Can anyone please explain the set up from my reel to the fly?

I am new to fly fishing and have my reels with backing and then fly line. However I am confused between leaders & tippets.

Can I not just have 1 piece of mono from my fly line to the fly?

If not is the leader just a thicker mono than the tippet? If so what lengths of each is best to use?

Sorry for the questions but I am just a bit puzzled.

Also if the fly line gets damaged at the end do I need to buy a new one or can I just tie a knot in the end?

Thanks guys

Get yourself to the library...pick up a few books and absorb...then get out fishing, speak to some anglers and absorb some more...you have a hundred questions, this is just one of many on a life long trip......enjoy!

I thought a forum was to get help and speak to people with similar interests. It is 10 at night and no library is open and just though I would ask on here. Thanks anyway

You can have one piece of mono to join fly line to fly. It works fine in a favourable wind (from behind) or with a meaty fly on the end that will help the leader unfurl ("turnover") on the forward cast and land nicely on the water. Other times, however, or dry fly fishing, using a tapered leader can really help with turnover.

The tippet is just an extra length of line nearest the fly. It makes sense to speak of a tippet when you're using a tapered leader - the tippet will be the finest bit. It doesn't make so much sense to talk of tippets when you're leader is level or "straight through".

Start with short connections between fly and line till you get your casting sorted. Say, 10 or 11 feet in total. That's a 9 foot tapered leader with a 2 foot tippet attached.

As for damaged fly line tip - so long as it's near the tip, I'd cut off the damaged bit. It's not going to make a huge difference. I wouldn't use a knot in the fly-line though - it will be difficult to pass through the rod rings when you're using a longish leader on a shortish rod and need to bring the fly line through the rod rings to net the fish. How to connect leader to fly line without tying a knot in the fly line? Long story. Lots of methods. Everybody has their favourite!

hi Jonk a little light article or two to start ...........

How to Choose Leaders and Tippets when Fly Fishing | Field & Stream

Understanding Tippet and Leader Basics » About Fly Fishing

Choosing The Proper Fly Fishing Leader and Tippet

---------- Post added at 09:42 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:41 PM ----------

a little help wouldn't go amiss though would it ...how did you start

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WHEN YOU LEAVE THE RIVER, TAKE NOTHING, AND LEAVE ONLY FOOTPRINT'S!!!

THA CAN TELL A YORKSHIREMAN ,BUT THA CAN'T TELL HIM MUCH !!

Reel then braid backing then fly line then braided loop then leader of say 6lb to fly, or a tapered leader.
But if you can find an experienced partner to guide you at first you will learn far more.
Where you based?

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I will arise and go now, and go to Innisfree,9 bean rows will I have there and a hive for the honey bee.

virtual novice myself,but will do my best,
from your flyline you need a tapered leader
either ready made,or make up one yourself.this enables your fly to turn over
when casting.
i personaly used a ready made tapered leader,when i first started,tying the fly direct to the leader,i now add a tippet length.
their are far better explanations than mine off more experienced anglers.
try going through the various threads with regard to leaders and tippets. Paul.

Yes you can

I know folk who do this and have no use for a leader at all. It works, and they catch fish.

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Time is a stream I go fishing in.

Thanks for the help guys, I am based in Otley and have spoken to 2 very well recommended instructors who are busy until mid October so am waiting patiently. However I am desperate to get out especially as the rivers are looking full so am planning on just leaving work a few hours early to get down to my local stretch.

I have watched countless videos on youtube but getting confused as everybody have a different suggestion on there and it is hard to choose whats correct etc.

I think what I will do it take both my rods with my tomorrow and set each one slightly different and see if I can work out what changes improve/reduce casting etc.

I have 2 Sonik SK4 reels both with floating line so will buy a 9 foot tapered leader tomorrow on shpeil's suggestion and a tippet to one fly and the other rod I will use the same fly and try a straight through mono.

The rods are pretty similar (Reddington RS2 and Greys Grxi+ both 8'6" and weight 5)

Thanks again everybody, I know if is probably frustraiting getting a novice on here who seems like they just want quick answers but I just find questions & answers easier to understand than trawling through numerous books.

Thanks again

Be warned, we're just as capable of offering contradictory advice!