Leader and Tippet

[Rambo]

Im new to fly fishing. I just purchased a new rod and reel and I had the pro shop put it together but when I have gone out I have heard different opinions on leader and tippet , I was wondering how much leader and tippet do I need to have on my rod, and what kind of knot shold I be using to connect both lines together.

Thanks for your help
Rambo

[flyandtie]

ok here it goes.
most of us use a 9' leader.
or you can also use a 7' or 7 1/2'
as for the tippet.
most people add around 20" of tippet. some add more to like 36" but 20" is a good place to start.
as you add more tippet to the leader it gets harder to turn the whole thing over, however it makes for a much nicer presentation for finicky fish.

as for the knots.
i use a uni-uni splice, or double surgeons knots.
then for the fly to tippet. i use a uni knot or a double clinch knot.
and if you are going to use a loop knot on the fly, then i use a non slip mono loop.

[tonysav]

Ditto

[Gnu Bee Flyer]

Its to bad the guy at the flyshop didn't take the time to explain it all to you as he should have.

What kind of waters are you fishing, lakes, rivers , small streams, Ocean ?
what type of fishing, Bass, Gills, Trout, Steelhead, Salmon etc.

Everybodys opinion varies on the subject of leaders and tippets and even on what knot you should tie them on with.

[Joe]

Rambo,
I'd have to agree with Gnu Bee Flyer's post. It would be very helpful if we knew what type of fish you're going to target and what type of waters. You're going to get many posts on this one. For me, if I'm fishing a small trout stream I'll use a 7'6" leader and add 18" of tippet material. I attach a 6"-8" of Amnesia Running/Shooting Line to the of my fly-line. I'll attach the leader to the end of the Amnesia, and tippet material to the end of the leader. I'll attach the Amnesia to the fly-line with a nail knot. I'll attach the Amnesia to the leader with a nail knot with 3 wraps on both ends. I'll attach the tippet to the leader using a double surgeon's knot if I use monofilament or a triple surgeon's knot attaching flurocarbon tippet to my leader. I've also started to use Frog Hair Running Line in place of the Amnesia because it's just as strong but much thinner. On large rivers I'll use 9' leaders and add 18"-24" tippet material. This system is used on floating fly-line. As for leaders and tippet material I've been using Climax for years but I'm in the process of switching over to Frog Hair. Just my $0.02 worth. Good-luck!