Fly line
weight conversion chart
Leader to line-test conversion chart
Tippet size to hook size
Parts of a leader
Fishing knots
Preparing, using and maintaining the line
Fly line weight--grains to
grams to ounces
Total weight of first 30 feet of line AFTM (Association of
Fishing Tackle Manufacturers) standard, +/- variation in
weight possible with any line rating.
Line------Grains------Grams------Ounces
2....................80..................5.18..................0.182
3..................100..................6.48..................0.228
4..................120..................7.78..................0.274
5..................140..................9.07..................0.320
6..................160..................10.42................0.366
7..................185..................11.99................0.422
8..................210..................13.61................0.480
9..................240..................15.55................0.550
10................280..................18.14................0.640
11................330..................21.38................0.750
12................380..................24.62................0.860
Leader to Line-Test
Conversion Chart
Due to differences in leader and tippet material from
suppliers, all measurements are an
approximate diameter/test. Some diameters
may test higher or lower than found on this chart.
Leader__________
Diameter__________
Line-Test
XXX........................0.028........................55
XXX........................0.026........................50
010X.......................0.021.......................40
08X.........................0.020.......................38
07X.........................0.019.......................35
06X.........................0.018.......................30
05X.........................0.017.......................25
04X.........................0.016.......................20
03X.........................0.015.......................18
02X.........................0.014.......................17
01X.........................0.013.......................16
00X.........................0.012.......................15
0X...........................0.011.......................14
1X...........................0.010.......................12
2X...........................0.009.......................10
3X...........................0.008.........................8
4X...........................0.007.........................6
5X...........................0.006.........................4
6X...........................0.005.........................3
7X...........................0.004.........................2
8X...........................0.003.........................1
Tippet Size to Hook Size
Tippet is the final section of line connected to the
leader. Use the proper tippet size to enable proper
turnover of the fly. Using a small fly with a heavy tippet
will ruin a delicate presentation. Using a light tippet
with a heavy fly prevents proper turnover on the forward
cast and will result in a horrible tangle.
Tippet Size----------
Hook
Size
05x.........................5/0, 4/0, 3/0, 2/0
04x.........................3/0, 2/0, 1/0, 2, 4
03x.........................1/0, 2, 4
02x.........................1/0, 2, 4, 6, 8
01x.........................1/0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 12
0x...........................2, 4, 6
1x...........................4, 6, 8
2x...........................6, 8, 10
3x...........................10, 12, 14
4x...........................12, 14, 16
5x...........................14, 16, 18, 20
6x...........................16, 18, 20, 22, 24
7x...........................18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28
8x...........................22, 24, 26, 28
Parts of a leader
Basic formula for a tapered leader is 50 percent of the
total length should be for the butt section, 25 percent for
the tapered body and the final 25 percent for the tippet.
So for a standard 9 feet long leader, about 3 to 4 feet
would be a butt section, followed by a gradual taper down
to your tippet section, usually about 18-inches to 3 feet
of tippet.
Butt: This section is attached to your fly
line, either directly or loop-to-loop. This section is made
up of the heaviest line and transfers energy from your cast
to the leader. The butt section should be neither too limp
or too stiff.
Middle: The line diameter tapers down in
size to transfer energy from the fly line.
Tippet: This is the lowest breaking
strength line in your setup. Generally tippet lengths
should be between 16 to 24 inches long.
SUGGESTIONS
Generally the leader should be equal to or a bit shorter
than the length of your rod. However for fishing very still
water or very spooky fish (or both) you need to lengthen
your leader and tippet out to 12-14 feet (sometimes
longer).
Use short leaders on sinking lines. Sometimes a straight
length of 3-5 feet of straight leader will work.
In strong wind, use a short leader.
In dirty water use a short leader.
If you're using a shooting head, use a short leader with a
slight taper.
Generic leader formulas
These are examples of a 'normal' trout leader
and a heavy leader for large freshwater or saltwater
species. Note that the trout leader has a very graduated
taper. You can control the turnover and presentation of
your fly by adjusting the taper (center portion) of the
leader and lengthening or shortening the tippet (but no
shorter than 18 inches). Do not mix leader material. If you
start with one brand the whole leader
and
tippet should be made from the same type of line. Do not
mix line manufacturers. Some examples are given below (and
please note that these are
examples and
not a 'you-gotta-tie-it-this-way' recommendation).
9' Tapered
generic trout leader, general purpose
40
lb.-36inches
35 lb.-16 inches
25
lb.-12 inches
18 lb.-6 inches
16
lb.-6 inches
14 lb.-6 inches
10
lb.-6 inches
6 lb.-20 inches
(tippet)
9' Heavy
generic fresh/salt leader for large, heavy flies
40
lb.-36 inches
30 lb.-24 inches
25
lb. 12 inches
20 lb.- 12
inches
15
lb.- 24 inches
(tippet)
Fishing Knots
Go to
Animated Knots by Grog for an excellent
animated tutorial on how to tie common knots you'll
use when fishing. This is a great site to also learn
boating and climbing knots too!
Preparing, using and
maintaining the line
Before spooling on your fly line make sure you
don't have too much backing on your reel, especially if you
are using a dual taper line. Some people wind the fly line
on
first then the backing so you get the
correct yardage on the reel. The only drawback to this
method, although accurate, is taking everything off and
reversing the procedure. Some high end fly reels often have
a maximum backing mark on the reel which takes the guess
work out of everything. However after the backing and fly
line are on the reel, there should be enough space so that
the line does not bind on any part of the reel when you
rotate the spool.
After loading the fly line on the reel, pull the line off
the spool and using your thumb and forefinger, lightly
hold the line and walk out towards the end
and allow any coils to unwind. Do this several times then
reel up the line.
When you fish the line, pull off whatever length you intend
to cast and
gently give it a light stretch
to remove the coils. Do not grasp a section and jerk on it.
Don't step on one end and pull on it. The stretching
relieves a set that the line took on the reel spool. This
is especially important when fishing on a cold day.
After a few hours of fishing you line will develop a twist.
Every time you cast and don't fire out all of the line you
removed from the spool, you're introducing twist. Twist
cannot be removed by stretching the line.
Remove
the fly and make a long cast and get all the line
you initially removed out the tip of the rod. Slowly wind
the line in while applying a
light pinch
on the line with your thumb and forefinger. The line will
roll as you retrieve and all the twists will unwind but you
must
remove the fly so the leader can
roll. Another way to remove line twist is to grasp the rod
at the first stripping guide (large guide above the handle)
and by the reel seat butt and quickly rotate the rod
counterclockwise (if you cast right
handed) about ten to 15 times. If it added more twist,
reverse your direction a few times until the line is
straight.
Do not handle your fly line if you've applied bug repellent
that contains DEET, sunscreen, any solvents or gasoline. Do
not leave your fly line on the dashboard of your car or in
your trunk during summer.
Clean and lubricate your line on a regular basis. How often
is regular? I tend to clean my lines after every fishing
session, especially if it's in salt water. Minute dirt
particles or salt work their way into the pores of the line
as you fish and will affect the way the line floats and
casts. If you see the tip of your floating line begin to
sink or if the line doesn't shoot easily, then it needs
cleaning.
Neatly (I use a line-winder) pull your line off the reel
and use a few drops of mild detergent or Ivory soap to wash
the line under warm or cool water. Pat dry. Use a good
quality line cleaner followed by a line dressing. Do not
slather the dressing all over the line. Less is best. All
you need are a few drops on a clean cloth or pad.
