Getting Started w/Fly Fishing - How to Choose Tapered Leaders & Tippet

All you need to know when getting started with fly fishing.
#flyfishing #flyfishdan #troutfishing
Online Outdoor & Fly Shops:
Trident Fly Fishing: alnk.to/apO3IST
Wyoming Fly Fishing Shop: alnk.to/h6AR0fO
O'Pros Fly Fishing Accessories: alnk.to/9boKRcb
Outdoor Clothing & Gear: alnk.to/6mKDayz
Things that I recommend for fly fishing:
O'Pros Rod Holder (Best Fly Fishing Accessory EVER!): bit.ly/3mlaQC9
Simms G4 Waders: bit.ly/3vQyl99
Korkers Wading Boots: bit.ly/3w3rIRj
Wading Staff: bit.ly/3bgM148
Fishpond Net (longer handle):
Fishpond Net (shorter handle):
Fishpond Waterproof Backpack: bit.ly/3v7LP23
SAGE Fly Rod (Great 1st Fly Rod!): bit.ly/31bVXKt
SAGE X Fly Rod (Fast Action next generation Sage TCR): bit.ly/3nBQJiq
ECHO Euro Nymphing Rod (Love this rod!): bit.ly/3BiOrcL
Winston 3-weight Fly Rod:
Orvis Battenkill Fly Reel (Bullet Proof Fly Reel): bit.ly/3CnUw98
Lamson Liquid Fly Reel (Great fly reel): bit.ly/3EkGrtH
Ross Colorado (Click & Paw - oldschool!): bit.ly/2ZtGELX
Rio Fly Line (The BEST Fly Line out there!): bit.ly/3ClzJ6r
Landing NET (Great net!): bit.ly/3CspJbC
Simms Sling Pack (LOVE THIS PACK!):
Simms Boat Bag: bit.ly/3BkPLMk
Fly Fishing Gear Bag (My recommendation; Simms no longer makes my exact bag): bit.ly/3pEDHU5
Top Quality Rain Jacket:
Waterproof Fly Box (Does not leak):
Love This New Fly Box (light and compact): bit.ly/3pJi990
Dry Shake: bit.ly/3CnBAr5
Forceps & Nippers: bit.ly/3Bj0LKk
Tapered Leaders: bit.ly/3EkpX4W
Tippet (5x, 4x, 3x): bit.ly/3ElZ5Se
You NEED a Dry Bag: bit.ly/3bnbrwF
Indicators (will not kink line):
Fly fishing for trout, fly fishing for Cutthroat in the Pacific Northwest has been a passion of mine for the last 40 years. I have spent most of my life fly fishing the great Pacific Northwest to include fly fishing in Alaska, fly fishing in Washington, fly fishing in Oregon, fly fishing in Idaho and fly fishing in Montana. I generally will fly fish and practice catch and release when fly fishing for trout, but I have been known to catch and cook during camping trips to many of my favorite fishing spots. I love to fly fish lakes in the higher elevation, though I have a few lowland lakes that are fly fishing only that are also on my most favorite list. I have a ton experience fly fishing rivers for trout and always enjoy discovering new rivers to fly fishing in and around the greater Pacific Northwest. I am also an accomplished at casting a fly rod - whether it is fly fishing casting for distance, fly fishing casting for accuracy, the double haul, roll cast, tower cast and many more fly fishing casting techniques - I can show you the basics when it comes to casting a fly rod. I also will cover many topics that relate to getting started with fly fishing. From your basic fly fishing setups, flies and fly boxes - we cover all the fly fishing needs for beginners. Thanks for taking the time to tune into FlyFishDan and I hope you consider subscribing to my fly fishing channel. Cheers and FISH-ON!!!

[@clrobinson1776]

New to fly fishing. I’m learning a lot from you. Thanks

[@FlyFishDan]

Glad to help! Very happy to hear you have picked up the sport - Cheers!

[@leemowers9395]

That is a great approach to tapered leaders. However if you want infinite flexibility, tie your own. Brian Fleshing at Mad River Outfitters has a bunch of leader videos, as well as numerous others on KZbin.(InTheRiffle is a favorite also)

[@FlyFishDan]

That is a great tip - I will have to check that out!

[@leemowers9395]

@@FlyFishDan mad river outfitters flip on how to build your leader this search will give you a few leader videos and an interesting discussion on loop knots in your flyline.

[@justal4844]

Great video, Dan, and it's neat to see someone else's approach to stocking the little pieces of line that help deliver our flies. I'll share my approach if we ever see each other on the water, if you ask 🙃

[@FlyFishDan]

Thanks Al - thank you for taking the time to watch...I do appreciate it!

[@johndonovan7334]

Dan you the man, thanks.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you!

[@travyslayyy6333]

Love your videos , as a beginner , you really explain things simply and efficiently. Really helped me up my game !

[@FlyFishDan]

Awesome - love to hear that. Cheers!

[@albertapikewalleye6833]

Thanks for the pointers man iam new so i appreciate this✌

[@FlyFishDan]

You are most welcome! Thanks for taking the time to watch!

[@user-sz8ed7dz1n]

i like the way you teach, thank you

[@FlyFishDan]

You are welcome!

[@smilinggoodtimes3514]

I would recommend a part 2. New fly fishers would benefit from information, depending on the fly being used, the skittishness of the fish, the conditions of the sky and water, etc. on having a basic understanding of when a mono vs flourocarbon should be used, properties of each, and equally understanding proper leader and tippet lengths to allow proper turnover of the fly being used to present the fly naturally and getting the most out of the cast. If the leader/tippet length combination is off, that could make all the difference in catching and not catching.

[@FlyFishDan]

Thank you for the inspiration and for taking the time to watch - looks like I have some work to do! Cheers!

[@MichealBacon]

@@FlyFishDan Yeah Dan. And don't forget to include what to pack for your lunch, how early to set your alarm, where the north star is located in the sky, and a weather forecast for the following week. Thanks for putting out awesome content, Dan.

[@sophieyazzie1585]

Very very helpful I’ve just been using fishing line instead of fly line lol

[@FlyFishDan]

I am happy to hear that this helped - cheers!

[@lisaboth-roosa4717]

Learning! Thank you!

[@FlyFishDan]

Welcome!

[@TheKrazykris]

I pretty much us 5x and 3x exclusively. I usually fish wet and nymphs, but will go to 3x for streamers and panfish/bass.

[@FlyFishDan]

Good stuff! Thank you for sharing!

[@lanecountybigfooters5716]

Thank you for explaining this! I'm learning fly fishing and Tenkara fishing on my own. Never knew what the differences were - for sure - so I appreciate this a lot! Could you do one on WHAT flies to use WHEN? I will go look and see if you have done one already.

[@FlyFishDan]

Check out my video on 'confidence flies' - thanks for watching!

[@dirtycommtroop]

I use 0x on my 8wt for bass and pike and 2x and 4x on my 5wt for trout and whatever else eats it.

[@JRSmith-ts3jk]

You could try furled leaders - easy to cast and almost ZERO memory.

[@FlyFishDan]

I have a few of those that I use for salt water fly fishing - I always felt they landed a bit hard in some cases. I do love the stretch/shock they provide for Bonefish or Tarpon fishing!

[@Yogijeff]

Great video, I watched all the previous videos too however, I still don't know what Tibbet is and what it is used for. I get the leader part, maybe go over that a bit more! cheers,

[@FlyFishDan]

In fly fishing, the relationship between a tapered leader and a tippet is fundamental for effective casting and presentation of the fly. Here's a detailed description: 1. **Structure and Function**: - **Tapered Leader**: A tapered leader is a length of fishing line that gradually decreases in diameter from the thick, butt end to the thin, front end. This tapering helps to transfer the energy from the fly line smoothly to the fly, allowing for better turnover and more accurate casting. The thick butt end attaches to the fly line, and the thin front end connects to the tippet. - **Tippet**: The tippet is the final, thinnest section of the leader system, directly attached to the fly. It is typically a uniform diameter and adds the necessary stealth and delicacy for presenting the fly to the fish without spooking them. 2. **Connection**: - The tippet is tied to the thin end of the tapered leader, extending the leader's length and providing a replaceable section. This connection is often made using a knot like the surgeon's knot or the blood knot. - By having a replaceable tippet, the angler can easily adjust the length and diameter of the tippet without having to replace the entire leader, which is more costly and less convenient. 3. **Purpose**: - **Tapered Leader**: Ensures that the energy from the cast is transferred smoothly to the fly, enabling accurate and delicate presentation. It also helps in reducing the leader's visibility in the water. - **Tippet**: Provides the final, most delicate connection to the fly. Its thin diameter and transparency minimize the chances of spooking fish, while its flexibility allows for natural fly movement. 4. **Customization**: - Anglers often customize the leader-tippet combination based on the fishing conditions. For instance, they may use longer tippets for clearer water or shorter, thicker tippets for faster or murkier water. In summary, the tapered leader and tippet work together to form an effective connection between the fly line and the fly. The leader provides the necessary transition from the thick fly line to the thin tippet, ensuring smooth energy transfer and accurate casting, while the tippet allows for delicate and natural presentation of the fly to the fish.

[@FTATF]

I carry 0x 2x and 3x. Then if i need too i can tie on a section or 2 to continue the taper.

[@danielretherford]

How do you know when its a good time to completely change out a taper leader and start over with a new one?

[@FlyFishDan]

If I have cut into the heavy portion of the tapered leader, I tie on another. If I have picked up knots as well as sharp kinks...I'll tie another one on. If I have a reel that's been sitting a long while, I usually change out that one as well. Hope that helps! Cheers!

[@grahamclifton5849]

Hi Dan, so what does the x stand for ? And show how you set a tapered leader & tippet set up.

[@FlyFishDan]

Hello! The 'x' represents the diameter of the line. 5x has a small diameter than 4x...4x has a smaller diameter than 3x...and so on. 5x has a pound rating of around 6 pounds, 4x around 7lb, 3x about 9lb, 0x about 15 pounds.

[@cesarorozco890]

Thanks I was very confused about leader size pounds and distance respond soon thanks

[@FlyFishDan]

You’re welcome 😊

[@cesarorozco890]

how about for bass and what kind of flies respond soon thanks

[@thatonebeone]

thanks..i fish salt bay and this can be applied to it.. just gives it about the right spot to find the sweet spot for my needs ... i fish salt flat bay 5 to 20 foot of water going to go with a 7wt set up as we have bone fish/ bass. halibuts , bonita ect.... going with a inter/sinking fly line... im assuming its not a good idea to use a leader/tippet thats 9 foot long on fly lines that sink and with eye weights on the fly ? im hearing to use like 7 to 6 to 4 foot of leader/tippet for that type of set up with any sinking lines

[@FlyFishDan]

Typically, with sinking lines it's ideal to have a shorter leader...but I have fished longer leaders with sinking lines if I'm trying to get super deep - the fly will need to be weighted in those scenarios. Hope that helps!

[@thatonebeone]

@@FlyFishDan yes I bought a small scale.. I'm assuming avoid large to medium weighted eyes for this size set up.. going to use extra small eyes weights likely brass or tungsten.. as I'm going to be using floro leader so that will also help get it down

[@ajayjoshi8626]

for mahseer fish would bigger leader and tippet be needed ?

[@FlyFishDan]

Likely - they can get pretty large for sure. 0x would be my go-to for those!

[@jefflitwin5074]

Hey Dan I’m 1000 percent amateur just getting started. Don’t really have anyone to teach me the ropes, I’m literally trying to figure all this out by watching you and a few others on KZbin. I have been fishing for quite sometime but not with a fly rod. Maybe this is me being a cheap ass but instead of buying a leader for 5 or 6 bucks I’ve been trying to make my own with 4lb test and putting a loop knot 🪢 on one end. Granite I’m mostly gonna be catching state stock fish. What would you say to me if you saw me out on the creek.

[@FlyFishDan]

Hello Jeff - welcome to the sport! You can certainly make your own leaders - just be sure to create a taper (that's what helps roll the fly over). Start with 20 pound test and finish with 5/6 pound test (total length 9 feet). If I saw you, I'd probably say 'FISH-ON!!!'

[@jefflitwin5074]

@@FlyFishDan I kinda understand now why I struggle a little with my cast. My fly would act a little wild. Thanks bud! 🖤

[@seananderson8497]

Why not Fluroflex opposed to powerflex?

[@FlyFishDan]

I recently switched to Cortland - just a better tapered leader and tippet setup.

[@ChrisUong.English]

IM a rookie...why do we need to tie a tippet when tapered line is good already?

[@FlyFishDan]

Your tapered leader will taper down from thick line (where it attaches to the floating line) to thin line (where the fly ties on)...that thinner section is the tippet section. When you tie on multiple flies in a day or cut out knots, you cut into that tippet section shortening it each time, eventually you'll need to tie on a section of tippet to your tapered leader to lengthen the whole system out once again. Hope that makes sense!

[@ChrisUong.English]

@@FlyFishDan ah. lol. i see. thanks again.

[@Jac833]

Any good websites to get a good deal?

[@FlyFishDan]

If you are looking for a fly rod - check out my website! fishonrods.com

[@Jac833]

@@FlyFishDan just need to start filling the box with flies and line

[@raywalteroutdoors]

Store video looks like TCO

[@FlyFishDan]

Hello - I am unclear of what that means?

[@raywalteroutdoors]

0:36 looks like TCO fly shop wall I only know because I knock the hanger clips off the wall picking out leader 😆

[@tylerjedi]

Umm, what is tippet used for? and what does does the X mean? this video explained nothing at all I could understand, I followed the link from the Fly Fishing Gear Basics - How to Get Started in Fly Fishing vid, but that also didn't explain anything about getting started, what the hell is DRY SHAKE? I have 15 minutes invested in learning about fly fishing and your beginner guides did not explain a single thing a beginner needs, things like how to rig up might have been awesome.

[@FlyFishDan]

Check this video out right here, goes in a bit more details: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noushmSmfN2Gpas