Tippet

[syncmaster]

how long on average is the life span of the tippet spool

 

I was using my 5X today and it kept breaking off at the hook, and where i tied it to the leader/line what ever it is called

 

is the line no good and i should replace it, or is there something else I should know about

 

lost about a dox\zen flies today as it was my only tippet

[j5ep00]

5x tippet is not really strong. its great for fishing dries or when the fish are picky.

but i would use something stronger i use 1x most of the time for nymphing.

and 5x for dry fly fishing. sometimes lighter

and i dont think tippet will ever go bad.. if it does it would take a hell of a long time.

[Gil]

I'm a Chemical Engineer that makes new types of polyethylene for a living. In general, polymers like nylon will last a long time (e.g. years) without issue. However, UV light and heat can have a major impact. If you hang your tippet around your neck make sure it has the elastic cover over it otherwise you can run into issues....

[Guest JayVee]

how long on average is the life span of the tippet spool

 

I was using my 5X today and it kept breaking off at the hook, and where i tied it to the leader/line what ever it is called

 

is the line no good and i should replace it, or is there something else I should know about

 

lost about a dox\zen flies today as it was my only tippet

 

This has been discussed before and it seems that tippet does indeed have a shelf life. Some manufacturers are putting production dates on their spools now (am I right about this?). I lost 30 flies in one day earlier this season using tippet from last year. I bought new stuff and I haven't lost flies like that since. Like BBB said if you're nymphing you should be using heavier tippet anyway. Nymphing is a lot harder on your terminal tackle than dry fly fishing. Through lack of insight I had no idea I could use other types of line for tippet material, like Berkley Vanish and Ultragreen discussed a few days ago here. I will never buy another 30 yard spool of tippet material again...not for nymphing, anyway.

 

For those who complained of flourocarbon cutting through regular mono, wouldn't a small barrel swivel between your leader and flies solve that problem??

 

-N-

[j5ep00]

jayvee i use a swivel like mentioned.

adds weight and i find i tangle much less.

[Alinden]

jayvee i use a swivel like mentioned.

adds weight and i find i tangle much less.

 

 

Do you use the swivel when Nymphing and with dry flies?

[Din]

Do you use the swivel when Nymphing and with dry flies?

 

imagine just with nymphin....your dry wouldnt be dry too long with a swivel pullin it down...

[SilverDoctor]

I would suspect your knots.

[duanec]

jayvee i use a swivel like mentioned.

adds weight and i find i tangle much less.

 

brilliant idea! thanks i'll try that.

i also agree that leaders, tippet etc. have a limited lifespan, keeping them out of the sun/away from things like fly dope & sunscreen extends of course but eventually they will break down.

 

i just bought some brand new tippet & leaders from a shop i normally don't frequent [shall remain nameless, got a gift cert], reputable brands i normally don't use, but and for whatever reason some of the leaders & tippet is already crap. i break 3x leaders in half by straightening them and can't even knot the 5x tippet.

probably old stock they pushed on me? i dunno.

[headscan]

I would suspect your knots.

 

I agree. Since I started using a four wrap surgeon's knot for my mono to fluoro connections I've never had the fluoro cut through the mono.

[ÜberFly]

B I N G O!!

 

 

jayvee i use a swivel like mentioned.

adds weight and i find i tangle much less.