Hi Guys, I'm getting mightily confused by all the Leader Tippet strength stuff

I've got a 9ft 6 weight outfit with a WF6F line, I've purchased 9ft 5X 5lb Rio tapered leaders and was planning to add 5X 5lb Flouro tippet, but I'm now thinking the tippet is too strong (4lb be better?) or I may need stronger Leader (I see some people talking about 8lb Leaders)

I'll be fishing Small stillwaters and reservoirs.

Any advice appreciated.

Thanks
Steve

Im using a 6lb leader with a 4lb tippet but some waters wont let you use under 6lb so i always carry a few spools with me,my mate fishes with 6lb leader straight through to the fly and dosnt worry about tippet and catches loads of fish.

Thanks Flukey Luke, that adds a new dimension - some waters not allowing less than 6lb, I shall have to check into that. is that because it may break off and stay with the fish?? just guessing.

Cheers
Steve

Yes,its mostly waters with some biggens in,theres a few fisheries close to me that will not allow anything smaller than 6lb but my local closest fishery dosnt mind what you use really as longs as its safe and sensible.

I think that the issue of tippet size should be driven primarily by the size of fly you are presenting not from the weight of rod you are casting with.

If you are needing to use a size 16 dry then 6lb point is no good, just like you wouldnt want to casting a size 8 lure on a 2.5lb point...

Coasty is right,
here is something that may help
If we subscribe to the theory that tippets are there to both enable transmission of energy and not frighten fish (e.g. not too thick) then there are some rules about size etc.

Tippet thickness for flies
Tippet thickness mm/inches Fly size range
8x .08mm/.003” 20 to 29
7x .10mm/.004” 20 to 28
6x .13mm/.005” 18 to 26
5x .15mm/.006” 14 to 20
4x .18mm/.007” 6 to 14
3x .20mm/.008” 6 to 12
So you can see that you really need to consider what fly size you are using relative to the thickness of your leader tippet in order to turn over flies correctly, however we don’t need to be too pedantic about this. A 7x tippet will handle a size 18 fly (or even a size 14) okay. BUT, a size 12 fly on an 8X may give you turnover problems. It is a matter of common sense.

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Uk representative and Instructor for Fly Fishing Masters - www.flyfishingmasters.co.uk

Distributor for Terenzio Silk and Artificial Silk Fly Lines - Pay distributor retail price.

There's good advice on matching line size to tippet strength if byou scroll down here http://www.flyfishingdevon.co.uk/tackle.html.

Regards,

Doc