am constantly having problems with my droppers becoming tangled- I use a tapered shop bought leader (20lb down to 8 ish), then a small ring. Attached to that about 8ft of 8lb tippet. I then tie to that mid way a dropper of about 8 inches. Have tried the dropper of stiff material but this seems to thick and too heavy to match the fly.- any ideas how to stop the dropper tangling?

Thats A problem I find myself having to face more often than I would like.

There are many many problems that will cause this and there are a lot more experienced blokes out there who will be able to give you more help than me but in my limited experience I do have a couple of thought's that may be of help.

I only used a point fly for a year or so and then only started using a single dropper for a couple of years only after I could use a single fly with almost no tangles, I still rarely use a 2nd dropper so my thought will be base on this. I also do not use tapered leaders prefering 7lb tied to the the end of my fly line and then a 5lb water knot to the point.

The first and most likely problem I would guess is down to a casting issue and that is really only something an instructor would be able to identify and then coach you on the correct way etc to sort it out.

Secondly the wind, if it is too gusty or blowing hard then I go down to a single fly, I fing this solves the dropper issue and I still manage to catch fish when otherwise I would be faffing about re tying tangled droppers.

Thirdly fly choice, I found that certain fly's tangled worse than others(buzzers on grub hooks seem to love tangling my droppers), its also important that the point fly is heavier than the dropper fly(i.e. a size 10 on the point and 12 on the dropper) as this will help straighten out and balance the leader. Also I have far less tangles if I use a fly with more wind resistance on the dropper, i.e. a hackled wet or dry like a hopper, this combined with a nymph on the point seems to keep things in order.

Hope this helps

Are you fishing rivers or lakes?
The casting technique that you use, will have a huge influence on the performance of your droppers, as you need to cast an intentional open forward loop, and use the breeze to turn the leader over, and carry it forward. Not the open loop that poor casters do, but an intentional controlled open loop
Casting droppers is going to require some practice, as even the most experienced anglers have problems sometimes.

How long is your dropper? I don't tie them any longer than 4-6 inches.
If I'm feeling a bit boyscoutish and prepare before going to the river I will put one of these

above the ring and tie the dropper off that. It can be a bit fiddly to do it on the river.
-A.

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Everybody has this problem, but there are ways to minimise the potential for tangles.

1) Heaviest fly on the point to help the turnover.

2) Slimmest fly on the point - least wind resistance.

3) Keep the droppers well spaced out.

My standard stillwater leader is 18' or three full arm spans of leader material; same bs straight through. Droppers are 6' apart.

Therefore a nymph/buzzer rig would be as follows:

Biggest/heaviest nymph on the point; smaller buzzer in the middle; lightest pattern on the top.

Loch style would be winged wet on point, hackled wet in middle, and palmered fly on the top.

For rivers the leader length is shortened to 10-12', but the layout remains the same. I may reduce to two flies for better tackle control.

This sort of rig is fine for casting with or across the wind, but I would not recommend trying to cast into the wind. THAT is a recipe for disaster. If you need to cast into the wind reduce the leader to 12'; fish no more than two flies; use a line at least 1 weight heavier than the rod is rated for, ie a 7 for a 6 etc. and don't try to cast too far.

Also, one's mental attitude on the day has much to do with the tangle factor. If I'm uptight or a bit stressed, tangles will follow as night follows day. Get relaxed and at ease with the world and you'll fish all day with no problems.

This sort of set-up has served me well for many years of bank, boat and river fishing. I am a great believer in the KISS principle - Keep It Simple, Stupid.

Shorten your dropper to 4inches, heavier fly on point, also try not to use excessively bushy flies on the dropper as they can tend to spin and create tangles, andreb is spot on about wide loops when casting a team of flies.

Best regards
Jim

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A few more interesting, and very pertinent points have come out so far, these being:-
length of dropper: shorter is always better from a tangles point of view, but the downside of a short dropper, is inhibited movement of the fly in the water, so it is important to try and find a happy medium, and to experiment with longer droppers when you are more confident.
level leader: Also good advice, as a tepered leader with droppers, tends to have the effect of "closing" the loop of the leader, and drawing the flies to the line. A staright through leader of the same diameter throughout, is going to be easier to keep the flies away from the main line.
Weight distribution of flies: Very good points raised, heavier fly on point... very important.
Overlining: Can be done if you can make it work, but be carefull of the tailing loop, which will catch you by surprise with an overlined rod, resulting in tangles like you have never seen in you life before.
Even if you get it all correct, be prepared for at least a few good tangles in a day of fishing...It's nothing to worry about, so be prepared to realise that tangle free days will be unusual. All you want to achieve, are fewer and fewer tangles as you progress.

Good advice above, also

- Short dropper (as above)

- Knot tied so that the dropper points upwards

- Superglue on the knot, and a little way along the dropper (creates a stiffened paternoster effect)

If that doesn't help then attach dropper to bend in hook 'New-Zealand style'

Hi Guys
Some guy selling 13 leaders for £10 in the classifieds with droppers included..
Wonder who he is

David

Oh dear, grenade launched...
-A.

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