What Is a Tippet Fly Line?

A tippet is a length of thin monofilament line that is attached to a heavier leader connected to a fly line. The purpose of the tippet is to allow an artificial fly attached to the end to be cast effectively.

  1. Largest Size Tippet

    • The thickest tippet material has a diameter of .015 inches with a knot strength of 25 pounds. It can accommodate fly sizes 5/0, 4/0, 3/0, and 2/0. This size tippet is best for large streamers and salt-water flies.

    Smallest Size Tippet

    • The smallest size tippet is the 8X, which has a diameter of .003 inches and a knot strength of 1.75 pounds. It is used for fly sizes of 22, 24, 26, and 28, all necessary for presenting the smallest midges and dry flies.

    Average Tippet Sizes

    • The average tippet sizes run from 4X, which has a knot strength of six pounds, to 6X, which has a knot strength of 3.5 pounds. These sizes are best used with standard dry and wet flies in sizes from 10 to 18.