dry fly problems?

[esoxluscious 44]

ive been struggling the last couple of times ive been out, i was using shop bought tippets but they where costing me a fortune, then a fella tied me up a rig couple weeks back which was my tippet tied to a length of 'airflo' (unsure of breaking strain) then a large dry then another 8" a buzzer (had a brilliant couple of hours with 5 fish and no tangles or wind knots) i bought some airflo in 5lb breaking strain and replicated the rig and have a complete disaster the last two times ive been out! the rod was f****d into the next field last night lol!

 

where am i going wrong?

 

another issue im having is the last few inches of line running up to the dry isnt sinking even though ive been rubbing it with 'leda sink'

 

thanks

[David K 172]

It is a real trial and error thing in getting the right tippet to get a good turnover, concentrate less on breaking strain and more on the diameter of the line and how supple or stiff it is. I use cheap 5x nylon leaders (snowbee) and add about 3 to 4 feet of a good tippet material. I use Orvis or Rio tippet which I find is supple and sinks well when degreased, expensive to buy but it's the last bit of line between you and the fish so it's worth it and it usually lasts a season.The whole setup can be unbalanced if you use a fly that is too heavy or too light so you still may end up with tangles and knots. I fish mainly small rivers and streams so I use quite short leaders, the longer you make them the more chance of knots in my experience though people who cast well can manage to do it, not me.

[esoxluscious 44]

thanks for the help, ill have a go at one of the above

[esoxluscious 44]

what knot do you use? i've been using a four turn water knot

[David K 172]

I use a blood knot to join the leader and tippet.

 

http://www.animatedknots.com/bloodknot/index.php?Categ=fishing&LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com

[esoxluscious 44]

thanks ill have a go at that one then

[remi700 99]

Drennan sub surface line. There's your secret! Nothin else comes close. I step them down, for buzzer fishin I usually use 6-5-4lb.

[esoxluscious 44]

Drennan sub surface line. There's your secret! Nothin else comes close. I step them down, for buzzer fishin I usually use 6-5-4lb.

 

what knot do you use yourself for joining the line, 6-5-4 is that with or without a shop bought tippet?

 

what sort of lengths does everybody use, 9ft or more/less?