RIO - Scientific Anglers - Leland
TIPPET
The water was crystal clear. No matter where you looked, it seemed that there was something moving under the surface. Shadows flitting over the riverbed. Bubbles catching and refracting light. Undulations of moss that mimicked the tailing of a fish. In this aquarium-like lucidity, the slightest surface disturbance took on strong amplification. This was what was known as spooky water.
Tying on the right leader and tippet is just as important as tying on the right fly. The leader is directly responsible for presentation, and it is the most vulnerable to abrasion and breakage. Choosing the correct leader and tippet section maximizes your chances at a hook-up and minimizes worries about breaking off that once-in-a-lifetime fish.
Construction and Function
Tippet is a uniform-diameter nylon or fluorocarbon used to extend the leader.
Sold in spools of varying diameter and test strength, the tippet is tied on to the end of the leader and allows the angler to change flies by cutting into a replaceable tippet, instead of the taper of the leader itself. An angler can adapt the same leader to varying fishing conditions by using a longer or shorter tippet, or a tippet of heavier or finer diameter.
Break Strength and Diameter
Tippet is primarily classified by diameter and break strength. The bigger the game fish, the higher the poundage required for successfully landing the fish, and the thicker the tippet will ultimately be. Following manufacturer's recommendations as to what leader to use for what fish makes the process of choosing a leader simple and then you should just match the tippet to leader srength: if you're headed after stripers, look for a Striped Bass leader that will fit your needs. Or if it's bonefishing on Christmas Island, leaders designed for the sizes and behavior of your quarry will guarantee you have the right strength and diameter for the flies you're fishing.
Freshwater tippet spools are usually classified by diameter using the X numbering system: the higher the X number, the lighter the tippet. For example, a 6X (.005 inches dia.) leader will handle about 3 pounds of pressure (depending on the material) before breaking, whereas a 2X (.009 in. dia.) tippet's break strength is about 8 pounds. Some saltwater tippets also use the X system, but since they can be quite thicker for stronger and larger fish, they can alternatively be rated by tippet diameter described in thousandths of inches (example .015") or by breaking strength categories established by the International Game Fish Association (example IGFA 10 KG -22 lbs.)
Fluorocarbon versus Nylon
Modern nylon tippets are much stronger and more supple than in the past, thanks to modern scientific blending of nylon polymers or copolymers. Since nylon has a similar density as water, it floats when treated and is, therefore, the choice for almost all dry fly fishing. The recent innovation of fluorocarbon tippet has led to a greater precision in the sub-surface presentations of nymphs, streamers, steelhead and saltwater flies. Fluorocarbon is much heavier than nylon and sinks at a faster rate. It has nearly the same refraction index as water, reducing its visibility and increasing the chance that a fish will take your fly. Fluorocarbon does not absorb as much water as nylon, retaining its dry break strength throughout the fishing day. Also, fluorocarbon offers greater abrasion resistance and higher structural stability against ultra-violet radiation than nylon, resulting in greater overall durability. Although nylon is still the best value when looking for all-around tippet, fluorocarbon offers superior fishing capabilities beneath the water's surface.
The rays of the dipping sun reflect off creamy brown fins. You're at just the right angle to see the fish work, the white of their mouths opening and closing. As you cast, the leader catches the failing light like a gossamer thread. Your fly alights upon the water, seamlessly integrated among the naturals. This may be the perfect drift.
RIO - Scientific Anglers - Leland