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.

 

[shakey]

I have taken to using heavy tippet for most of my fishing,so I don’t have to worry about breaking off,or playing a fish too long.
I carry 2,3,4,5 ,and sometimes 4.5 and 5.5 ,but use 3x 99% of the time

Often I use regular 6lb test fishing line for tippet

 

[FisherOfMen]

Depends.

On a classic limestone spring or Stillwater to finicky trout it can matter, sometimes more than some will admit.

On freestone highly pressured trout, it can but less likely. On freestone fish that see little to no pressure probably not at all.

On brook trout in freestone streams with no pressure, if you could thread the eye of a size 16 bare hook with 0x and drag it through a hole, you might catch fish. So probably not at all.


IMO, getting in good position, casting well, presenting your fly well and reading the water well; so your first cast is on target, presented well, and is offered to a fish right the first time with little to no disturbance is king over anything else.

Spook fish and you can still catch them, but now you are going to have to pull out tricks rather than skill.