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Post by todd13 on Apr 26, 2017 21:31:15 GMT -6
Maybe it isn't dumb, but misunderstood.
line strength - if the spool states 6 pound, is that 6 pound tensile strength on a dead load? I imagine so. Because a moving object will create more force and a fish fanning it's head, even more. Additionally, 6# in the water is not 6# out of the water due to the bouyancy that water provides.
I have to believe if a fish jumps, the likelihood of a broken line increases during the jump. I had one line break when the fish surfaced and shook his head hard. It was at night and it must have been "this big". Honestly, I think it was good size, but not a big, big trout.... maybe 16" but that is a pure guess.
So if I hope to catch a 4# bass, I probably need 8# line, 10# is probably ideal? Am I thinking this right, or am I way off? BTW, I have no clue about the 4# bass, just a hypothetical.
I do plan on fishing some deep pools at LMFR this summer or fall. What size tippet does anyone recommend?
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Post by hankinsfly on Apr 26, 2017 22:11:37 GMT -6
Tippet size depends on size of fly used. I can put a lot of pressure on a big fish with 4x and even 5x tippet. Getting lower than 5x, better use some finesse. Fly specific tippet is usually of higher quality than straight fishing fluorocarbon, i.e. same pound test, smaller diameter for fly specific tippet. 6 pound test line for your tipper would be good for big-ish trout flies.
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Post by mirvc17 on Apr 27, 2017 6:26:54 GMT -6
Remember your rod and rod tip is one giant shock absorber so while you might have light tippet, the rod tip bends and flexes to help protect it. Tippet does have a bit of stretch as well. Your reel hopefully has a decent drag so you can use the butt of your rod and your drag to tire a fish that is running.
If fly size allows and the water is stained or dirty, you may be able to get away with a heavier tippet. If it's clear and you're using small flies, you may need to go smaller. Thinner tippet results in a better, more natural dead drift as well. But you have to play the fish more carefully and/or longer to get them to the net without breaking them off.
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Post by attackone02 on Apr 27, 2017 9:41:54 GMT -6
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Post by mirvc17 on Apr 27, 2017 12:25:38 GMT -6
I normally use fluorocarbon, but did pick up a spool of Rio Powerflex Plus 6x to mess around with. It's 4lb test... their 5X is 6lb (!) test...
I think all of the major tippet brands out there are now running new nylon formulas that have improved strength with the same diameters and suppleness.
But back to your original question: Get 4X-6X tippet spools. You'll use probably 4X the most, maybe 5X if you like to fish small(er) flies. I use 5X more than anything. If you're fishing size 20/22 or smaller, you might use 6X.
If you're slinging some streamers or buggers, you can get away using a shorter 5-6' leader (mostly butt section) with a short section of say, 1X or 2X tippet.
As for deep pools, thinner tippet (when combined with weight--either splitshot or heavy flies) will cut through the water column faster and hopefully get to depth you're trying to achieve faster which could keep your flies in the strike zone longer.
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Post by turfdawg on Apr 28, 2017 16:06:28 GMT -6
Like JP said, rods are good shock absorbers with some being better than others. One thing that makes a HUGE difference is your knot because you may have a 3X tippet with a 2lb knot. You would be amazed how much pulling force it takes to break a 6X tippet with a 4wt rod. Tie you on some 6X if you have it to a size 16 or so hook. Put the hook on some chain-link fence, or something like that, and pull like you were fighting a fish and you can see. If you just grab the line with your hand and pull straight back it is easy to break.
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Post by todd13 on Apr 30, 2017 6:44:39 GMT -6
Thanks Boys. Great discussion and info for me. Just reading this and seeing these pics makes me want to drive to BB this upcoming weekend. Unfortunately, I can not. I have to stain my fence - hail damage last month.
Thanks for the pics and info!
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