How much does tippet size matter

[tomgamber]

I only ever used 7x on high altitude lakes i Idaho. the kind where it looks like the there is no water and and logs are floating in space. And Silver creek. This kind of place. (not my pic)

Other than that between 5 and 3 is where I live. Been going bigger for streamers if I have the time to change lately because it saves flies.

 

[[WR]]

<deleted. irrelevant >

 

[steve98]

What if Gin Clear stream conditions call for using 5 6 or even 7 X Tippet?
But the bite is on a size 12 or even 10 fly?

 

[6xAdams(Jones)]

Just to add: going up can be as important as going down for another reason. Try throwing a hopper all day on 5X, then examine how twisted up your tippet gets. Same fly on 3X, and it won't happen.

I love half sizes too, but I am certainly a dirty euronympher 😉

Same thing happens with fine tippet and dry spinners with non-aerodynamic wings. Those spin like a propeller if the tippet is too fine.

 

[The_Sasquatch]

I didn't know about this. Now I want some 4.5x tippet. Not for Euro-nymphing though.

Yes I use 5.5x tippet, not for euro-nymphing either. It's quite convenient when tying droppers on. I used to use 6x for my dropper when I used 5x for my dry. But then I saw that .5 stuff, and gave it a shot. I like it.

 

[troutbert]

During cicadas last year I fished them with minimum 3x and sometimes 2x and took trout on hard fished creeks without a problem.

With terrestrial "plop patterns" you can use heavier tippets because the "plop" trigger aggressive strikes.

With a small mayfly pattern, it's different. The trout typically just rise and sip them in., rather than making a rushing attack. So, the trout have more time to see the fly and tippet.

 

[Bamboozle]

Anybody put a micrometer on the .5 stuff and compare it to its fatter and skinnier neighbors in the same brands??

Then do the same measurements with other brands even if they don't offer .5 sizes.

Somehow I'm not buying a consistent .0005" difference in diameter or ANY stated difference in breaking strength.