Smallies are strong, without a doubt. Bluegills too, for their size. Don't discount white bass and wipers either! Oh, and while we're at it, catfish and carp are mighty powerful as well.
Come to think of it... There have been very few fish I didn't enjoy catching. Regardless of species, there DO seem to be a few slackers in every bunch.
Doesn't body and tail shape affect a fish's pulling strength?
For nearly all my fly-fishing, I used 3x-0x leaders/tippet, simply because I can, and I have a lot of confidence that very few fish will be lost due to broken lines. For those who fish trout streams with tiny dry flies and midges, I can certainly see the need for smaller diameter leaders & tippets.
It surprises me that almost all of my broken lines this year were due to trout. Landing fresh stocker trout without a net
apparently takes its toll on the line. Those buggers won't hold still, and I suspect their toothy jaws wreak havoc when sawed against the line enough times.
David Merical
St. Louis, MO