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#1
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By "light tippet" I mean anything from 5x to smaller.
Sometimes I feel I have to use light tippet to have a good chance of catching fish. Examples are very clear water, educated fish, and slack-line dry-fly presentations in complex braided currents. I also believe that finer tippet gives better dead-drift presentations when nymphing. When I use light tippet (only when I think it's necessary) I consider these things: (1) Play the fish with as much pressure as though I were using heavier tippet. You can break a typical 5-weight rod with 5x tippet, and probably with 6x and maybe even with 7x. There is no need to stress the fish unnecessarily with a long fight just because you're using light tippet. (2) Use as much pressure as necessary and prudent to keep the fish away from the bottom and way from snags. (3) Set the drag very light, and play the fish with hand control or by palming after the fish is on the reel. (4) It's critical to play the fish correctly, with a good bend in the rod. Don't drop the rod tip. Avoid shocks (sharp peaks in line tension). I well-bent rod is a shock absorber. (5) Landing the fish is the most perilous stage, especially if I don't have a net. (6) Be really, really careful tying the knots. Replace or at least inspect and test the tippet after catching a fish. Their teeth and gill plates can cause damage. I believe this and knot failure are the main causes of losing fish on light tippet, even when I play the fish correctly. I'll lose more flies with light tippet, but it's usually because I get snagged on something or I make a mistake in playing or landing the fish. If you think some fish aren't leader-shy and you shell out big bucks for fluorocarbon tippet, you might consider rethinking your position. -- Cut "to the chase" for my email address. |
#2
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rw:
Good post and informative Thanks I do use light tippets. I have caught more fish on the flourocarbon leaders. It may be bull sh** but it works for me Fred -- http://www.EmbroideryMart.com "rw" wrote in message ... By "light tippet" I mean anything from 5x to smaller. Sometimes I feel I have to use light tippet to have a good chance of catching fish. Examples are very clear water, educated fish, and slack-line dry-fly presentations in complex braided currents. I also believe that finer tippet gives better dead-drift presentations when nymphing. When I use light tippet (only when I think it's necessary) I consider these things: (1) Play the fish with as much pressure as though I were using heavier tippet. You can break a typical 5-weight rod with 5x tippet, and probably with 6x and maybe even with 7x. There is no need to stress the fish unnecessarily with a long fight just because you're using light tippet. (2) Use as much pressure as necessary and prudent to keep the fish away from the bottom and way from snags. (3) Set the drag very light, and play the fish with hand control or by palming after the fish is on the reel. (4) It's critical to play the fish correctly, with a good bend in the rod. Don't drop the rod tip. Avoid shocks (sharp peaks in line tension). I well-bent rod is a shock absorber. (5) Landing the fish is the most perilous stage, especially if I don't have a net. (6) Be really, really careful tying the knots. Replace or at least inspect and test the tippet after catching a fish. Their teeth and gill plates can cause damage. I believe this and knot failure are the main causes of losing fish on light tippet, even when I play the fish correctly. I'll lose more flies with light tippet, but it's usually because I get snagged on something or I make a mistake in playing or landing the fish. If you think some fish aren't leader-shy and you shell out big bucks for fluorocarbon tippet, you might consider rethinking your position. -- Cut "to the chase" for my email address. |
#3
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![]() "rw" wrote in message ... By "light tippet" I mean anything from 5x to smaller. Sometimes I feel I have to use light tippet to have a good chance of catching fish. Examples are very clear water, educated fish, and slack-line dry-fly presentations in complex braided currents. I also believe that finer tippet gives better dead-drift presentations when nymphing. When I use light tippet (only when I think it's necessary) I consider these things: (1) Play the fish with as much pressure as though I were using heavier tippet. You can break a typical 5-weight rod with 5x tippet, and probably with 6x and maybe even with 7x. There is no need to stress the fish unnecessarily with a long fight just because you're using light tippet. (2) Use as much pressure as necessary and prudent to keep the fish away from the bottom and way from snags. (3) Set the drag very light, and play the fish with hand control or by palming after the fish is on the reel. (4) It's critical to play the fish correctly, with a good bend in the rod. Don't drop the rod tip. Avoid shocks (sharp peaks in line tension). I well-bent rod is a shock absorber. (5) Landing the fish is the most perilous stage, especially if I don't have a net. (6) Be really, really careful tying the knots. Replace or at least inspect and test the tippet after catching a fish. Their teeth and gill plates can cause damage. I believe this and knot failure are the main causes of losing fish on light tippet, even when I play the fish correctly. I'll lose more flies with light tippet, but it's usually because I get snagged on something or I make a mistake in playing or landing the fish. If you think some fish aren't leader-shy and you shell out big bucks for fluorocarbon tippet, you might consider rethinking your position. -- Cut "to the chase" for my email address. Agree with all of the above. It takes a little skill to use light tippets. The main thing is to remain calm and relaxed, and avoid putting any slack between you and the fish...keep that rod bent. -tom |
#4
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rw typed:
snip (4) It's critical to play the fish correctly, with a good bend in the rod. Don't drop the rod tip. Avoid shocks (sharp peaks in line tension). I well-bent rod is a shock absorber. All good info, Steve. In regards to the above, I'd add that a softer, full-flex rod makes a better tool for light tippet. -- TL, Tim ------------------------- http://css.sbcma.com/timj |
#5
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![]() rw wrote: By "light tippet" I mean anything from 5x to smaller. Did you use up that 7X i bought you on steelhead? (G) bruce h |
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