Getting Started
Fly Fishing Basics Series
Fly Fishing Basics Series
Selecting Flies and the
Tools of Fly-fishing is
a Fly Fishing Basic
Tools of Fly-fishing is
a Fly Fishing Basic
Recommended Prerequisites: None
Fly fishing basics of choosing the
right fly, fly line, fly rod, fly reel,
leader, tippet, etc. for your
particular needs and requirements
is a step in the right direction
towards success on any fly-fishing
excursion.
right fly, fly line, fly rod, fly reel,
leader, tippet, etc. for your
particular needs and requirements
is a step in the right direction
towards success on any fly-fishing
excursion.
The purpose, function and
features of each fly-fishing
tool, fly rod, fly reel, fly
line, flies, waders, etc. ,
including its construction
and material, are
thoroughly covered.
features of each fly-fishing
tool, fly rod, fly reel, fly
line, flies, waders, etc. ,
including its construction
and material, are
thoroughly covered.
This “encyclopedia of fly fishing gear” covers the
complete spectrum of fly fishing rods, fly reels, backing,
fly lines, leaders, tippets, waders, boots, accessories and
much more.
complete spectrum of fly fishing rods, fly reels, backing,
fly lines, leaders, tippets, waders, boots, accessories and
much more.
Example Script Segment on Tippets:
The following are some fly fishing basics that you should know if you are going to consistantly catch
trout. Smaller size leaders are designated by their length and the tippet size number, which is
designated by a “X” that identify the size and breaking strength of the tippet. The larger the number
immediately preceded by “X” the smaller the diameter and lower the breaking strength of the tippet.
Larger size leaders do not use the “X” system to designate size. They are identified as being extra
light, light, medium, heavy or extra heavy and may also be designated by the diameter of the tippet. If
the tippet size is larger than the zero ”X” size designation, they are referred to by length and tippet
size designated as the tested breaking strength. For instance, a designation of a tippet may be, a nine,
foot leader with a .015-inch diameter tippet, or nine-foot leader with a breaking strength of ten
pounds.
The larger the tippet, the more difficult it is to make the fly look and act natural. So from the
standpoint of the presentation the tippet should be as small in diameter as possible. However, since
the tippet is also the weakest link between the angler and the fish a balance of choices must be made
between the quality of presentation of the fly and the risk of a fish breaking the tippet.
trout. Smaller size leaders are designated by their length and the tippet size number, which is
designated by a “X” that identify the size and breaking strength of the tippet. The larger the number
immediately preceded by “X” the smaller the diameter and lower the breaking strength of the tippet.
Larger size leaders do not use the “X” system to designate size. They are identified as being extra
light, light, medium, heavy or extra heavy and may also be designated by the diameter of the tippet. If
the tippet size is larger than the zero ”X” size designation, they are referred to by length and tippet
size designated as the tested breaking strength. For instance, a designation of a tippet may be, a nine,
foot leader with a .015-inch diameter tippet, or nine-foot leader with a breaking strength of ten
pounds.
The larger the tippet, the more difficult it is to make the fly look and act natural. So from the
standpoint of the presentation the tippet should be as small in diameter as possible. However, since
the tippet is also the weakest link between the angler and the fish a balance of choices must be made
between the quality of presentation of the fly and the risk of a fish breaking the tippet.
Another fly fishing basic is that length of the tippet is, of course, is reduced each time you tie on a fly.
At some point, the reduction in tippet length will began to adversely affect the presentation of your
fly. For this reason, it is smart to tie on a new tippet of the proper length or change to a new leader
altogether any time the tippet becomes too short.
Long tippets are more so affected by wind than shorter ones. In fact, wind can easily form an
overhand knot in the tippet during a cast. This effectively reduces the breaking strength of the tippet
as well as the presentation of the fly. As a rule of thumb, you should always use the smallest size
leader and tippet that you can get away with.
At some point, the reduction in tippet length will began to adversely affect the presentation of your
fly. For this reason, it is smart to tie on a new tippet of the proper length or change to a new leader
altogether any time the tippet becomes too short.
Long tippets are more so affected by wind than shorter ones. In fact, wind can easily form an
overhand knot in the tippet during a cast. This effectively reduces the breaking strength of the tippet
as well as the presentation of the fly. As a rule of thumb, you should always use the smallest size
leader and tippet that you can get away with.
Copyright 2006 James Marsh, All Rights Reserved
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| Streamer Selection |
| Fly Fishing DVD |
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Get Your Ph.D. in Fly-Fishing Right Here!
Tippets are usually made of nylon monofilament. Fluorocarbon tippets are popular because they are
less visible to the fish than monofilament tippets and have higher wet knot strength. There is also
what is called “bite” tippets, which are made heavy for a short length in order to protect the leader
from the sharp teeth of some species such as the northern pike. These are usually made from single-
strand wire, heavy monofilament, nylon coated wire, fluorocarbon and other heavier material. Bite
tippets, sometimes just referred to as bite leaders, are not the weakest link between the angler and
the fish.
The larger the fly, the larger the size tippet you can use without it adversely affecting the presentation
of the fly. For example, this larger size streamer fly can be effectively presented on a much larger size
tippet than this very small dry fly. Ideally, you would use a very small, light tippet for the dry fly – as
small as possible without it compromising your ability to successfully fight and land the fish. Most
anglers would much rather take their chances fighting a fish on light tackle than to fish heavier tackle
less visible to the fish than monofilament tippets and have higher wet knot strength. There is also
what is called “bite” tippets, which are made heavy for a short length in order to protect the leader
from the sharp teeth of some species such as the northern pike. These are usually made from single-
strand wire, heavy monofilament, nylon coated wire, fluorocarbon and other heavier material. Bite
tippets, sometimes just referred to as bite leaders, are not the weakest link between the angler and
the fish.
The larger the fly, the larger the size tippet you can use without it adversely affecting the presentation
of the fly. For example, this larger size streamer fly can be effectively presented on a much larger size
tippet than this very small dry fly. Ideally, you would use a very small, light tippet for the dry fly – as
small as possible without it compromising your ability to successfully fight and land the fish. Most
anglers would much rather take their chances fighting a fish on light tackle than to fish heavier tackle
Catch More Fish
| Fly Selections |
| Trout and other speciess |
| Trout Flies |
| Trout Flies |
| Drags |
| Reels |
| Fly Line |
| Reels |
| Flies & Fly Gear Selection |
| Getting Started Fly Fishing Basics |
