FishingBanter - View Single Post - "New to fly fishing in need of some help"

**Dave LaCourse** · April 27th, 2007, 02:08 AM posted to rec.outdoors.fishing.fly

On 26 Apr 2007 16:42:49 -0700, wrote:

I live in Philadelphia PA, I fish the Wisahickon Creek and sometimes I
travel to Norristown and fish Stony Creek. The Wisahickon ranges from
about 1 to 6 feet in deep where I am fishing. I fish where there is
moving water. Stony creek is about 1 to 4 feet deep slower moving
than the the Wisahickon. My rod weight is 5 to 6 wt. I am use to a
spinner I use a 6lb test on that usually with a rooster tail. I am
using 333 as my fly line not to sure what it rated for I bought a
combo package at Dicks Sporting Goods. Is there a chart to match up
flies with leaders? I am very good at tieing knots and already have
fishing line from various sizes and test.

You happen to live in an area that is fished by one of the finer
fishermen denizen of this nut house, Tom Littleton. I'm sure he will
chime in at some time and help with your questions.

At first I thought you were a well known troll that is one of the less
finer denizens of roff, but you appear legit. If you bought your rod
and reel as a combo package, I am sure Dick's put the right line on
for you. There is a chart for matching flies to leaders. Many
leaders have this information printed on the back of the package. In
general, the smaller the fly the smaller the tippet. For example a 4x
tippet will balance with a size 12 - 16 fly, while a 6x tippet will
balance best with a size 16 - 22 fly. As you can see, there is
overlap, so many of us just fish a particular tipped size, like a 5x,
and fish flies from size 14 to 20. You can land very big fish on a 6x
tippet, so don't worry about breaking them off, although I am sure you
will. If you are chucking wooly buggers or streamers, a larger size
tippet (smaller number) would be best.

Knowing how to tie knots is half the battle. Your casting will
improve especially if you watch others or seek info from a guide or
other professional. I can't cast worth a damn, but I catch lots of
fish.

I hope Tom chimes in here and talks to you about the waters you fish.
He should be familiar with them. He is very generous with his
knowledge of waters, so I know he'll have some tips for you, and maybe
even recommend some that you have yet to fish.

Dave