The X Factor (Tippet)

[Dejon Hamann]

We all know dropping from 4x to 5x or 6x can make all the difference some days.  Tippet diameter/visibility definitely matters whether you're fishing nymphs, dries, streamers, etc.  But what I'm wondering is how far "up the line" does it matter? 

For instance, let's say you're fishing 4feet of 5x below your spiral indicator then dropping 2 flies of a 30inch section of 6x.  Let's say you've figured out the 6x is clutch in this instance.  The trout are responding much better to the flies terminating in 6x rather than 5x.  But what about the "lead up" 5x?  What if you switched this to 4x? Or 3x? 

[Paul Bourcq]

Im not sure I understand.  Are you talking about how much length wise of taper you need after your sighter?

What comes to mind is this.  Alot of times I will downsize becasue it gives my flies more realistic action which i think is pretty common.  I fish 4x and 5x fluro quite a bit.  I try to approach my fishing with some sort of reasonable approach.  I weigh flies, and tweak digressive and progressive leaders, play with setups, and all kinds of other crap that probably isnt neccessary.  But sometimes if it doesnt feel fishy I just cant get in the groove with it.  I think what im saying, assuming I understand your question, is that ive never really tackled that idea.  I kind of do what i do and if it doesnt feel fishy I change it.  I have a hard time sometimes seperating the methodical scientific approach vs. the "seems fishy" approach.  My "system" for whatever its worth is a blend of both.
 
As another thought.  I once fished a well known river that is known for people fishing stupid crazy small dry fly leaders out to 7x and 8x.  I fished this stream with a plane jane 5x leader but I degreased it.  I stayed into fish all day.  I was happy about catching fish but the real lesson was that the fish didnt care what size tippet/leader you had they just didnt want the leader sitting so high in the water it threw a shadow over the fish.  The simple act of degreasing kept my dry leader down in the water and much less visible. 

I think its a good question.  Tippet size vs. fly movement vs. fish landing vs. visibility.  Im looking forward to the responses on this one.

[Loren Williams]

I think, when wet fly and nymph fishing, the diameter below the water line affects the sink rate of the flies, and to a degree the level of contact.  Water temperature, depth, and speed play a role.

For streamers, at least how I fish them, I don't want to give up much to the fish.  The line I am using will dictate the tippet diameter with consideration to the size of the fish I expect to hook.  I am pretty confident fishing streamers and it's rare when i feel tippet diameter meant much, unless I break a fish off which happened twice in the America Cup during my last session.  The Arkansas has some toads mixed in with the numerous smaller fish!!  Bret, Devin, and I tied in placing points so every fish definitely mattered from an individual standpoint.  Those two fish hogs kicked my but on fish point by a large margin, but I learned a lesson, nonetheless, for the future.

[Todd Oishi]

Why aren't you using 6X right off of your coiled indicator?

A submerged, uniform diameter leader will allow a more direct and sensitive contact with your fly or flies.