I generally use leaders between one and three metres long. Depends on the situation really. Dirty water and one metre is plenty. Kings in clear water two metres plus. Surface trevally in blue water and you're looking at three metres and fine tippets.

A long leader will also help your sink rate (esp. fluorocarbon) - helpful if you're stuck with one fly line and want to get a clouser type fly just that little bit deeper.

Hello Craig. How on earth do you cast a 3m leader? Every time I try it I:

Hook my ear

Hit my head

Tie knots in the leader

Turn the water into a washing machine

Cry.