based on years of field practice and teaching experience. We believe that an angler who understands their gear is a better angler — and a more satisfied customer. This is our way of giving you an advantage from the start.

Is the Academy also suitable for experienced anglers?

Absolutely. Even experienced anglers find surprising information in our guides – particularly regarding the actual weight of lines in grains versus the 1961 AFFTA standard, or concepts like overhang and head length. These are notions that very few shops explain clearly.

How do you offer such high-quality equipment at that price?

We sell directly to the consumer, with no distributors or resellers. You buy directly from Axon. This allows us to offer equipment comparable to major brands at a fraction of the price—without compromising on quality or materials.

What is the 5% program for new talent?

For every purchase made on Axon Fly Fishing, 5% of the amount is donated to fly fishing initiation initiatives — primarily for young people and those living with physical or mental challenges, in collaboration with Pêche ADN Initiation. We believe that fly fishing is much more than a hobby — it's a state of mind, a therapy, a connection with nature that can transform a life. Your purchase directly helps open this door to those who need it most. Designed for enthusiasts, by an enthusiast.

Do you deliver internationally?

Yes — we ship worldwide. Usually 5 to 14 business days depending on the destination and carrier. Shipping costs are calculated at checkout.

How long does delivery to Canada take?

Delivery to Canada takes an average of 6 business days — usually 5 to 14 business days depending on the carrier — after order confirmation. Shipping is free on orders of CAD $150 and more.

What happens if I'm not satisfied?

You have 30 days after receipt to request a return of an unused product in its original packaging (prior authorization required; return shipping paid by the customer). A product that is defective or damaged on arrival is replaced or refunded at our expense, after verification. Our rods and reels carry a 1-year warranty against manufacturing defects — normal wear, impacts and misuse are not covered. Full details are in our return policy. Questions? Email us at contactinfo@axonflyfishing.com — we reply within 24 hours.

Can you help me choose the right equipment?

That's exactly what we do best. Write to us at contactinfo@axonflyfishing.com describing your situation—experience level, type of fishing envisioned, targeted waterways, and budget—and we will provide a personalized recommendation at no cost. Designed for enthusiasts, by an enthusiast.

Close-up of transparent fly fishing line loops coiled on a surface

12ft nylon leader — 0X to 7X with loop

0X

$13.19 CAD

12ft nylon leader — 0X to 7X with loop

$13.19 CAD

Diameter 0X 1X 2X 3X 4x 5X 6X 7X

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The Axon 12ft Tapered Leader is the dry fly angler's tool of choice for working at a distance. Its extra length allows for a natural and discreet presentation, keeping the fly line further from wary fish.

With its integrated welded loop, it connects in seconds to any looped fly line. Available from 0X to 7X to cover all situations — from large dry flies to the finest nymphs.

Why 12 feet?

More natural presentation: The extra length absorbs residual fly line ripple, resulting in a longer, more convincing drag-free drift — particularly effective on educated trout.
Increased safety distance: The tip of the fly line stays further from the fish. In clear water or shallow pools, this extra distance often makes all the difference between a refusal and a strike.
Ideal for dry fly and nymph fishing: For dry fly fishing, it allows the fly to drift freely for longer. For nymphing, it facilitates mending and drift control.
Integrated welded loop: Quick and solid connection to all Axon fly lines with welded loops. No knots to tie — leader changes in less than 10 seconds.

Specifications

Length: 12 feet (3.65 m)
Material: Tapered monofilament nylon
Connection: Welded loop at the butt end — compatible with all looped fly lines
Available diameters: 0X · 1X · 2X · 3X · 4X · 5X · 6X · 7X

Diameter	Diameter (mm)	Strength (lbs)	Recommended use
0X	0.28 mm	~15 lb	Large streamers, pike, saltwater
1X	0.26 mm	~12 lb	Voluminous flies, salmon, bass
2X	0.23 mm	~10 lb	Salmon, large trout, streamers
3X	0.20 mm	~8 lb	Versatile — trout, medium dry flies
4X	0.18 mm	~6 lb	Standard dry fly, nymph
5X	0.15 mm	~4.5 lb	Small dry flies, fine nymph
6X	0.13 mm	~3 lb	Clear water, tiny flies
7X	0.10 mm	~2 lb	Difficult conditions, ultra-wary trout

Usage tips

Which diameter to choose? As a general rule, choose a diameter approximately equal to the fly size divided by 3. Fly #12 → 4X. Fly #18 → 6X.
Extend with tippet: When the leader tip shortens from changing flies, add 24 to 36 inches of Axon tippet of the same diameter — your leader will regain its full length.
Recommended lines: Compatible with all Axon welded loop lines — Perception, Windcutter, Velocity SW, Impulse, Outbound Short.

Suggested species

Trout (all species): The 12ft length is particularly effective in clear, calm waters — lakes, ponds, large river stretches where trout inspect the fly for a long time.
Atlantic Salmon and Ouananiche: In 1X or 2X, this leader offers the finesse needed to trigger strikes from salmon that have already seen many flies pass by.
Brook Trout: In 4X to 6X — the species that most rewards careful presentation. The 12ft makes the difference in deep pools and clear waters of Quebec.