By Joe Solmo

Choosing which tippet size to use can be confusing. We have talked about what the X means in the tippet in a previous article, now we can put that to use and figure out which size tippet we need for which situation.

                When choosing which tippet size to use, the main factor to take into consideration is fly size. What size your fly is matters when it comes to how the tippet acts during the cast. The presentation of the fly can be affected by a lighter tippet by not having the strength to straighten out the fly and the tippet landing in a clump on the water. Having too heavy of a tippet can give a real stiff presentation, giving it an artificial looking landing. Think of Goldilocks. We don’t want our porridge too hot or too cold, we want it just right.

                In certain situations, going a step up or down in tippet size is recommended. When casting in clear water, or a place where the fish are pressured, having a lighter tippet might not spook the fish as much as a heavier, thicker, tippet. Also, if the river is muddy, or if the conditions are very windy, having a thicker tippet is called for. In this example, let’s pretend we are casting a size 14 dry fly. As you can see in the chart below, a 4x or 5x tippet will work for that size fly.

                Using a 4x is suggested for our size 14 dry fly in most conditions, but as you can see if the water is clear, or the fish seemed easily spooked, you could use a lighter, 5x tippet and it would still work with our chosen fly size without complications

                If you don’t have this chart with you and you need to know what tippet for the fly you are using there is a rule. Divide by 3. If our same size 14 fly is divided by 3, we get 4.666 so a 4X would be ideal.

Keeping the connection between your fly and the thick and brightly colored flyline as invisible as possible is imperative to catching more fish.  The leader and then tippet plays an important role in this. Knowing what is the smallest diameter tippet that will work is important.  You will see articles out there saying that the tippet size doesn’t matter as much as a good drift, or other ideas. All of those things are important as well, having the right tippet is just one gun in your fishing arsenal, don’t be afraid to use it.

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