Back in 2011 I did a post
concerning the advantages of using the fluorocarbon leader. At that time I was
using a traditional mono leader, which was giving me problems with line twist
at times; also the mono could be seen in really clear water. The fluorocarbon
solved both those issues for me. My only complaint with the fluorocarbon leader
was the price ranging from 13.00 to 25.00.
I did save some when I starting
using the tippet ring, which enables me to use the same leader for a year. The
only part of the leader that is replaced is the tippet end of the leader. I
simply tie in 2 ½ ft. of tippet into the ring and I am good to go. I use a lot
of tippet because every time I tied on a new fly I lose tippet. I use a 9 ft. leader
and like to keep the leader as close to 9 ft. as possible. After I have lost nine to ten inches I am ready for another tippet.
I’ve recently discovered
another way to save on the tippet spools I am always buying to supply my seven
fly reels. I have started using the Berkley Vanish fluorocarbon fishing line. One 250 yard spool
will last for years and at eight bucks a spool that is a bargain. I have been
using the line for a couple of months and really impressed with its
performance. I can’t see the line in the waters at the tailrace, which is what got
my attention. Another thing that impressed me was the limp low memory
characteristic the line possesses. I use
5X, 3X and 1X tippets which are 4, 6 and 8 lb. test line; these 3 spools will
last me much longer than a few tippet spools, with line left over for my spinning reels;
what a saving.
I started out buying those little spools of tippet and you're right, the cost a fortune. Since I mostly use 5x I just bought a spool of 4# and use it not only for tippet, but for my spinning rods too.
ReplyDeleteI've honestly never tried flourocarbon leaders Bill but I'm going to have to break down and try a spool and give it a test. thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteBill that's a sound practice you have there. Fluorocarbon is the best, but is over priced. I buy tippet 30meters for about 15.00. Your way is a big savings.
ReplyDeleteBill,
ReplyDeleteDoes the use of a tippet ring affect the cast or the lay-out of a tapered leader on a very quiet pool? Thanks for an interesting post.
I use the same "vanish" in 14lb for bass. Very abrasive resistant, I fish a lot of pads and cypress and it holds up well. Great tip!
ReplyDeleteMark
ReplyDeleteI agree way over priced, you should give the tippet rings a try, more savings. Thanks for the comment
Howard
ReplyDeleteI think you will be impressed with the leader, but they can get expensive if you continually buy them. Thanks for the comment
Drew
ReplyDeleteYou just listed another characteristic of the Vanish, abrasive, unbelievable how invisible it is in super clear water. Thanks for the comment
Walt
ReplyDeleteI've been using the tippet ring now for more than a year, and wouldn't fly fish without it. I never know it is on the line because of the size of the ring. They are sold in different sizes. I use the smaller size. I especially like the ease of connecting a tippet to my leader now. It does not affect the way the line cast or the way it lays out on the water, especially on a calm pool. I think you will be surprised with its performance. Thanks for comment
Alan
ReplyDeleteYou and I know something about fixed income, and try to save where can, this is one way for us fly fishermen. Thanks for the comment
Good advice on the fishing line substitute for tippet, I have been doing that myself the last few years. I'm curious about the tippet rings, do they hinder fishing dry flies in any way?
ReplyDeleteBill, thanks for a very interesting tip here. Since I am doing less fly fishing and more and more fishing with Microlight fishing gear, I will check into this line for my use on my spinning reels. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am back on Blogger now. Check out my blog and I, as always, appreciate your long time support of my efforts.
Well, this is kind of funny... I just bought a new tippet spool of Vanish before my last trip. 110 yds for $5.95 rather than the 30 yds of of RIO for $15.95. I bought a really big spool and it was just too big in my pack, so this smaller spool is perfect. Flouro is one of the biggest ripoffs in the fly fishing industry in my opinion. So, I don't mind going over to the tackle section and picking up the Vanish!!! Haha Take care, Bill!!
ReplyDeleteMel
ReplyDeleteI really like to use the Vanish on my spinning reels because of the twist factor. I don't get the twist with this type line as opposed to some of the other brands. Super stealth in clear water is another thing I am impressed with too. Thanks for the comment
RD
ReplyDeleteI agree the Rio is a rip off as is a lot of the fly fishing accessories we all use. I will be doing a post soon dealing with the over priced items that we are used when fly fishing. Thanks for the comment
Lester
ReplyDeleteWhat really got my attention with fluorocarbon verses the mono is the tailrace where I fish. The water there is super clear and the trout are quite educated, and have a lot of fishing pressure put on them daily. I noticed I was seeing my mono line resting on the water surface often and also notice that the better trout would refuse my offering when this was occurring. Sure I could still pick up a few small trout but the bigger trout would ignore my fly. So a few months ago I changed to the Vanish 4 lb. test which made a big difference in my catch ratio. In fact I landed some of my best rainbow using the Vanish fluorocarbon.
I couldn’t see the line on the surface as opposed to the mono, especially on really sunny days. Send me the link to the Yellowstone Angler; I am interested in reading the report.
As for the tippet ring you never know the ring is tied into the leader. It doesn’t affect casting or the way the line rests on the water’s surface. In other words if you are using a dry it doesn’t affect its performance. I am sold on the ring and Vanish line. Thanks for the comment
Bill
ReplyDeleteYou never know the tippet ring is tied into the leader. If you decide to try the ring, be sure to purchase the smaller diameter. It doesn't affect the performance of your dry fly. I have been using them now for a couple of years and wouldn't fly fish without them. The ease of replacing tippets is my main reason for changing to the tippet. I have landed spotted bass in the 3 lb. range using the tippet rings. Thanks for the comment