Big Trout Setup

[Kyle]

thanks alot for your input. Guess i really have some work to do before I am able to catch me a big trout. Where is the best place to learn all of this? I take this that they will be running so water more then likely so using a boat is the best bet? so your saying fishing in day light 5 or 6x tippiet will catch u big 8 or 10 ib brown just fine?

No, they are saying 5or6x tippet CAN land big fish. Catching is a whole other story and there are many factors that go into it. I would say the best way to learn to catch big fish is to fish. Hiring a guide or going with someone who is experienced can also lead to a lot of helpful information.

[hillbillyflyshack]

Kyle just gave you the best advice and that's to hire a guide. Start at Lilley's they have some of the best. Your learning curve will be greatly enhanced.

[laker67]

I take this that they will be running so water more then likely so using a boat is the best bet? so your saying fishing in day light 5 or 6x tippiet will catch u big 8 or 10 ib brown just fine?

Never been in a boat, so I couldn't tell you yeah or nay on that. Leonard and I were refering to the wading angler at t-como. Kyle had some good advice as well. Every one is mis reading my post. I said "7x" not 5. water off, 7x, water on, 6x, maybe even 5x on heavy generation. In a boat, I would think you could use 7x all day long. I have landed several fish in the 10 to 15 pound range with 7x.

[Dave Cook]

Here's another 2 cents worth. This is a generalization but the size of the fly can dictate the size of the tippet.

In Leonard's example, 7 wt rod, 2x or 3x leader, think streamer fishing. In Rick's (laker67) example, 6x or 7x tippet, think - not streamer fishing. I'm not a good enough fisherman to consistently hookup and land big trout on a 6x,7x leader, unless I use something less than a 5 wt rod and I really don't like throwing (not casting) streamers on a 3 or 4wt rod. I've caught many big fish on my 5wt with 6x (I have nowhere near the number these guys have caught), but I have fewer break-offs when using a 3wt or 4wt rod vs. the 5wt when using a light tippet. If you practice your techniques on the fish in the 14-20 range (plenty of those available at T-como), you'll be ready when you get a chance at a trophy. You can also get your practice in on non trout species. Fishing for white bass or carp on 6x can be a great learning experience.

[laker67]

Here's another 2 cents worth. This is a generalization but the size of the fly can dictate the size of the tippet.

In Leonard's example, 7 wt rod, 2x or 3x leader, think streamer fishing. In Rick's (laker67) example, 6x or 7x tippet, think - not streamer fishing. I'm not a good enough fisherman to consistently hookup and land big trout on a 6x,7x leader, unless I use something less than a 5 wt rod and I really don't like throwing (not casting) streamers on a 3 or 4wt rod. I've caught many big fish on my 5wt with 6x (I have nowhere near the number these guys have caught), but I have fewer break-offs when using a 3wt or 4wt rod vs. the 5wt when using a light tippet. If you practice your techniques on the fish in the 14-20 range (plenty of those available at T-como), you'll be ready when you get a chance at a trophy. You can also get your practice in on non trout species. Fishing for white bass or carp on 6x can be a great learning experience.

You are exactly right Dave. You definately can't fish streamers on 7x unless you are willing to donate several. Fly size has got to match up with tippet. And like you said, practice is important. Knowing the limits to what your tippet can handle is very important on big fish. Catching big fish on 7x is like just being along for the ride. It is fun and challenging and I really enjoy that. I look forward to seeing you on the creek Dave.

[Danoinark]

I dug this up out of the archives. Might be of interest to you.

Tippets are not identified by breaking strength. They are identified by their diameter in thousands of an inch. No matter who the manufacture is a 4X tippet should be .007" or it isn't 4X.

This relates to the old process of drawing gut through ever smaller holes to obtain a final diameter for a gut leader. One draw was 1X or .010". Three draws resulted in a 3X rating or .008". The result of this consistent diameter measurement is that you always know you can get 7X tippet through the eye on a size 20 fly.

The whole thing is governed by the rule of ELEVEN. The X rating and the diameter equal eleven. A 3X tippet is .008" and 8 plus 3 equals eleven. A 7X tippet is .004" and 7 plus 4 equals 11. See what I mean?

Fly Size divided by 4 plus 1 equals the X number you should use

Size 8 fly divided by 4 equals 2 plus 1 is size 3x tippet....so on and so on.

This is just a guide and nothing more.

Dano

[Wayne SW/MO]

Catchinga big trout is great, but don't make it so "sporting" that you kill them. Use equipment and a leader to make the fight short and sweet.

[laker67]

Catchinga big trout is great, but don't make it so "sporting" that you kill them. Use equipment and a leader to make the fight short and sweet.

I mean no disrespect Wayne, but in my estimation, this is merely one of those "old wives tale" that has been handed down for years. It is what you do or attempt to do after the fish is landed, that stresses and kills them. Too many pics, too many flops on the gravel, and too much handling. Using 7x, I have caught and released hundreds of lunkers with little or no consequence.