It has been quiet lately so I will throw out something that I have wondered about.
I prefer to use Rio Fluoroflex for tippet. The main reason is that it is fluorocarbon and limp. Limp probably isn’t the best adjective to use but I am not sure how else to describe it. Most fluorocarbon seems to be much stiffer than fluoroflex. The limpness makes for a better drift and I think makes for a more natural movement of the fly (nymphs) in the water.
I have also used Umpqua Superfluoro - but can rarely find it.
The down side is that it is relatively expensive. I have ordered the guide spools - which makes it a little less expensive but not by much as you have to pay shipping costs. Unless someone knows where you can find a spool locally.
Has anybody found another brand that is as “limp”? What are the alternatives??
I have seen the 30 yd spools of Superfluro at Cabelas - but not the guide spools (100 + yds). Did you find a larger spool at Cabela’s?? They do have the larger spool of Fluoroflex.
I do have the TIPPET spools and Mirage or Frog Hair my favorite there, but I haven’t used REAL tippet for years.
I use P-Line and Seaguar. P-Line goes down to a 2lb.
Diameter is a little bigger, but attach all flies with a loop, so if it will fit through the eye, I use it.
Plus I use my furled leaders, so I attach FEET of fluoro not inches, so I need that price break.
Works for me.
For most of my lowland lake fishing, which is 90% sinking line, I use tippet from whatever 100yd spool of floro that comes to hand in the weight I want. I think I have some Berkley and others in 2 lb to 6 lb tests. I don’t think they are very limp.
For dry flies I still use regular tippet material. I am not sure why – mostly just because that is what I have and have packed with my dry line etc.
Sorry I can’t be more helpful in what is more “limp”. I wonder if some of the fly shops might have some samples of different types that you could look at.
If you can afford it the best I have used is the Orvis Flourocarbon. I have a guide account and discount with them, so I can get it for the price of regular flouro carbon. But I have done comparisons, it seems like I can use the 8 lb tippet material of Orvis’ and catch just as many as with the 4 lb tippet material of a competing brand.
It is really good stuff and just seems to disappear in the water.
Heck for Steelheading I used their 20 lb material and had as many hook ups as the other guys I was fishing with who could not get a hookup on anything bigger than 8 lb flouro from Sporstman’s!!
I agree that Mirage is over looked allot and it has been my choice for many years.
I am just pointing out…you can get by with regular fishing line and I haven’t noticed any disadvantage, other than the price.
I guide also and go through allot…so the P-Line makes great sense.
+1 to frogs hair it is sweet stuff..
And yes regular line works just fine in a pinch I have never notice a difference with it when I am using larger flys.
But I notice the difference with smaller flys.
I usually stray away from floros if I am top watering it… It sinks to much and makes my drys float weird, it seems to make them nose heavy… IMo
Happen to be in Sportsman’s twice this week- looked at the P-line- sure glad I bought 3 different weights in the Mid-West early in the spring- I bought all 3 for what one 10# spool costs here.
Yes it was- They had some grizzley Whiting 100’s also- Asked them the price because it wasn’t listed- Guy said I’ll sell them for something like 6 bucks- I said no- you’re getting jabbed on that one- I’ll give you more.
So do I and I am Nation Wide…LOL Seriously, I have sold thousands, they are the only way to go. I also have a secret material I make them out of.
I am also making Tenkara’s.
Check my blog.
That would depend on which line he purchased. I was just at the Bass Pro shop in Tulsa - Pline fluoroclear was 6.99 for 300 yds. The 100% Pline Fluorcarbon - which is what I believe FG is referring to, was 16.99 for 250 yds. I’ll check sportsmans tomorrow to see what their current prices are.