Tippet Strength

[cmayes]

I own a 5 weight rod. I was wondering what would be an all aroung good tippet for smallies? I've used 2X for Trout, but, I figured that would be to light. Thanks you all

[blake]

6-8 lb test mono or flouro or copoly.

[FlySlingerCole]

6-8 lb test mono or flouro or copoly.

X2!

[blake]

Oh yeah, one more thing I have done. Especially with larger flies (probably larger than what you want to throw on that 5 wt), is to tie the mono "tippet" on to a 3 ft or so butt of an old leader trout leader.

[Boyscout]

I used 8lb for years and now only carry 12lb and 20lb mono. 12lb for most situations and 20lb when in areas that have lots of wood and salad and need to keep the fish from tangling me up.

That being said, I usually throw an 8wt. I really should carry 8lb in case I run into very clear water which is rare here in SC.

[cmayes]

Thanks you all, very helpful! I'm trying to get better at the fly rod skills.

[basshead]

Depends on what I am throwing. If I'm using streamers I will go anywhere from 10-12 lb flouro tippet. You can usually get away with a little heavier flouro beacause it is harder to see underwater. Plus, since floruo sinks, it works well with the streamer. For topwater, I will usually use an 8 lb mono leader.

With you using a 5wt, you'll be using smaller flies then me on my 6, 7 or 8 wt, so you can probably use slightly lighter tippets. In my experience, I haven't had too many issues with smallies being tippet/leader shy. Depending on what rivers you are fishing in the Knoxville area, they will be more or less...you'd know better than me.

[cmayes]

Thanks Basshead, very helpful. My main water tends to be pretty clear on a regular basis.

[Mick_T]

I usually go with 6#. A fly rod is such a good shock abosrber that I don't feel the need to heavier line. I intend to try something a little heavier this year to help turn over some of the heavily-weighted flies I like to drag on the bottom.

Cmayes, I have been making an effort to chase the smallies here in E. TN with the fairy wand the last few seasons. I am no expert, but would be glad to have the company once the water warms up a little.

[basshead]

...also depending on how much structure is in the river, will determine the leader/tippet strength. If I am throwing over/in/on rocks/logs etc. I will always move up to something a little heavier.

[cmayes]

I usually go with 6#. A fly rod is such a good shock abosrber that I don't feel the need to heavier line. I intend to try something a little heavier this year to help turn over some of the heavily-weighted flies I like to drag on the bottom.

Cmayes, I have been making an effort to chase the smallies here in E. TN with the fairy wand the last few seasons. I am no expert, but would be glad to have the company once the water warms up a little.

I'd be glad to, just shoot me a PM sometime.

[Troutman]

I fish most of the East Tn rivers for smallies and other warm water species on the fly rod and for streamers, I fish a hand tied flouro leader of orvis mirage with a tippet at 20lb. For topwater flies I use orvis Super strong 2x (11.5pd). both of these are good for carp also.the smallies are not leader shy, so don't be hesitant to fish a larger tippet. it definetely helps to pull them away from logs, and out of the grass if you've ever fished the upper holston around Kingsport. If you guys fish the French broad and Holston tailwaters for bass, you will probably run in to me over there. look for a red alum boat or a green mohawk canoe.
You might want to consider getting a 7wt, if you spend more time chasing the warm water species also. A 5 wt is good for trout but to throw those bigger flies all day, 7-8 wt will handle it better.

[cmayes]

Those are some helpful tips, thank you Troutman.