Ernie,

Depends. One of the reasons to use a one size smaller tippet is because it will break before the leader, just in case you get snagged on something. When nymph fishing or using a dropper off a dry, it is a good idea to down size so you don't break off your top fly if the lower fly gets snagged. When dry flying, I often downsize by one as it is better to have the tippet break than the leader. Another reason, especially when fishing a dry fly, is to allow the smooth transference of power from your rod, then your line then your leader then your tippet then your fly so the fly lays out nicely. All that power caused by the cast diminishes as it travels down the line. Yet another reason is the smaller diameter tippet is harder for the fish to see. This can be important especially when not fishing for a true predator fish (like a pike or bass, they tend to not e leader shy at all). That is also why I use fluorocarbon tippets on almost all my flies. Get out there and give it a try.

Larry ---sagefisher---