|
|
| |
How to Use Your Tippet when Fly
Fishing
by John Krutz
For many beginning fly fishermen tippet is something of
a mystery. Tippet is the fine leader material that
attaches to your fly. Since most spin fishermen don't
use tippet, people who are just starting to fly fish may
get confused on how to use tippet. Proper use of tippet
is an essential part of fly-fishing and better
preparation will give you a better chance of catching
fish.
First, we need to address the basics of tippet. Tippet
is a fly fishermen's last piece of leader material. Use
a blood-knot to attach a 3-4 foot section to a tapered
leader. The tippet material should always be smaller
than the leader material. Today there are many tapered
leaders on the market and they are very convenient to
use. Just remember to identify how fine your tapered
leader is and use a piece of tippet that is equal or
smaller then the fine end of the leader. Using a smaller
sized tippet will ensure your line lays out properly
during a cast. Using a heavier tippet then your leader
will undoubtedly cause you casting problems.
Now you must determine what size tippet material to use.
Tippet is measured in pounds, but is more commonly
referred to by diameter. Diameter is measured and has a
scale between 0x-10x, the larger the number the smaller
in diameter. So 3x will have a larger diameter and
heavier breaking point then 7x. Now when it comes to
fishing I recommend never using tippet smaller then 7x.
7x normally has a breaking point around 1-2 pounds and
anything lighter then that is to light in my opinion.
Tippet is a very fine material and you must choose the
proper line to prevent your tippet from twisting. Most
of us have encountered a twisted tippet that makes the
line weak and prevents your fly from being properly
presented. Twisted tippet is caused by using to fine of
a tippet for the
fly you are presenting. So how do you match the size of
your tippet to the fly? Trial and error is one option,
or always try to go heavier than you think is necessary.
For dry fly fishing to trout you rarely need to go
heavier then 4x. 4x would only be used to cast large dry
fly like grasshoppers or stimulators. 5x is a good bet
for dry mayfly and caddis patterns, but finer tippet may
be necessary depending on the conditions. When fishing
below the surface you normally want to go slightly
heavier on your tippet because of the abuse it will
take. Often weight is added and your line will be
hitting stones and other things on the bottom. 5x is
about as light as I would go when fishing below the
surface.
Tippet is your final piece of leader that attaches to
your fly, and since the fly is what catches fish tippet
is very crucial. Only use fine tippet if the situation
calls for it (which happens a lot), otherwise try to use
the heaviest tippet you can to catch fish. It will help
you land the fish quickly if you plan on releasing it
and it will decrease the odds of your line breaking.
Constantly changing tippet sizes is something all fly
fishermen know to well, but properly sizing your tippet
will lead to more fish.
|
|
|
