Confused

[Ernie]

Does it affect the ability to cast that size fly?
Ernie

[Steven]

Does it affect the ability to cast that size fly?
Ernie

Yes. Generally speaking, the bigger the fly, the heavier the line needed. A #2 is a very big fly.

Leaders come in different lengths and different tippet sizes. For your fishing, I'd think there's really no reason to go with a leader longer than 9 ft.

Again, generally speaking, the tippet represents the terminal 20% of the leader. For some historical reason, which I think has something to do with making watches, the X system is used for tippets. The rule of 11 tells you the diameter of the tippet. 11 - 3 = 8 which is the diameter of a tippet in thousadns of an inch. A 5X tippet is .006" in diameter; a 2X tippet is .009" in diameter.

Another rule of thumb is the rule of 3. A flies size divided by 3 is the tippet size that should generally be used. So for fishing a size 6 fly, I'd generally start with a 2X leader. For size 4 or 2, I'd start with a 1X leader. This is just a general rule of thumb though...some flies are more bulky and or wind resistant than others, so it may be necessary to go up or down on tippet size.

By the way, the heavier the rod, the more fish it can handle as well. You could probably land a steelhead on a 5 weight. But you'd probably play it so long that the lactic acid build up would kill it. (This is my guess, I've never tried it on a 5 weight).

[ClassicRustyHooks]

Hi Steven, Awesome tip on the tippets!!!!(sorry for the pun). Your rule of thumb points are easy to remember and now I know. Thankyou

[vicrider]

Furled leaders were mentioned but your offer and advice are right on. A short, heavy furled leader with a short hunk of tippet does a great job. The other thing not specifically mentioned is line type. I'd have to take a look to see if they make a bass specific taper in 5 wt. but if not I'd do some exploring and probably give a try to one of the so called 1/2 size heavy lines in a weight forward with heavier lead section. Having used 7wt. and up for bass and others for years I do know that a good Bass Bug Taper can definitely make casting easier with bigger flies, especially when you combine it with Jack Hise leader.

[Gigmaster]

A 5wt is going to be a little puny for bass. A lot of bass patterns are very wind-resistant, so you need some umph to the rod to be able to cast them very far. A 7/8wt will be just about right.

As for flies, your best bets are large Clousers, Woolly Buggers, Crawfish Patterns, and (my favorite) some purple Bunny Leeches. Some Deer-Hair poppers are also nice to have, as well as a few Crease Minnows.

[Ernie]

I really appreciate all the help!
Thanks Ernie