Posted by Jim E (24.116.99.140) on July 31, 2003 at 14:48:59:
Size matters !!!
Tippet size, of course.
Tippet "X" numbers stand for the diameter of the material, as most already know. Then different manufacturers tippets will have different breaking strengths even though the X number is the same as another manufacturer. So it would behoove you to find a tippet material manufacturer that has the highest breaking strength for the X rating.
Now with that out of the way, tippet size(diameter)matters most to the fish. The bigger it is the easier it is for them to see. "Not good". It also influences(or restricts)the action of the fly.
A time that I was reminded of this lesson was a couple of years ago while fishing at Mossy shoals on the Litte Red River in Arkansas. I was working my down stream, mostly nymphing. Further down I noticed the fish started working the surface. After getting into position I switched to a soft hackle. The water was flowing moderately fast and the casting was difficult with overhanging trees right at the waters edge. Roll cast, drift and strip back in a little. Roll cast , drift and strip back in a little. Several times of this to no avail. I was confident of my fly selection and method of fishing. The fish were still working but paying no attention to my offering. So my only choice was to add a smaller tippet. I had been using 5X when I was nymphing earlier and just tied on the soft hackle and commenced fishing with it. Upon adding a length of 6X tippet and retying the same fly back on, I soon brought a nice 12-14" brown to hand and the another and then another. I couldn't beleive that was all it took to begin fooling the fish. But the proof was in the bend in the rod.
Generally, you'll want to match the tippet size to the fly size. 4X tippet, use with #8 hooks and larger. 5X tippet=#10-14. 6X=#16 and under. Some situations call for smaller tippets also. Midge fishing being the main one. 7X tippets are necessary here and even smaller. I always carry sizes 3X down to 8X in my vest and when midges are the only bugs hatching this winter I'll also have some 10X and 12X tippet material with me.
So on your next trip, don't be afraid to use a lighter tippet and for sure don't let a too heavy of a tippet keep you from catching fish. Size does matter !!! It matters to the fish so it matters to the fisherman.
Thanks for reading,
Jim Enns <*)))))))><
P.S.- Email me your tips and ideas. If it is used you will receive full credit.