Tippet required for trout?

[Scubaroo]

Santa brought a flyfishing rig (first one). The reel is set up with backing, flyline and a leader - but no tippet. Can flies be attached direct to the leader, or is this going to result in having to replace the leader in very short order after a few fly changes? Not sure if you're supposed to use a tippet all of the time.

[Slates]

G'day Scrub.
Yeah, tie in your own tippet - say 2kg - or, as you say, you'll end up with a pretty short leader!

Most tapered leaders are fairly stiff and have bad memory (line coils stay in the leader) so you might want to invest in a 'poly leader' which have much less line memory, but (as with most fly gear) is quite expensive.

Also, invest in some fly casting lessons or you'll end up with bad casting habits like me!

Cheers, NS

[woolybugger]

NS, I agree with you there mate. I have fished for trout for years and tappered line is very expensive and after a few fly changes, you are into the thicker part of the line, what a waste!

As you said, I also used around half to a full rod length of 2-6lb flouro line, depending if it was lake or small stream fishing.

If you are just starting out mate, the leader is only the start of your worries. There is sooo much to learn about fly fishing with techniques and even tying your own flies to 'match the hatch' as they say, however is VERY rewarding everytime you catch a fish, especially if you had tied it yourself. I fly fish 90% of the time and most times out do my mates on lures and SP's and have alot more fun with the lighter gear and more feel from the fish.

Good luck and never give up..

[catchy_fishy]

Scubaroo

When fishing for trout and using any outfit less than an 8wt down to a 2wt, I don't use a tapered leader. I used to but found it made such little difference to the fishing. The essence lies in being able to gently and accurately "present" the fly (in the cast). Use anything from 2kg-4kg line as your leader and simply tie your fly directly to your leader. I suppose it depends largely on the size fish you're after - if you expect them over 5kg, then I would rever to theory and tie the proper set up - Leader and Class tippet. In the simple method (single leader only) eventually you'll end up replacing the leader, but this way you can use the less expensive everyday mono and keep the money for buying priests, and marrow spoons, and zingers, and all the gadgets that fit so nicely in or on your fly jacket.

Post your pics when you get them.

Catchy Fishy

[Scubaroo]

Thanks - tippet has now been obtained. Now to hassle the carp in the local lake for practice ;D

[Slates]

Carp are awesome fun! - especially if you can spot them cruising about.
try nymph patterns.

their eyesight isn't too good so you really need to guess where they are moving to (if you spot them first) and give it a small twitch when they're about 20 or 30cm from it (eg: twitch it up a bit from the bottom into view).

I heard of others doing well on wooly buggers too.

Good luck!

[woolybugger]

I have done quite a bit of carp sight fishing in NSW and find that yes Nymphs work very well, also woolybuggers, my favourite is brown with a red tag end. I used to tie my own red worm patterns, very similar to sea worms with lead at the head end and a bit of foam at the hook/back end, so that it is not just dead in the water and with small twitches then looks just like a worm in the water.

Like what was mentioned in the last post, carp can be spooked easily so used to cast in front and when they get close, then small twitches and hang on as they go like a freight train.

Remember to kill them and dump well away from the waterways.

[Scubaroo]

Just recalled that the local park's lake is signposted as "No Fishing" :( The only fish in it I've seen are the pervasive gambusia, and european carp. Have emailed the council asking if fishing for carp is permitted, pointing out that they are a declared noxious fish species.

The carp are easy to spot at dusk swimming about in the shallows at the very edge of the lake, or further out on the surface either singley, or in groups of up to four fish.

Plan on using them as compost ;D

[woolybugger]

Scubaroo,

Whats the name and location of this lake, mate?

Keep us informed how you go with the council.

Good luck.