Mostly 6x, a bit of 5xWhat strength are you using? I use fluoro for tippet as well, generally 3x (~6lb) or heavier and don't have any issues.
I agree that heavier tippet will help. I've also found that, despite its "in the lab" increased strength and abrasion resistance, when you get fluorocarbon out "in the field", while it may be *more* abrasion resistant, once it does, in fact, abrade, its strength is *drastically compromised. So while a piece of 4 lb test mono might get scuffed up and drop to 2 lb, a fluoro 4 lb section might last longer before it gets seriously scuffed, but once it does, it may drop to 0.5 lb. (Quote)
I've found the same thing with fluoro tippets. I used to use Maxima a lot for my sub-surface, steelhead/salmon fishing due to it's durability. I was used to seeing a bit of abrasion and not worrying too much about it unless it was bad. That has not been the case for me with fluoro, however. If I see any signs of abrasion, I immediately change tippets for the reasons you mentioned. That being said, I had a friend who was a saltwater fly fishing guide and he swore by fluorocarbon. He said that he did an experiment where he rigged some rods with standard mono and fluoro on others. He said the fluoro consistently caught more fish. I've not been able to verify that with my own experience though. I still use fluoro much of the time (just in case...i.e. why take a chance etc) but....
I like everything you're saying in your post except this bit.Second, if you are using 5x, you should not tie on anything bigger than a 16. If you are using 14's they will break off regularly.
I cannot get that stuff to work for me.Cheap Berkeley, Vanish, 100 meter spools of .006 and .007. One spool lasts many seasons with very few issues. Size 18 chironomids all the way to size 4 buggers.
Agreed. I've used flies up to 10 on 5x for nymphing with no problems whatsoever. Actually I'm pretty sure some of the guys I know use 7x flouro on up to size 10 no problems.I like everything you're saying in your post except this bit.
I absolutely regularly fish #14 flies on 5X tippet, in fact if I'm fishing a #14, 5X is what I'm typically going to reach for to tie it on, nymphs, dries, whatever. No breakage issues whatsoever.
What's the reason for length minimum?Make sure your tippet is at least 12 inches in length when using 6,7, &8x I have a friend showed me how to use it I was always afraid to use 6 & 7x because of breakage, I've seen him catch some pigs on 8x I have yet to try that size i am slow on tying flies on anyway. And again I got some shitty tippet that I gave away you sure you not the person that got it![]()