PhilDawg, you should let the hook size of the fly you are using influence the tippet size rather than the rod weight. A simple formula will help guide you in this: divide the hook size by 3 and the result will be a good X size tippet to use. You can go up or down from there but it will give you an idea of what to use. The leader should not be a smaller X (higher number) size than the tippet, nor should it be much larger.

Some flies will not float well in fast water. Also, drag on the fly can sink it. Use floatant sparingly and apply it to the fly before it gets wet. After application the fly should not appear "gunked up." Sometimes a few false casts is all you need to dry out and fluff up a fly.

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Joe


[This message has been edited by flyfisherjoe (edited 31 May 2005).]

[This message has been edited by flyfisherjoe (edited 01 June 2005).]