What would be the major reason for a leader and or tippet to get line twist while using a Hopper or other terrestrial?
brhokla:
Just like when you snag a piece of grass or a leaf; whenever you have a fly with something that is broad and sticks way out like oversized wings or hackle; it can twist up your leader/tippet. Sometimes a heaver tippet helps; sometimes nothing except trimming the fly will resolve the problem. Also excessive false casting can sometimes exacerbate the problem too.
Thanks, that actually makes sense. I use typically 6x tippet and sometimes 5x. I can see how the wings or any other thing could cause the fly to spin or twist the line. I am just trying to eliminate as much of it as possible.
Thanks for the question Brhokla. I went lake fishing two days ago and had the same problem. Never had it before. I wasn’t using anything with wings…but same problem. Was using a Yeagerburger (local fly by Mike Yeager…author of Flies of the Southwest) which is just a chenille body with hackle…as an attractor and the dropper was a Peacock Lady…an Arizona fly. Another fly with just hackle and a tail. My leader and tippet were twisting up worse than a spinning rod with a spoon on it!
Jim
Yes, I felt stupid asking that question but it is something that we all deal with.
Sometimes the hackle can actually act like a propeller in the water or when false casting. Especially with a 6X tippet. I’ve had mine twist up so bad using a stimulator that the tippet actually furled itself. Heavier tippet helped me.
He Knocks. You Only Have To Ask.
I learned the hard way a couple of Augusts ago that casting a large fly too hard/fast will cause leader twist also. Try slowing the line speed down to just what is necessary to present the fly with a good loop.
Bob
“Man has an inexhaustible ability to beshit his environment, with politicians well in the lead”…Jim Harrison
brhokla,
Some good answers given. Also never feel put off by asking a question pertinent to fly fishing. We are all always learning.
That said, I’d advise you to never fish a hopper with a tippet finer than 5X…at the MINIMUM. This alone often can result in twisted tippets.
Another thing to consider. Trout just slam those terrestrials and sometimes I’ve gone to 4X just prevent break-offs.
They don’t seem leader shy around a meaty meal like that and presentation is often more of a “splat” down rather than the gentle cast. Gets their attention.
But, in a nutshell, your tippet troubles come from too light a tippet for that bulky a fly.
And keep asking questions…
Jeremy.
[This message has been edited by Jeremy (edited 09 September 2005).]
As stated, tippet too small for the fly is the general reason for twist.
Basic rule of thumb is take the hook size and divide by 3 - so a size 12 hook takes 4x tippet. That said, a bushy or 2x long size 12 hook might need 3x tippet while a sparsely hackled size 12 might take 5x tippet.
Sometimes though, there’s nothing you can do because of tippet wary fish, clear water, or drag. When this happens, you just put up with the twist and change tippet often.
-Steven
Thanks all, I appreciate the answers and will put it to the water on my next trip. This is such a great site!